This vocal performance is INSANE!!!

Tonight we're taking a look at one hell of a vocal performance by Mick Hucknall!
PERFORMANCE VIDEO - • Simply Red - You Make ...
TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Intro
0:54 Performance
3:55 Chest Voice!
5:13 Range!
7:28 Pitch Perfect
9:28 Mic Placement
12:00 No Let Up!
17:47 Pushing the Voice
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[@shawnbrisbon9304]

When Simply Red hit the states with Holding Back The Years you knew they were something special. He is one of the absolute best singers of his generation.

[@garyneilson3075]

My current favorite song, I loved it when I was younger too, but still didn't appreciate him or it enough, now my eyes and ears heart and mind are opened up more and I can see it as some of the best there is!

[@gbacrila]

Agreed wholeheartedly ❤

[@maryrobison1984]

Yes!!! 💗

[@josephinephillips2183]

The masters of music had violins ets,and mick s voice will teach us the next 50th.

[@written12]

Great vocal it was and what a song, so full of yearning

[@aucourant9998]

One of the great British vocalists; a beautiful, sensitive performance.

[@SJM-zn4fc]

Mr Hucknell,in my opinion ,,is one of the greatest vocalists of all time!always knew that but I have never heard him do this song and it is magical.!! I was ,mildly surprised ,and thoroughly energized by this performance. you sir are Simply the best!!

[@infuseme2]

The original song had 2 different singers. Mick is super human. The best uk soul singer in the past 40 years. He got better and better. What a national treasure.

[@linzirainbow6577]

Mick Hucknall is one of the very few vocalists who has the ability to sound better when singing live. Simply Red as a group are pure class and absolutely timeless. Real talent at its finest.

[@irmaoksanen6830]

Great to see someone still able to sing at full throttle at an older age. Best live vocal ever.

[@jeremynorbury]

I thought Simply Red were fantastic but when I saw him perform live IT WAS BETTER than the recordings!

[@SmshAdms]

I was so chuffed to see an appreciation video for Simply Red come up on my recommendations, they never get any credit and I can't understand why. Apart from Mick having one of the best blue-eyed soul voices ever, the band is so skilled and so tight live. Thank you!

[@viewdemonde]

I love how the instrumentation is pared right back. He doesn’t need overpowering instrumentation because Mick IS the song.

[@tadc]

I must add I went to see Mick in concert when he came to Melbourne about 5-6 years ago. Just he and the band on stage for two hours or so. No gimmicks of any sort and the audience stayed captivated throughout. Pure artistry. Simply Red turned into Simply Not Enough!

[@JohnCoughlan1]

Saw him live just a few months ago. Superb performance. Superb vocal ability. We noticed how he moved the microphone around all the time adjusting the volume beautifully. . The quality of his voice is remarkable after nearly 40 years. Been a fan since the 80s. It's great to see and hear your appreciation of his abilities. It's easy to see why his favourite vocalist is Smokey Robinson.

[@DrDespicable]

Mick Hucknall - voice of a fucking angel!

[@TorToroPorco]

When Mick reaches for those intense notes I imagine myself trying to do that and squeezing my abdomen, bursting a lot of blood vessels, getting light headed and simply passing out. I love his lower register, there is such a wonderful expressive soulfulness to it. Speaking of which Fil is rather expressive as well in this analysis.

[@SJM-zn4fc]

yes Phil great job sir

[@ceciliamoncloadextre3644]

He does what you want with his voice he is IMPRESSIONABLY BEAUTIFUL.

[@glenjones6980]

Mick has a combination of not only a great voice and technique but longevity. His ability to really up the volume but never sound like he's really exerting himself is incredible, There's elements of the techniques discussed in the analysis videos of Cilla and Karen Carpenter in here plus others as well, smoothness, power, accuracy and more besides. Mick just has talent that goes way beyond what many can appreciate, there's no need for lights, fireworks and dancers, great vocals and great musicians doing what great vocalists and great musicians do.

[@katepanthera7265]

I grew up in the era of the Stylistics and other soul music, and this song was always one of my favorites. I'd never heard this version before, and I literally got chills listening. Thanks for this!

[@erikafreebird6449]

Mick's emotion is so heartfelt that, his performance brings tears to my eyes, and puts a lump in my throat. He is incredible.💖

[@davehall8584]

He's an incredible singer..shocking!...almost other-worldly..

[@davehall8584]

he's outrageous! WONDERFUL video Fil!

[@jellybean8167]

Micks performance is especially good when you consider that the original of this song came from the Stylistics who were also highly acclaimed fortheir excellent vocal performances , and yet they used 2 lead singers one for the bottom range and the other for the top on their performances.

[@argusfleibeit1165]

"Stylistics tenor Airrion Love starts out the song and then alternates with Russell Thompkins Jr."-- Wikipedia

[@cdenese108]

and the top range singer is in head voice

[@johnbailey3877]

Excellent commentary that adds to the big picture

[@patrickschlosser8208]

What a great singer. The older he gets, the better he is. I always watch the Simply red concert from the Montreux Jazz Festival 1992. Absolute master class what Mick and the band show there. I love it.

[@scuba453]

Thanks for the tip, I am going to check it out. I am always looking for quality comments like yours. Any other live gigs from Montreux you can recommend for vocal excellence? Cheers.

[@patrickschlosser8208]

@@scuba453 Thanks for your nice words. I can also recommend Nina Simone Live at Montreux, 1976. A great artist.

[@tigq1430]

@@patrickschlosser8208 did you see her biography? It's one of those that sticks with you.

[@user-id7ut4yf2g]

@@patrickschlosser8208talk talk live at montreux with Mark Hollis another incredible vocalist

[@garryroberts5106]

I saw Simply Red at The Odeon New Street Birmingham decades ago .Nobody had really heard of them including me and I got a free ticket . There was probably only 300 people in the venue, lucky me being 1 of them . Mick blew my mind … it was so obvious back then he was destined to be a megastar .

[@priscillachung-hacker5923]

Damn Red! Mick's voice sounds just as wonderful as it did 35 years ago. What a talent! Incredible performance! Love Mick and Simply Red, one of my favourite bands.

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

I was never a Simply Red fan but I saw Mick Hucknall fronting the Small Faces at Goodwood and was so impressed with him. Not just the way he fitted in so well but the way he stepped back and let the rest of the band take the limelight at the end of each song. Such humility from one so talented, he played it like he was their session guy and not a star in his own right!

[@petmoxey2177]

That's one powerful chest voice indeed. As someone who avoids falsetto and head voice ,the lowering of the mic is key to creating a dynamic balance and allowing a seamless chest connection to sustain and not sound too overbearing. His tone is killer as well. Golden throat tones!

[@carolinej3661]

Never having heard this before, when he started out I could not imagine his reaching those higher notes! Listening to him work all the way up to "thin," I actually worried and was waiting for a crack! that never came! It is truly an amazing performance!!! I never appreciated Mick Hucknall's voice so much before this! Thanks for another wonderful analysis, Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@indierockyhockey]

Agreed! Never heard this version before. Wow. Hanging on every note. Always interesting to me what songs bands chose to cover, great exposing people/ fans to 'new to you' songs while sharing a love for all kinds of genres. Fantastic. Cheers to Fil for sharing this with us 💚💚💚

[@jaobagamasbad4476]

​@@wingsofpegasusim hearing mix voice. He sang it in chest then proceed to mix in higher parts specially in chorus...

[@fstarr9923]

Now I’m going to have to binge on Mick and Simply Red. Thank you for the fantastic analysis! 👏🏼

[@shirleypearson8702]

I absolutely love his vocals and this song. It was my husband and mine. Sadly he's passed .😢. I've missed this ...haven't been around for a while. Three surgeries later ..I'm back. 🎉❤. As always your analysis is always spot on and professional. Missed y'all. ✌❤

[@IslandDigital]

HavE NEVER seen any live performer hold a mic so far away from their mouth. What outstanding engineers. What a voice dear lord. Cannot say enough.

[@michaelsoper3610]

You need to check out Beth Hart doing 'I'd Rather Go Blind' with Joe Bonamassa in Amsterdam. I love Mick and Simply Red, but she has the microphone below her waist on a couple belts and it's more for the protection of the equipment, than volume mitigation, because her voice still comes through with great power.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

He has such an emotional voice. It has just gotten better with age. I have always loved him. Thanks, Fil.

[@thesolitaryadventurer]

Wonderful singer. I've often said he's one of the best voices this country has produced and he doesn't get the praise he deserves. His 2003 Taormina DVD is a masterclass in vocals from start to finish. And he was in BBC's Piano Room recently - early 60s and his voice is still a thing of wonder. Brilliant stuff, Fil.

[@LednacekZ]

had tickets for them since 2019. Concert got postponed because of COVID. Finally seen them in december 2022. Got infected by Covid on the concert. Insane, but worth it.

[@miked1254]

Fantastic video and analysis. I can still remember the first time I heard Simply Red back in the 80’s and how blown away I was. What an incredibly talented vocalist. Chills..

[@gspianoguitar4369]

One of our greatest voices....often effortless. I love the way he hold notes and doesn't fill it with endless vibrato, sweet tone as well. I recall seeing him live when at Wembley Arena back in the day fantastic performer too real stage presence too

[@theoccupier1652]

Mick Hucknall ... Has and always will forever be ... Just ... Awesomely ... ... Simply ... ... ... Red

[@karenalways6369]

A boyfriend used to sing this to me...he has since passed..oh, the tears and memories. Mick has sung this beautifully...thanks for the analysis Fil...Happy Easter.💜

[@tabathv1]

Loved the Stylistics recording of this but they had 2. Singers taking the vocals! Heard Simply Red live and MH is a genius

[@lindadescafano3749]

What a great performance of the classic song originally done by the Stylistics. It is one of my favorites. I enjoyed this version as well and think the vocals are amazing! Great analysis Fil!

[@lightningbug276]

I love the Stylistics, too ❤

[@BradYaeger]

A great example of when you reach a point where your technique is an afterthought, you can put all your emotion and focus on the most important thing of all. The lyrics. The words. Sadly it's too often the opposite. That's what first drew me to Sinatra .

[@norrieblackeby1041]

Fil thank you for this video. I loved the original by the Stylistics but Mick did so much justice to it. You are right, he's brought so much sensitivity to this song.

[@bernardenejones8620]

I really enjoy the way he sings.

[@jurzeejozee41]

AWESOME !!!!!! Both , Mick's performance and your analysis . I've been listening to all kinds of music for as long as I can remember ( I'm 82 ) I always, always learn things from you !!

[@carriekay5987]

Wow, I had never seen him sing LOW like that! What a voice ... and the range. It's amazing!!

[@scottrittenhouse3131]

Love this guy, holding back the years? Is one of my favorite songs.

[@rosequartz7841]

Seen them live in 2022 at the 02 in London....incredible voice live, the band n stage presence. Connected with the audience from start to finish...a long concert with encore!.. love them.. im now 62 and and still feel 26! Master Class indeed!❤🎉❤🎉❤😅

[@Me7roiD]

Great new episode Fil! Mick Hucknall is a brilliant voice, but perhaps even more importantly, I've always loved his tongue-in-cheek approach to songwriting - and life in general. Legend.

[@grammamarth6681]

One of my all time favorites - Simply Red.

[@wandaburnsworth1588]

I could listen to him all day! "Holding Back the Years," is the story of my life and I love it❤

[@1SeanBond]

Simply Red isn't so simple, that voice was unbelievable when I 1st heard it in aprox 1986 A excellent view Fil Cheers!

[@RaysTrack]

I first heard Simply Red on my car radio, early 80s. It was on a live BBC studio session. I particularly remember Sad Old Red. When I got home I was enthusiastically telling my wife I'd heard this great band with a fabulous black, female soul vocalist and went out to buy their album. Amazing voice and that original line up was fabulous - kudos to Fritz.

[@pamr4040]

I was practically giddy watching the vocal pitch monitor screen while he sang...incredible accuracy!!! This is a wonderful cover of the original song...beautifully done! Thank you for sharing it with us! 🎶❤

[@mmm-uw1ep]

I can hear little nods to the original Sylistics vocal in this rendition. Love Mick's voice.

[@maryrobison1984]

God, what a great voice!!! There's another song I love that he sings...can't think of name😊...holding back the years!!!

[@laurayunque4296]

Wow! What a voice - incredible range.

[@thepagan5432]

I've never been a great Mick Hucknell fan, but I must admit he has a tremendous voice. Perhaps as I've got older he has more appeal. I recall the original by the Stylistics, back in 1974, which I liked. Great to hear a human voice so very appreciative of this good analysis, thanks Fil. 🤟

[@lilgreenmomo]

And when you think, this is one person doing all four parts of that original song. It's superb.

[@thepagan5432]

@@lilgreenmomo Yes, I had not considered that. Thanks for the reply, definitely food for thought

[@cameron6249]

@@lilgreenmomo he didn't do all four parts

[@tammydoolittle6054]

Wow, I have always loved this song, it is so breathtakingly beautiful! Mick has such a lovely and strong voice that when he was singing this song, it almost brought me to tears. Thank you Fil for another great analysis!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Mick still sings from his soul ❤

[@drewpall2598]

I 'm use to The Stylistics 1974 version of this classic song, Mick Hucknall does a great job on this song always enjoy your analysis Fil,

[@MsSherrydarling]

I love his album, Home. Great music and an amazing voice. His version of Sunrise written by Mick, Daryl Hall and John Oates is so beautiful.

[@dmcarp2807]

Your PM screen did confirm the unreal vocal range of this lead vocalist.(!) Yes, it was a great cover for M H ---to display this uncanny combo of vocal strength and smoothness and to maintain it thru-out the performance.

[@charmed1470]

By far, Mick has one of the most beautiful male voices of all time, in my opinion. Thank you for this fascinating, in-depth analysis of his incredible vocal talent! ✨

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil…..What a gorgeous voice! Glad you find the best songs for us to enjoy! You did great with this rendition! Loved The Stylistics doing it too, but this is phenomenal! ✌️

[@crolmac]

Mike is always, even from the beginning, precise . I always loved his singing from the beginning.

[@THSeaNotes]

I appreciate what you do. I think it has been 35+ years since I last listened to Simply Red.👍❤️

[@nrsvlda70]

Great analysis, as always. I knew of Simply Red’s music during the 80s.. but didn’t really pay too much attention. Have definitely appreciated Mick’s talent more in recent years after really listening to his music. He’s still touring, and last I saw, still hitting these notes while continuing his live performances. An amazing talent, thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@MyAGGirls]

Ooooh my. I'm crying over here. I never heard this version before. Didn't think I would like it as the original Stylistics' voices were so unique. But this ... oh! ... so yummy! Brought me to tears!

[@linzertube]

I don’t think that I’ve seen Simply Red since Holding Back The Years! Such a strong voice, powerfully singing through that tenor portion without a waver. Thanks, Fil, for a wonderful analysis, especially love your examples (you’ve got quite the range yourself). Thanks to your KZbin friends for the variety of performer suggestions. It’s quite fun hopping through the decades.🤩🌸

[@barblc3202]

Thanks Fil - I always loved Mick Hucknall's interpretation of Cole Porter's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" and of the Talking Heads' song "Heaven" (which completely transforms it). Simply Red was one of the best live bands of the 1990s - I saw them a few times.

[@jennyclark5232]

Have seen Mick on a number of occasions he never ever disappoints...Simply brilliant

[@debbeborders5762]

Wow! Mick really did this song justice. He is underappreciated by many. Beautiful performance. Excellent analysis. Thanks Fil.

[@user-cu7rp5jj2b]

I ve seen him sing this live twice. Both times just perfection. Probably the best singer I have ever seen.

[@candydale8380]

Wow haven't heard this Stylistics song in many moons. What a heavenly performance of an all time classic!!!! Fil, thank you so much!!!!! I love Simply Red❤❤❤

[@bnefarm]

Perfect song for him to showcase that voice and range! Love this!

[@jaygatz4335]

His "For Your Babies" is well worth listening to - one of my favourites. His live vocals are perfection.

[@katkalocova]

Never been a huge fan of Mick Hucknall as a person, but this performance is awe-inspiring. The quality of his voice, the tonal clarity and breath control as well as the microphone technique are simply impeccable.

[@pianoman7652]

Yep! You got this one Right again... ! Micks performance is Chilling!! .... A Great Timeless Vocal ! Thank you Phil, you are wonderful!

[@FlaschDJ]

you forget to tell us if you liked it. :). Now please toss me a Heart treat. ❤❤❤❤ What makes Fil successful is his giant, irrepressible, GENUINE passion and enthusiasm.

[@GrafStorm]

Ty for this pointing out Mick's very incredible talent.

[@kaycee363]

Man what a voice. I never heard him sing this one.

[@nlbhaduri]

Love Simply Red and Mick and LOVE HOW ENTHUSIASTIC YOU GET ABOUT IT!

[@BabsR]

absolutely love Mick and Simply Red, thanks for this one

[@julzy3]

I think a lot of us remember first hearing Simply Red. His voice took the world by storm. And he's still got it! I noticed his mic work right away. I don't know if I could stay in chest voice for this whole song. A master cover of The Stylistics song. He made it his own so well. Thanks for a funny analysis too - squawking out those notes for comparison!🤣

[@singthroughyourguitar]

Perfection Mick! To sing the whole song in chest voice with pressure on the diaphragm; he is vocally fit!! Love his tone and emotion too. Great acoustics at the SOH. Thanks for heads up, heading over to that link. Can't listen to this just once.👍

[@TranslateToEnglish]

Well it’s not the Stylistics but it took Russell Tompkins Jr and Airrion Love to achieve the same range. Beautiful song, Fil!😊😊😊😊

[@davidstevenson6817]

You are clearly impressed, as you should be … I was lucky enough to catch them live a couple of times. Great singer with a very tight talented band … probably under appreciated.

[@jenRxnavygal]

Hi Fil...What an effortless performance. I noticed immediately the mic placement. Excellent choice for analysis AND as an added bonus, I now know Simply Red's actual real name! TY 🎶💜☔️

[@RokDAWG1]

One of my favorite vocalists ever

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

🌴🌴< < < VERY FAMILAR WITH THIS PERFORMANCE. DEFINITELY ONE OF THE GREATEST VOCAL PERFORMANCES EVER. VERY POWERFUL VOICE. MICK IS THE MAN. THE BAND WAS EXCELLENT TOO. > > > 🌴🌴

[@mimi-3212]

Wow, what range and consistent tone! I especially enjoyed hearing his lower tones. Thanks for all the details and showing the pitch-monitoring software. He is super accurate. Your point is Interesting about other singers sometimes being made to push to hit notes for recordings, causing them to struggle in a live setting if left in the higher key.

[@davidkgriffin1320]

Great vocalist, Mick and excellent analysis, Fil!

[@man-of-the-world]

I'm not a particular fan of Simply Red, but I've always thought that Mick Hucknall voice live is as good as it gets.

[@Sheamarie]

Awesome voice, awesome review. Thank you :)

[@donquihote6023]

There is a reason for their success. Superb from all aspects of these performers.

[@justathought88]

It's always such a pleasure to see how much joy you get from excellent performances. Thank you for bringing attention to a superb vocalist.

[@johnbailey3877]

Spot on commentary …. Fil shares not just his expertise but his joy.

[@lilamuzik3385]

I love his wonderful voice

[@blueheronalchemy4655]

Thank you for isolating Mick's vocal. He is one of the best singers of our time but hearing his vocal isolated really highlights how exceptional he really is.

[@zenawarrior7442]

Beautiful song, voice, band, very underrated I feel. Thanks Fil & Happy Easter weekend😊🐣🐇🫖🎶🎙🎼

[@davidwilson9264]

Great analysis of a great performance.

[@mariannemaloneywitherspoon6335]

Fil, Never knew how great Mick really was/IS! I want to also tell you that yes you do analysis, (as mentioned to the lovely Shirley Lewis), but, as a visual person/observer, I watch your face. There’s your Reaction sweetheart-you get wonderfully ‘caught up’ in the performance One face can say so much more than words. God bless-Cheers! ❤😊 9:57

[@Kelters]

Fil, I'm so glad that you did a range / technique analysis of Mick's voice. I've been waiting for this for a long time. Really great choice of song, and really well analysed. Fascinatingly interesting. Thanks a mil, Fil.

[@ltrenum]

Great performance and great analysis, always love how you break it down for those of us who aren’t trained in music. I’d love to see you do this for Steve Perry sometime.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

Most impressive vocal endurance is right! Considering that, by his own admission, his dissolute rock and roll lifestyle and his long undiagnosed thyroid problems really damaged his health, this 2010 video shows he still retained that fantastic voice and control! Wonderful analysis! Thanks!