Released in October 1985, Once Upon A Time marked a major turning point for Simple Minds, featuring a bigger, stadium-oriented sound while retaining their emotional depth. Produced by Jimmy Iovine and Bob Clearmountain, the album combines powerful rhythms, gospel-style backing vocals, and expansive keyboards. It achieved international success, reaching #1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, with iconic singles such as “Alive and Kicking.” The album cemented the band’s place among the major rock acts of the 1980s. Today, it remains a reference point for ’80s rock, showcasing both sonic ambition and timeless energy.
For its 40th anniversary, a special edition has been released on CD and vinyl.
Does this 40th anniversary edition live up to the milestone?
For this review, you will find 11 versions tested:
- Ed 1: CD 40th – 2025
- Ed 2: Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015
- Ed 3: Blu-ray Stereo – 2015
- Ed 4: CD – 1985
- Ed 5: CD SDE BOX – 2015
- Ed 6: DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015
- Ed 7: DVD SDE BOX stereo – 2015
- Ed 8: SACD – 2003
- Ed 9: TIDAL MAX – 2025
- Ed 10: Vinyl Japan – 1985
- Ed 11: Vinyl RED 40th – 2025
Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition in the following chapters.
The synthesis of the review are available here.
The album is composed of 9 tracks:
- Once Upon A Time
- All The Things She Said
- Ghost Dancing
- Alive And Kicking
- Don’t You (Forget About Me)*
- Oh Jungleland
- I Wish You Were Here
- Sanctify Yourself
- Come A Long Way
* only on Tidal Max, the red 40th vinyl record, CD Box (on CD2)
Summary, scoring and Samples
Ed 1: CD 40th – 2025
Presentation
This is the first CD of the 5-CD Box Set being reviewed. The box set includes the original album, B-sides, rarities, extended mixes, and the complete Live In The City Of Light concert across two discs. It also features a 36-page booklet with rare photos, interviews, and a track-by-track guide provided by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill (ref: 0602475469872)
Waveform and Spectrum: DR9
The waveform of the CD 40th – 2025 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR9.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the CD 40th – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD – 1985 (blue curve).The two curves are similar, but there is a significant difference between 2 and 10 kHz (yellow area), where the original CD shows a level up to 2 dB higher. In contrast, above 10 kHz (orange area), the 2025 CD has a higher level, reaching up to 8 dB in the highs.
Synthesis and listening
The 2025 remastered CD version (identical to the 2015 CD version) provides a sound balance with less pronounced upper mids and a more detailed extreme high end. However, combined with dynamic compression, it loses some of the sonic impact compared to the original version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed 2: Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015
Presentation
This is the 5.1 version from the audio Blu-ray presented in 24 bits 96 kHz. The audio Blu-ray was released in 2015 and includes a stereo track and a 5.1 track in DTS HD Master Audio. 2005 stereo and 5.1 surround sound remixed by CHARLIE BURCHILL and ROLAND PRENT and mastered by ANDREW WALTER at ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS (ref: 602547220936)
Spatialization:
The spatialization of Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015 version varies from track to track, with values between 3.4 and 3.8.
Spatialization : ●●●oo (3.6)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR11
The waveform of the Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015 version shows a good dynamic range confirmed with DR11.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 48 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015.
The 5.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 96 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 48 kHz (yellow arrow). The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).
Synthesis and listening
The 5.1 mix provides a noticeable expansion of the album’s soundstage, making good use of the different channels, particularly on “I Wish You Were Here” and “Sanctify Yourself.” However, it also relies heavily on reverb to fill the rear channels, while maintaining an overall rather front-oriented presentation. Mixed in 2015, it is an enjoyable surround experience but falls short of the precision and natural balance found in Steven Wilson’s more recent multichannel mixes. It’s also unfortunate that this 5.1 version suffers from dynamic compression.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Spatialization: ●●●oo (3.6)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed 3: Blu-ray Stereo – 2015
Presentation
This is the stereo version from the audio Blu-ray presented in 24 bits 96 kHz. The audio Blu-ray was released in 2015 and includes a stereo track and a 5.1 track in DTS HD Master Audio. 2005 stereo and 5.1 surround sound remixed by CHARLIE BURCHILL and ROLAND PRENT and mastered by ANDREW WALTER at ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS (ref: 602547220936)
Waveform and Spectrum: DR10
The waveform of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2015 version shows a correct dynamic range confirmed with DR10.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 48 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2015 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD – 1985 (blue curve).The difference introduced by the 2015 remaster is clear. There is a noticeable boost in the low frequencies below 200 Hz (green area), with a gain reaching up to +5 dB around 50 Hz, as well as an emphasis on the high frequencies above 5 kHz (yellow area), also peaking at about +5 dB above 15 kHz. The yellow arrow also shows the extended frequency range up to 48 kHz in the high-resolution version, whereas the CD is limited to 22 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
For the stereo version of the Blu-ray audio, the approach differs from the remastering used for the CD editions. There is a noticeable boost in the low end, which is more prominent than in any other version, along with greater detail in the high frequencies. This version delivers a tonal balance closer to modern sound trends, but this new tonal balance, combined with a bit of dynamic limiting, results in a loss of the original version’s impact.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 4: CD – 1985
Presentation
This is the original CD released in 1985.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR14
The waveform of the CD – 1985 shows a high range confirmed with DR14.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Vinyl Japan – 1985 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD – 1985 (blue curve).The two curves overlap across most of the spectrum. However, the CD version shows a slight boost in the low frequencies between 40 and 70 Hz (green area), of about +2 dB, as well as an emphasis in the high frequencies above 15 kHz (yellow area), reaching up to +5 dB.
Synthesis and listening
The 1985 CD fully restores the dynamics and impact of the album’s original version, to experience the original sound and tonal balance, it is the digital version to favor.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed 5: CD SDE BOX – 2015
Presentation
This is the first CD from The Once Upon A Time Deluxe Box, which comprises six discs of newly remastered material. It includes the original album, previously unreleased single mixes, B-sides and alternate versions, extended mixes, and the 2-CD Live In The City Of Light concert from 1987. The box set also features a DVD-Audio disc with high-resolution 96/24 audio, a 5.1 surround mix, and promotional videos. Additionally, it comes with a 36-page booklet containing rare photos, new interviews with Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, and a track-by-track commentary (ref:602547220721).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR9
The waveform of the CD SDE BOX – 2015 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR9.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the CD 40th – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD SDE BOX – 2015 (blue curve). The two curves align perfectly, indicating that they are derived from the same original master.
Synthesis and listening
The 2015 remastered CD version (identical to the 2025 CD version) provides a sound balance with less pronounced upper mids and a more detailed extreme high end. However, combined with dynamic compression, it loses some of the sonic impact compared to the original version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed 6: DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015
Presentation
This is the DVD (5.1 track) from The Once Upon A Time Deluxe Box, which comprises six discs of newly remastered material. It includes the original album, previously unreleased single mixes, B-sides and alternate versions, extended mixes, and the 2-CD Live In The City Of Light concert from 1987. The box set also features a DVD-Audio disc with high-resolution 96/24 audio, a 5.1 surround mix, and promotional videos. Additionally, it comes with a 36-page booklet containing rare photos, new interviews with Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, and a track-by-track commentary. The DVD contains the same versions as the Blu-ray edition. (ref: 602547220721).
Spatialization:
The spatialization of DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015 version varies from track to track, with values between 3.4 and 3.8.
Spatialization : ●●●oo (3.6)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR11
The waveform of the DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015 version shows a good dynamic range confirmed with DR11.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 48 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015.
The 5.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 96 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 48 kHz (yellow arrow). The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).
Synthesis and listening
The playback is similar to that of the Blu-ray 5.1 version. This version delivers a tonal balance closer to modern sound trends, but this new tonal balance, combined with a bit of dynamic limiting, results in a loss of the original version’s impact.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Spatialization: ●●●oo (3.6)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.1)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed 7: DVD SDE BOX stereo – 2015
Presentation
This is the DVD (5.1 track) from The Once Upon A Time Deluxe Box, which comprises six discs of newly remastered material. It includes the original album, previously unreleased single mixes, B-sides and alternate versions, extended mixes, and the 2-CD Live In The City Of Light concert from 1987. The box set also features a DVD-Audio disc with high-resolution 96/24 audio, a 5.1 surround mix, and promotional videos. Additionally, it comes with a 36-page booklet containing rare photos, new interviews with Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, and a track-by-track commentary. The DVD contains the same versions as the Blu-ray edition. (ref:602547220721).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR10
The waveform of the DVD SDE BOX stereo – 2015 version shows a correct dynamic range confirmed with DR10.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 48 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2015 (white curve) with the spectrum of the DVD SDE BOX stereo – 2015 (blue curve).The two curves align perfectly, indicating that they are derived from the same original master.
Synthesis and listening
The playback is similar to that of the Blu-ray stereo version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 8: SACD – 2003
Presentation
This is the hybrid SACD version released in 2003. This edition was remastered by Simon Heyworth (ref: 72435932322).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR9
The waveform of the SACD – 2003 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR9.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) the characteristic noise of DSD64 beyond 30 kHz (white arrow).
The graph below compares the spectrum of the SACD – 2003 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD – 1985 (blue curve).The two curves are very close, with a slight difference in the low frequencies (green area) where the SACD level is marginally higher, as well as small variations in the mid and high frequencies (yellow areas), where the SACD is slightly lower than the CD. The yellow arrow highlights the noise rise that is typical of DSD64 processing.
Synthesis and listening
This is the version closest to the original, with slightly more low end that helps preserve the spirit of the original mix. If it weren’t for the slight dynamic limiting, the SACD would be the best edition of this album.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 176.4 kHz:
Ed 9: TIDAL MAX – 2025
Presentation
This is the Tidal Max version presented in 24 bits 96 kHz.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR9
The waveform of the TIDAL MAX – 2025 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR9.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 48 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the TIDAL MAX – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD 40th – 2025 (blue curve).The two curves align perfectly, but the CD shows a limit at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to its 44.1 kHz sampling rate.
Synthesis and listening
The Tidal MAX delivers the same tonal character as the 2015 CD edition. However, this may vary depending on the DAC used and the processing it applies according to the sampling frequencies.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 10: Vinyl Japan – 1985
Presentation
This is the Japanese vinyl record released in 1985. It includes a 33 ? RPM LP.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR14
The waveform of the Vinyl Japan – 1985 shows a high range confirmed with DR14.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with signal above this frequency (white arrow) containing musical information and distortion due to the vinyl record’s operating principle.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Vinyl RED 40th – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Vinyl Japan – 1985 (blue curve).The two curves are similar, but there is a significant difference between 2 and 10 kHz (yellow area), where the original vinyl shows a level up to 3 dB higher. In contrast, above 10 kHz (orange area), the 2025 vinyl has a higher level, reaching up to 5 dB in the highs.
Synthesis and listening
The 1985 vinyl edition restores the sound balance and dynamics of the original version, while providing a slightly wider soundstage than the 1985 CD.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 192 kHz:
Ed 11: Vinyl RED 40th – 2025
Presentation
This is the Limited Edition Red Vinyl, pressed on red vinyl and housed in a gatefold sleeve featuring Anton Corbijn’s iconic photo of the band at Live Aid. It also includes “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” on the vinyl record album for the first time (ref : )
Waveform and Spectrum: DR12
The waveform of the Vinyl RED 40th – 2025 version shows a very good dynamic range confirmed with DR12.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with signal above this frequency (white arrow) containing musical information and distortion due to the vinyl record’s operating principle.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Vinyl RED 40th – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD 40th – 2025 (blue curve).The two curves are similar, but there is a significant difference above 10 kHz (orange area), the CD 2025 has a higher level, reaching up to 10 dB in the highs.
Synthesis and listening
The mastering of this vinyl edition softens the upper midrange and high frequencies, resulting in a less clear sound compared to the original 1985 version. The outcome is a less bright tonal balance and reduced dynamics, further diminished by compression that was unnecessary for a 1985 recording.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : Alive And Kicking 24 bits 192 kHz:
This Simple Minds album celebrates its 40th anniversary, and one could have expected a truly new commemorative edition. Unfortunately, it’s merely a reissue of the 30th anniversary version released in 2015, but without the audio DVD or Blu-ray. As a result, the 5.1 mix is missing — and it must be said, it would have deserved a proper remix to meet current multichannel mixing standards. There’s also no Dolby Atmos version, which is actually preferable to having a disappointing Atmos mix like the one made for “New Gold Dream.”
As for the stereo versions, it’s difficult to rework the 1985 mix without losing its original energy and dynamics. The original release remains unmatched, particularly on vinyl but also on CD. Among the remastered editions, the SACD version stays the closest to the original, adding a bit more presence in the low end. The other remasters — especially the 2015/2025 CDs — suffer from reduced dynamics, while the Blu-ray and DVD stereo versions emphasize the bass to achieve a more modern sound balance, though at the expense of the original mix’s liveliness and dynamic range.
Dynamic Range measurements are shown below.
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Measurements
Dynamic Range comparaisons
Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest. The target is to compare the dynamics of the music and not of the media (CD, digital files or vinyl).
For our 11 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :
| CD 40th – 2025 | Blu-ray 5.1 – 2015 | Blu-ray Stereo – 2015 | CD – 1985 | CD SDE BOX – 2015 | DVD SDE BOX 5.1 – 2015 | DVD SDE BOX stereo – 2015 | SACD – 2003 | TIDAL MAX – 2025 | Vinyl Japan – 1985 | Vinyl RED 40th – 2025 | |
| Global | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR14 | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR14 | DR12 |
| Min | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR13 | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR11 |
| Max | DR9 | DR12 | DR11 | DR15 | DR9 | DR12 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR15 | DR12 |
| Once Upon A Time | DR9 | DR12 | DR11 | DR15 | DR9 | DR12 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR15 | DR12 |
| All The Things She Said | DR9 | DR11 | DR11 | DR14 | DR9 | DR11 | DR11 | DR9 | DR9 | DR14 | DR12 |
| Ghost Dancing | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR13 | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR13 | DR11 |
| Alive And Kicking | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR14 | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR14 | DR11 |
| Don’t You (Forget About Me)* | DR8 | DR11 | |||||||||
| Oh Jungleland | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR14 | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR8 | DR13 | DR11 |
| I Wish You Were Here | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR14 | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR14 | DR12 |
| Sanctify Yourself | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR14 | DR8 | DR11 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR14 | DR11 |
| Come A Long Way | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR15 | DR9 | DR11 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR15 | DR12 |
As a reminder, the scale goes from 0 to more 20, but the dynamics are considered good from 12, quite good between 10 and 11, and deteriorate below 10.
Detail of the ratings :
- Dynamic :
- Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
- Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
- Correct piece DR >=10
- No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
- No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
- Spectrum :
- Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
- Spectrum cut at 15 khz
- Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
- Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
- Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
- Surface noise (only for vinyl):
- Continuous audible noise
- Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
- Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
- Low surface noise, very good quality
- Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
- Spatialization :
- Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
- Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
- For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
- Restitution :
- Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
- Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
- Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
- High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
- Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.