Picture Book is the debut album by British pop and soul group Simply Red, released in October 1985. It contains the US number-one single "Holding Back the Years", and covers of the Valentine Brothers' "Money's Too Tight (to Mention)" and Talking Heads' "Heaven". Three more singles were released from the album: "Come to My Aid", "Jericho", and "Open Up the Red Box".
The album helped Simply Red earn a 1987 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. "Holding Back the Years" was also nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.
Chris Joyce – drums, percussion Tony Bowers – bass Sylvan Richardson – guitars David Fryman – guitars (8), backing vocals (8) Mick Hucknall – lead and backing vocals, acoustic piano Fritz McIntyre – keyboards, backing vocals Tim Kellett – keyboards, trumpet, live backing vocals Ronnie Ross – baritone saxophone (2, 4, 5) Ian Dickson – tenor saxophone (2, 4, 5) Francis Foster – congas (1, 3)
Producer – Stewart Levine Engineered and mixed by Femi Jiya Assistant engineer – Chris Dickie Mastered by Arun Chakraverty at Master Room (London, England) CD mastering – Barry Diament Sleeve design – Peter Barrett Front cover photo – Simon Fowler Back cover photo – Malcolm Heywood
