Zero 7 - Simple Things
A review of Simple Things, Zero 7’s 2001 debut: strong bass lines, stellar vocal work, and a thin paper trail back to the Monkey Radio rotation.
Artist: Zero 7 · Year: 2001 · Rating: ★★★★
Simple Things sits in an interesting place on the Monkey Radio playlist: the album was released in 2001, but wasn’t present on either the 2002 playlist or the 2005-snapshotted m3u.
For a long time the only source I had for this was fan provenance like the Spotify list…but Wayback Machine captures and one enterprising redditor’s stream dump confirmed that at least one track from the album was played on the station.
Truth told, I suspect more of the album was in the rotation: most of the tracks on here are intimately familiar, but lacking better evidence I’m limiting the play to tracks that have sources in our list. I’m particularly fond of the bass lines on many tracks: “I Have Seen” and “Give It Away” really groove, and the vocal work is often stellar.
Highlights
Polaris: an instrumental Monkey Radio track featuring a distinctive bass line, and a highlight of the album from an instrumental perspective. Funky, with lounge breaks. This one was on the station authoritatively, per both the Wayback Machine and the 2006 stream dump.
In the Waiting Line, on the other hand, came to Monkey Radio’s list from the Spotify list, and is less authoritative (but no less worth listening to). The vocals nail it, and the mix of bass and synth sell the track.
You’ve probably heard some version of Destiny, even if it (probably) wasn’t on the station. It opens and makes sure you’re listening:
I lie awake
I’ve gone to ground
I’m watching porn
In my hotel dressing gown
Now I dream of you
But I still believe
There’s only enough for one in this lonely hotel suite
It’s one of Zero 7’s most played tunes, and for a reason. It’s catchy, and chill, and the vocalist sells it.
Verdict
All told most of the album is a win, but it stumbles a little towards the end: “This World” isn’t bad but is a little overwrought, and the remaining tracks are mild, forgettable numbers with orchestral influences or an over-reliance on repetition. None of this is enough to impede the listener’s enjoyment, however: Simple Things is a strong listen either as an album or on random, and an excellent add to any collection.
Four stars, a must-have.
Monkey Radio Tracks: 2/12
- Zero 7 - Polaris
- Zero 7 - In the Waiting Line
