Zero 7 – Simple Things

The approach of Zero 7 to downtempo, specifically to the Air's "Moon Safari" sound (but on other places it shows they were listening to 4hero, Cinematic Orchestra and long etc), was very much the copy, rearrange and paste one from the anime episode final emo song, and it works very well in here. Strings are well placed, keyboards sound perfectly tuned, vocalists express their guts out (Sia in particular) and the deja vu riffs (all over the place) can be taken as nice nods.

But however nice the collection of songs are, I still think they are better at their dubbiest. "Spinning Dub" is maybe the best tune of that era of their careers.

It's weirdly sobering to realize, while writing this in the year 2021, that both Zero 7's "Simple Things" (2001) and Air's "Moon Safari" (1998) were released more than 20 years ago. One of those moments that you just can't believe that it has really been two decades since these albums saw the light of day. I deliberately mention them both, 'cause I used to play them regularly and then preferably back to back. I was single, I lived in a great apartment close to the city center and I had a great job; life was sweet, carefree, packed with parties and as far as I was concerned I had all the freedom in the world. That "feel" dominated every single note of music I listened to in those days and, as corny as it may sound, but "Simple Things" truly has become one of the soundtracks of my life back then. The songs are laid back, hip hoppy on the trip hop tip and are not only perfect for hot summer days on the beach, but also for afternoons near the fireplace in autumn. It's also one of those albums that's good from start to finish. No 'fillers', no, just nothing but Grade A top notch music. "Simple Things", to my ears, still sounds as fresh and fantastic now as it did 20 years ago. But one thing has been perfectly conditioned in my brain: the moment I put this one on, boom, I'm back in the late 90s and early 2000s, reminiscing over those carefree, happy days, when life seemed to be a lot easier and, indeed, simpler.

Found this at a thrift store. Went into this album not knowing what to expect at all. I am EXTREMELY Impressed with the quality of this album.

Listening to the album and it appears to me to be very Air inspired. Not that i'm complaining as it is a quality album.

Ridiculously good. They never reached the same genius after this album.

High quality music.

This album worth some attention.