The second half of the 1980s was distinguished by a focus on bold, synthetic music. It was unusual to hear too many tracks that focused entirely on the old-school qualities of sharp songwriting, subtle instrumental backing, and impassioned performances. That's why "Holding Back the Years," the touching ballad delivered by the British group Simply Red, carved out such a unique niche. The song went scorched-earth on both sides of the Atlantic in 1986, and still holds a place as one of the most authentically soulful tracks of the decade.
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