Simple Things is an album by the American folk musician Richie Havens, released in 1987.[2][3] The album, along with Richie Havens Sings the Beatles and Dylan, from the same year, marked a recording comeback for Havens.[4] Havens supported the album with a North American tour.[5]
The album peaked at No. 173 on the Billboard 200.[6] The title track and "Drivin'" were released as singles.[7]
Production
Rather than relying on just his acoustic guitar, Havens employed electronic drums, horns, choirs, and synthesizers.[8][9] The album includes covers of songs written by Paul McCartney, John Martyn, and Vince Willis, among others.[10]
The Washington Post wrote that "the songs, while hardly exceptional, are certainly tuneful, and Havens delivers them with typical feeling and conviction."[8] The Sun Sentinel wrote: "Opening with an up-tempo ska number, Haven's rich, throaty vocal line reaches out of the tight studio mix to grab your attention."[16]
The Ottawa Citizen thought that "it is ... disconcerting to hear the slick uptown grooves on the opening track, 'Drivin''."[17]The Gazette noted the "very commercial '80s sound," but acknowledged that "Havens's voice is still an affecting instrument."[18]
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