Holding Back the Years
Simply RedReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #22Mick Hucknall wrote this song about his difficult childhood and relationship with his father.
View background status5 catalog entries, grouped by year.
Simply Red developed around singer Mick Hucknall after his earlier work with the Frantic Elevators. Signing with Elektra led to Picture Book, which included Money's Too Tight (To Mention) and Holding Back the Years. Subsequent albums such as A New Flame, Stars and Life broadened the group's catalog, with If You Don't Know Me by Now and Fairground becoming familiar songs. Hucknall later established the simplyred.com label for further releases.
Warner Music Japan - Simply Red artist profile
English paraphrase of label biography: Hucknall's prior band, Elektra debut, later albums and independent imprint; outdated breakup endpoint omitted. | Retrieved 2026-10-19
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-19. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
Reported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #22Mick Hucknall wrote this song about his difficult childhood and relationship with his father.
View background statusReported release: 1985Date needs verification | Recent carryover
A cover of the Valentine Brothers' song, addressing economic hardships.
View background statusReported release: 1989Date needs verification
Source year-end #24A cover of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song, inspired by Mick Hucknall's love for soul music.
View background statusReported release: 1989Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song
View background statusSimply Red developed around singer Mick Hucknall after his earlier work with the Frantic Elevators. Signing with Elektra led to Picture Book, which included Money's Too Tight (To Mention) and Holding Back the Years....
View background status1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.