Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Like Air, But Not Really
I heard "Simple Things" on a listening station at my local music store. I was immediately reminded of "Moon Safari" by Air. As I consider that a classic 90s album, I was pretty much hooked into getting this particular release by Zero 7."Simple Things" is really good chill-out music. I've listened to it several times since its purchase a few days ago, and it continues to stay fresh and enjoyable. The tracks are all pretty much low-key, trip-beat relaxing songs, some with vocals, some without. My favorite songs are "Polaris", "Red Dust", and "This World", though I think all of the songs, with the possible exception of track 11, are quite good. In comparing this album to Air's "Moon Safari", I found a distinct difference. While the basic sound of the two albums is similar, "Moon Safari" was a landscape of actual songs. "Simple Things" derives its pleasure from tracks that are elongated chill-out sessions. There isn't a superior album in my comparison, just different artistic approaches and production styles. So, Zero 7 has succeeded in creating its own sound, and what a pleasing sound it is.
Rating: - Pure Mellow Bliss.
Zero 7 create alluring landscapes of mellow pop bliss on their solid album "Simple Things." It's hard to push a record this diverse into one category: there's a dash of pop, a touch of soul, a smidgeon of blues, and a few broad strokes of electronica. The result is an album so soothing and relaxing, it'll make you grab a pillow and recline on the sofa as the grooves take you to a multitextured world. Having heard quite a handul of their songs on a few compilations and even on my part-time job, I had to get their CD to see if it was any good, and make no mistake, it is. We have the gentle rush of "Destiny" with its warm vocals and inviting guitar; there's the calming vibe of "Give it Away," and the wicked cool of "I Have Seen." In its 72 minutes, "Simple Things" is a modest album of understated beauty. It's not a record of instant gratification beats, but it rewards the mature and sophisticated listener over time. If "staying in is the new going out," then I'll gladly stay in with Zero 7.
Rating:  - Tragic Angels & A Moon Safari
Simple Things is quite simply one of the best debuts I've ever heard. The vocals are soft yet purposeful, and the lyrics are often quite inspired. Sia's beautiful voice is ethereal on the simply beautiful "Distractions" & "Destiny". It brought her fantastic Healing Is Difficult out of the doldrums of my CD collection.It's easy to see where Zero 7 has taken much of their inspiration. There are definite similarities to Air (although it remains easy to tell the two apart) as well as Groove Armada and Fatboy Slim. Don't let the Fatboy Slim confuse you - this is by no means a dance album. This is almost an anti-dance album - the kind of thing you put on when you're very tired / drunk / stressed / angry (delete as appropriate). It would be impossible to pick out any personal favorites (I love every track), but the real stand out tracks are "In The Waiting Line", "Destiny", "Distractions" and the largely underrated "End Theme". If you're in a party mood, by all means, don't put this CD on. It will definitely not help build the atmosphere, but makes a perfect comedown disc. It's difficult, however, not to try and vigorously enforce this great new band on all your friends. I can't wait for the next chapter of the story. Easily addictive, this is my first must-have of 2002. Can't say fairer than that, really...
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