First Time Hearing Simply Red Holding Back The Years (Reaction!!)

[@poloreacts27]

Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!

[@chrischar9428]

There's a live version out there from the 2000s that's bonkers

[@bertc2314]

Simply Red used to open for James Brown when he performed in London. Lead singer: Mick Hucknall

[@leslietyler1164]

You need to see the original music video for this if you have not already. Awesome cinematography.

[@richardarmed4847]

It's actually called 'Holding back the years' NOT 'I'll keep holding on'

[@RMurrell31]

You should give the group Everything but the Girl from the 90’s. I think it is similar in feel to this song. The song on the LP Amplified Heart is “Missing” Actually, the whole album is fantastic.

[@clementmckenzie7041]

This is that Uk soul scene that Sade, Boy George, Spandau ballet and Seal came out of

[@TheDivayenta]

As well as Soul 2Soul and Lisa Stansfield.

[@lindalaing.4289]

That’s right!

[@jtsather4535]

Nothing makes this old man happier than watching you kids tripping over the music I grew up with. Enjoy!!

[@valharvey8272]

Absolutely 😊

[@Michelle-bo4hj]

Me as well , god it brings back those memories , great music

[@helenbittinger5161]

I'm sitting right beside you! Oh, the memories. .......

[@petebeck7349]

I didn’t realize people today miss this much music and I’ve never seen anyone like Polo that can dig virtually every genre in the world! I have always loved playing songs for someone that never heard it before… you think there is a term for that? I hope I don’t have to add another mental illness to my list lol: peace

[@jacqueline4514]

Absolute gold. Mick Hucknall (the singer) wrote this song when he was only 17. It is about his Mother abandoning him and his father when he was only 3 years old; the soulfulness, I believe, comes from that pain. "Hoping for the arms of Mater" (wishing his mother would come back), "I've wasted all my tears, wasted all those years"; My God, how utterly heartbreaking.

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

Thanks for providing the background to this song Jacqueline.

[@jacqueline4514]

@@kennethdodemaide8678 Of course! I love learning about song/band/artist backstories myself

[@maccastellon2768]

You definitely feel the pain.

[@treadhead]

ONE GREAT VOCALIST , WORDS TO HIS SONGS , MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT , WELL WORTH LISTENING TO & IT'S : " SIMPLY RED " !!!!!!!

[@John-eu9vz]

the best songs are written through personal experience and this one has so much soul and i sense of empathy for hucknel

[@Cputruck]

You will definitely enjoy this one by Simply Red: "If you don't know me by now."

[@Natouk01]

That' a soul song from 1972 by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

[@annewarrell748]

Mike Hucknell is one of the Best male singers/song writters Britain has produced and one who was the most underestimated and least honoured by the Brit Awards, they should be ashamed. This song speaks to the soul the man is GOLD.

[@fredjones4198]

Simply Red is a library of hit songs.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

This song is so evocative. Takes you somewhere.

[@grycripps]

All these great songs youngsters of today haven't heard of. We were spoilt with fantastic music growing up.

[@butterbeanqueen8148]

Man I feel so lucky to have grown up when I did. We had EVERYTHING musically. I don’t think this time period could ever be duplicated again. Every genre. Every artist. Such talent.

[@alisalavine1052]

Preach, girl. ❤

[@tbastrikes7847]

My husband and I were 80’s kids. We played our music for our kids as they grew up. We’d grab tennis rackets, wooden spoons for guitars and microphones and play music really loud and dance all over the house. They LOVE all types of music. Now that they’ve grown & flown we still enjoy serious karaoke during the holidays. 😅

[@davidisted8884]

You are so right. I was 16 in 1964 so I consider myself sooo lucky to have lived through so many decades of brilliant and diverse styles of music and artists. Still dig it all. Music saved me through the pandemic and associated lockdowns.

[@Sherri_Jordan]

Yes 🎯 ❤❤❤❤

[@Heisablessing]

I was thinking earlier today how music saved me. I play the piano and if I had more money I would learn to play so many more instruments.

[@dougm659]

My wife and I saw Simply Red live last summer and even in his 60’s Mick Hucknall sounds incredible…phenomenal voice!

[@murielvarty664]

I first heard simply red in my 40 s now l am halfway threw my 80 s and l could listen to him all night

[@alliejones9864]

Went to see Simply Red a few years ago, Mick’s voice still sounds so pure, even without a recording studio. Simple Minds are here currently in NZ , I had the pleasure to see them a couple of years ago too, they are also holding those tunes immaculately. I’d love to say the same about Bono but his voice has weakened slightly over the years.

[@l.plzsavethebeez485]

Same with Al Stewart and I fell in love with his personality, awesome guy and performer! I'm new to the 70's! 😅

[@l.plzsavethebeez485]

​@@alliejones9864I would love to see Simply Red!

[@alliejones9864]

@@l.plzsavethebeez485 I see besides the Uk, he has two tours in Brazil in March 2025, I guess I should keep playing the National Lottery, tickets are expensive from NZ 😁

[@rebecarendell]

The sound of my teens - absolutely LOVED Simply Red back in the day, and still do 😍

[@MoonlitBrenya]

Dude, I absolutely love this track and I feel like it's severely underrated. I am so glad you're checking this out! They did a cover of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" I think you'll dig.

[@brewswillis9783]

I concur.

[@appleandeva]

Also I think the video version is better vocally .

[@kathrynpupos9103]

It's one of my top 10 songs.

[@jmiddleton7961]

Definitely overlooked in the rating department

[@carolk5770]

I love all of Simply Red’s stuff!!!

[@loulouedmo]

One of the most beautiful songs I will ever hear in my lifetime

[@realbser1956]

Don’t sleep on their cover of If You Don’t Know Me By Now. It’s a classic. This was a monster hit for Simply Red and the lead singer Mick Hucknall. You mentioned Neo-Soul, don’t forget about Robert Glasper. He’s a monster. The genre is not dead, you just gotta search a bit for it. Great reaction Polo.

[@nikkikat1325]

Love that you recommended If You Dont Know Me By Now…amazing cover 👍🏻

[@peteycosmo]

Yesssssss!!!!! Polo, don’t miss out on this one!!

[@karenneville-b8q]

His voice makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He sounds even better live.

[@beverleybrown5365]

I’ve seen Mick live 4 times, incredible singer, he can sing live for 3 hours, sounds incredible.😜😘

[@jameshoffman7599]

Sounds as good if not better live.

[@russsnider7375]

I’d love to hear him live. Currently only playing in Europe. I live in California - might have to make the trip to Europe - Mick and Sade are my 2 bucket list artists. Take care.

[@marthawoodworth]

You just reminded me: I saw him in Boston. Wow. Great concert.

[@trippinggauntlet4520]

Me too and it still wasn't enough

[@DerekLott]

He sang his whole catalog in San Francisco one night! "That's all we have" best show ever..

[@christinadonohue2552]

Was at one of their gigs a few months ago. Mick's voice hasn't changed at all. It was a brilliant performance.

[@MHarenArt]

The vibe in this one recalls Sade. Another song that will remain a classic in modern music.

[@gnrslash1987]

recalls? Simply Red's first album was 1985

[@MHarenArt]

OK I used the wrong word. Made me think of Sade.@@gnrslash1987

[@patst1944]

“If You Don’t Know Me” is another great song by Simply Red, their best one in my opinion

[@jennytaylor3324]

Yes. My favourite.

[@patriciabilinkas3911]

I agree.

[@MrVvulf]

It's a wonderful rendition, but it's not their song. Original recording was by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1972, and it topped the R&B chart.

[@karikaroable]

I'm a huge Metalhead, but Simply Red has a special place in my heart

[@jr-xs9tf]

I'm witcha. Quality knows no boundaries. I can play this and Tool back to back and it feels natural.

[@ProriffsorMetalben]

This is the way. \m/@@\m/

[@Yeniphur]

Found my people! Hello! 😊🤘

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Same..

[@profyaffel6398]

Same, spent my teens and 20's going to see metal bands. And Simply Red. Saw simply red at the O2 a few years back as well.

[@scottdebruyn7038]

Mick Hucknall is the lead singer. From Wikipedia: "Hucknall, born at Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester, on 8 June 1960,[4][5][6] was an only child. His mother abandoned the family when he was three; the upheaval caused by this event inspired him to write "Holding Back the Years", which would become one of Simply Red's biggest and best-known hits." 😁

[@cuervojones4889]

Yep. I remember when this song first came out. The first time I heard it, I fell in love with it, too. It's still one of my all-time favorites. Simply Red has some really good stuff. A little bluesy/smooth jazz feel. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

[@johnfaram4684]

mick hucknall,the singer, from england,superb artist

[@lyndaf.6329]

As many have already said Simply Red was massive in the 80s and you should check out their other songs. I saw them in Hannover, Germany just before Christmas and it was a fantastic concert. Mick is now 62 but hasn't lost his voice and the band was superb.

[@JoBisbee]

I am so envious you just saw Mick! In Germany! Just before Christmas! ❤

[@Lulabee2024]

SO happy to hear this

[@carlpeterson8182]

what makes this song is how understated it is. The singer is so epic because he has real soul. He does not try to do too much. Easy listen.

[@jr-xs9tf]

He knew where the groove was and stayed in that lane.

[@gaycha6589]

In a modern world full of RnB ‘over singing’ and ‘over emoting’ with shit vibrato, this stands out as effortlessly serving a beautiful song with a beautiful voice. Still love it.

[@janetholmes2318]

He is fantastic live. Was one of my favourite concerts was him, absolutely beautiful voice.

[@lmoein]

One of the most beautiful, under-rated songs

[@pfcampos7041]

I love Simply Red! I do prefer the studio version of this song but this one isn't bad. You should also react to Money's to Tight to Mention and If you Don't Know Me By Now also! 😄

[@roseannecohen]

I love "Money's Too Tight To Mention". It's so funky.

[@maryanngarrimone1153]

OMG, I love this group! The first time I heard him sing, I had to go out and buy this CD. I'm 75 yrs old and still play this CD all the time. Love his voice the first time I heard him. I love all kinds of music. At my age I heard all kinds of singers. I have a collection of vinyl record albums I hope my grandchildren will want to keep. ❤

[@memoe6172]

Simply Red are one of my all time favourite bands, holding back the years and something got me started are excellent songs 🔥🩷

[@ellem6050]

Brought back some good memories. I saw Simply Red at Brixton Academy in the 80s. They were the support band for UB40. I miss the 80s...

[@THCya9796]

“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is a must listen by Simply Red.

[@DexTaylorDJ]

Seen them live twice and they're just perfection 🙌🏼🔥

[@50NewEyes]

Red was backstage waiting to go on and sing, the MC asks him what his name is Red replied “Red, simply Red.” The MC goes on stage and introduces Simply Red… the name stuck and here we are.

[@mikeede49]

I've always been under the impression the bands name came about because of the combination of Micks hair colour and his love of Manchester United, his home town football club who famously play in red.

[@ruthepstein9157]

Absolutely one of my fave groups. As you so rightly say, full of soul. All his music is like this. Some with a boss I've beat or very New Orleans. He's just so talented.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

The official music video to Holding Back the Years is fire, too, this is one of my fave songs by Mitch and a fave song in general. The official video has a much fuller more polished sound and is so gorgeous, though he's always great live. I pray you will do the official vid you will be even more impressed if you do.

[@mirandacamp4222]

Totally agree and just commented basically the same.

[@dr.winstonoboogie7302]

This year I had the chance of visiting the places where the video is set: Goathland and Whitby. It’s been a magical experience since I’ve seen him perform in Italy a couple of months before.

[@baronbayne9899]

I’m 38 and I’ve loved simply red for the last 10 years since I heard one of their best ofs on a plane trip. I was aware of them before but that listen truly made me appreciate them and find myself get blown away by how good micks voice is on so many songs.

[@LlejaSwordsinger]

Greetings from London, brilliant reaction. Pure gold uk soul. The era that produced some of the most inspirational music of the century. Simply Red, Sade, Soul ll Soul, Loose Ends, Sybil, Imagination, Lighthouse Family, Terence Trent D'arby, Jamiroquai to name but a few of the best of the 80s. I would however encourage you to listen to a young man who is undeniably the best singer in the world today, The Voicebender, Dimash! Pick any song and you will never be the same, he will blow you away. And just so you know I have seen young black rappers cry on hearing Pavarotti, black people know good music instinctively that's why many black men who react to Dimash become instant fans. I wait in anticipation for you to hear him. UKDear💙👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@justinscott7492]

Jamiroquai!!!! Do the video!!! Simply mind bending.

[@sandrastokes7504]

So happy another generation is hearing the fantastic music of my Era! NO auto tune. You had to be able to actually sing and/or play an instrument ❤

[@kellimac]

When I was in high school all my friends couldnt believe my dad was hip enough to know Simply Red- he used to belt this song out whenever it would come on, much to my delight. My dad will be gone 5 years in March- thank you for reminding me of such a great memory!

[@Jaydaydesign]

The whole simply red playlist is amazing, so many hits and yet the US again barely heard any of the global music back then. It’s sad.

[@AndrewLomax80]

Mick Hucknall, absolute legend. Grew up listening to these. My mum played their music all the time

[@loridean193]

One of the best under rated singers of all time!💖🎶💖

[@martinmulcahey1618]

Another 80s era soul influenced British band along these lines is 'Level 42' and would start with "Something About You", the bassist/singer has really unique sound as well.

[@peacefulpossum2438]

Yes! Awesome song!

[@KristineMaitland]

​@Peaceful Possum I agree.

[@nicolasmalley306]

Love games … level 42 👌🏼❤️👍🏼

[@murphywd1971]

I love that your reactions make me feel like I'm connecting to you as a person. To me that's one of the greatest beauties in art/music; No matter our differences, we can enjoy it together.

[@Jaysun1]

You're gonna love this one...Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes (Secret World Live). Make sure you do this live version.

[@tanhome7]

Agreed!

[@andrewdrummond1244]

Great call.

[@longplaidhair1243]

Oh wow, yeah! @poloreacts27 you may like Mick Hucknall's voice better, but In Your Eyes is another that is stellar and in that vein.

[@Niecy70]

Simply Red is one of my favorite bands. Mick Hucknall's voice is ridiculous❤

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Simply Red "Money's Too Tight To Mention" (Official Music Video)..TRUST ME!!

[@mel-kt3le]

Yup that's a killer song to

[@jane1975]

@@mel-kt3le Also a cover, which I didn't know. The ballads are what they are best known for though, from songs like For Your Babies [ which Mick said was a tribute to his manager that had just become a father, he didn't become a father himself until 2007 ] to Say you Love Me.

[@jamesway]

When I saw Simply Red, I laughed and said I have known for 40 years but he about to LEARN TODAY. 😆

[@rcar9115]

Mick Hucknall's voice in "If You Don't Know Me By Now" is phenomenal, too. I remember listening to their greatest hits on many road trips. The band's songs always took me to a different place.

[@meliplay]

This song has held up so well through the years. Still love it now as much as i did then

[@wordup897]

I was into metal and punk back then and didn't care for this music much but it huts now as my musical tastes have expanded 100 fold.

[@emmsue1053]

A favourite, also "Stars" Thank you.. Also to Mick Hucknall & Simply Red (so called because they were Manchester United massive fans ) (UK)

[@mareenorth8790]

One of my favourite songs of all time. I loved your comment about loving a song from the first time you hear it … that’s so true. Simply Red has been on my playlist since this song was first released. Great reaction, ty x

[@loretogestoso6218]

His voice sounds amazing, hits the notes perfectly. Sounds like if it was a record not live

[@jacqueline4514]

Another great R&B song by Simply Red is "Sunrise"; the music rests on Hall and Oates' "I can't go for that" (sidenote: so does De La Soul's "Say No Go") 🔥

[@psycho416s]

Talented musicians across the board. Mick is one of those unmistakable voices. Real music

[@3generboiler]

His voice is just musical honey

[@davidmurray2829]

Should have did the studio version my friend. Its even more haunting and emotional.

[@j.t.3798]

Classic. What a treasure

[@raquellove4491]

One of my all time favorite songs!! when Simply Red came on the scene he blew us all out the water. He’s an amazing singer.

[@tulliamancuso2048]

Oh wow!! I am glad you loved it! His name is Mick Hucknall, I really do love him so much. He begun in the late 70s in Manchester within the punk soul funky area music. Than he realized he was born to make just the songwriter and band leader. So he set up the band Symply Red. Since then he was immediately hitting the top of the top allover the world beginning by Italy , Milan and spinning around. I saw him the first time in San Siro Milan in 1986 ... last time it was in Padova on the 15th of December 2022. I can reassure you he is still a Big performer and very nice with the people. He loves to sing and have a big party with is audience. Mick Hucknall is one of my favorite ... Xx

[@324cmac]

You know a singer is really into it when they keep their eyes closed the whole song.

[@chuckgraf8141]

The singer wrote this song when he was 17 years old. I got to see them play a show in Mannheim Germany back in 1987

[@poloreacts27]

he wrote this masterpiece at 17 🤯

[@AliceGison]

He wrote it about waiting to see his mother who left him when he was a small child

[@TheronBozeman]

Oh man, this brings back some memories! I'll say again, there's no other Era in music better than the 80s! Hands down best music of all time!

[@justmejoy124]

This is a real nice one I always loved🧡so easy flowing and love the voice and feel evoked

[@yanceyboyz]

What's mad is, I knew this song off by heart growing up in the UK....and even though I'm the biggest dilla fan and soulquerians fan.....I hadn't even put this and that together until the second you said it and I was like....ohhhh snap if course. It's pure neo soul.

[@stephaniewashburn7700]

Mick’s voice is nothing short of iconic ❤

[@blip2012Toon]

...its a smooth mellow song for sure, Mick's got the voice... been on my car USB for years, seen him live in the UK. 'Des'ree - I'm Kissing You' ...always seems too follow this one in the car!

[@lisacavitt1756]

I love Simply Red!

[@thebeatnik85]

I just commented on your Fleetwood Mac - Dreams reaction. And my sentiment is very much the same. I'm a 90's hip-hop/2000 nu-metal guy primarily. But songs like this are timeless and I thoroughly appreciate the art. Much the same as I see you do whilst unearthing these gems for the first time. I love how you break down your thoughts on the songs, but at the same time just kick back and vibe out to the eargasms

[@loisrogers9042]

Just love it!!!

[@gaylebrown5778]

Been listening to this since geez I don’t remember how long I’m 69 now I was 35 then. you gotta listen to. “Money’s too tight to Mention” and just listen to the whole album. It’s amazing sophisticated.

[@stefaniagombi6528]

And that's nothing... Whatever song you choose is a masterpiece. Greetings from Italy

[@hypno59]

Music the great leveler. The beautiful universal traits of the human species expressed through musical notes and rhythm.Politics and science be damned..... dead ends.

[@cjextreme]

Just another reason I'm still proud to be A child of the eighties! We had so many styles and genres in an expanse of 10 amazing years.

[@railiedouglas3018]

I owned the Best of Simply Red on DVD. Lost along with our entire music collection when our house burned down in the Bushfires here in Australia in 2019. Had the great pleasure of hearing Mick Hucknall sing again just the other day on some British 80’s Music Tribute Concert along with Rick Astley. Mick sounded just as good as he ever did.

[@purpleelephantdebh]

Mick Hucknall, the singer, wrote this song. he still performs as a solo artist. he has one of those great voices. nice reaction.

[@jameshoffman7599]

He's actually performing as Simply Red Currently and has been for 7-8 years. Put out Blue Eyed Soul in 2019 and has a new Album Time being released in May I believe. The 1st single Better with you is out now

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

A sad, beautiful song that, if you read the history of it and what it’s meaning is, well it’s just painful. I’ll leave it at that! Thanks for reaction❤

[@Hawk-ODA212]

Another great reaction, Polo. He wrote this song when he was 17 based on his troubled childhood. If you look up some other live performances through the years, you will find he sounds like the original recording every single time, even in his most recent performances. I love the bass line too. Amazing soulful rendition. Thanks for the analysis.

[@lindahawthorn6075]

Mick Hucknall is one of my all time favourite singers of all time love Simply Red ❤ was great seeing your reaction to this and hopefully you’ve listened to a lot more of their music xx Linda from Scotland and also new subscriber xx

[@jeffjones659]

Polo, Awesome Selection. I Have Always Loved this song. Very Talented Artist and Band. Thanks for Sharing!!!!

[@CruzanRastamon]

At first I was like how the hell you never heard this song until you said you listened to being-soul growing up which shows me you’re a youngin’. For those who are 45 and older this song brings back memories of when this song came out in the 80’s. This is the quintessential song of that era and everytime I hear it it reminds me of when I was a youngin’.

[@capecyn]

Ah, such a great song! I haven't heard this in a long time. Thanks!

[@richardtrow2751]

Simply Red absolutely superb 👌🏻 still playing their albums to this day 😊 and always will fantastic sound

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

The Official Video is excellent too.

[@clare1061]

One of those voices that melts into your heart. Head back eyes closed and take it in.

[@marksilverman4537]

Loved his song Love Has Said Goodbye Again. Jazzy and easy to listen to.

[@timb9525]

Blue Eyed Soul. Great song! Peace

[@MagatsuUjio]

They are consistent in sounding this good. Keep looking them up.

[@davidray4437]

Came from North of England. Whole Music movement NORTHERN SOUL. I think ud enjoy xx love n peace huge RESPECT xxx

[@raycewilliams3300]

The lead singer, Mick Hucknell, wrote this song when he was just 17 years old. This track sounds as good today as the day it was released in 1985. He has done a more "jazzy" version of this song as well. Both versions are fantastic.

[@eleonorclark2623]

I love Simply Red. This song has been around so long and it’s one of my morning anthems. This song right here touches everyone in a different way. For me… I have epilepsy and it’s hard to live alone and deal with this disability but… I’LL KEEP HOLDING ON. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michaellynch9550]

Yes, please do more. This band is so great.

[@nicolasmalley306]

“ it’s only love “ Simply Red . Late 80s . I can’t hear it without crying my eyes out as it was in the British charts when I lost my first child. It will always resonate with me ❤ . So proud of my country’s music 🇬🇧

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

This was such a huge hit!

[@timothychung4811]

It is one of those special songs.

[@flexygoo1295]

My dad had this when I was a kid. Brings back sooo many memories of my childhood house

[@charliesimon-cm2ny]

You are right this a cup of tea this is a perfect song to have breakfast too! The song to hear on the radio in the morning!