Burning The Ground Exclusive
In the summer of 1988, Robert Palmer stormed back onto the charts with “Simply Irresistible,” a bold, brash, and unapologetically confident anthem that became one of the defining hits of his career. Taken from his platinum-selling ninth studio album, Heavy Nova, the track showcased Palmer’s sleek fusion of hard rock swagger and dancefloor sheen — a formula he’d perfected since his Riptide days and the smash success of “Addicted to Love.”
Produced by Palmer himself, “Simply Irresistible” features an explosive horn section, stomping drums, and his signature vocal coolness, delivered with razor-sharp precision. The song’s infectious chorus, underscored by a wall of sound production, became an instant earworm that dominated radio and MTV alike.
The 12″ mix expands on the already high-octane energy of the single, giving DJs and fans a longer dose of that irresistible groove. Clocking in at just over six minutes, this extended version retains all the bombast of the original while giving the arrangement more breathing room — emphasizing the pulsing basslines, pounding percussion, and layers of synth and guitar that made the track a dance-rock juggernaut.
Visually, “Simply Irresistible” was immortalized by a striking music video directed by British fashion photographer Terence Donovan, featuring a cadre of identically styled women in black dresses and red lipstick, moving in mechanical precision. It was a continuation of the stylized aesthetic from “Addicted to Love” and helped cement Palmer’s image as the epitome of 80s cool.
Commercially, the single was a major success:
#2 on the US Billboard Hot 100
#1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart
Top 20 in Canada, Australia, and several European countries
Though some critics at the time were divided, accusing Palmer of recycling the formula that brought him success in 1986, fans embraced it wholeheartedly, and decades later, it’s still celebrated as a quintessential late-80s power pop anthem.
If Addicted to Love made Robert Palmer a superstar, “Simply Irresistible” proved it was no fluke — he truly had an irresistible formula.
SIDE A:
Simply Irresistible (Extended Version) 6:33
Simply Irresistible (7″ Version) 4:15
SIDE B:
Simply Irresistible (Instrumental) 4:46
Nova 2:56
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Simply Irresistible | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #2 |
| 1988 | Simply Irresistible | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI-Manhattan Records – V-56095
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – David Harper (4)
- Mixed By – Eric “ET” Thorngren*
- Producer – Robert Palmer
NOTES:
Produced for Remlap Co. Inc., Direct Metal Mastering.
The album version can be heard on Heavy Nova.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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