Mick Hucknall might have begun his performing as a gravel-voiced punk shouter with The Frantic Elevators in 1979, but even then the first stirrings of an accomplished cosmopolitan talent were evident. An early Elevators' song "Holding Back The Years"--a poignant reflection on his childhood separation from his mother, re-recorded with Simply Red in 1985--presented Hucknall as one of the most potent balladeers of his generation. As this collection shows, it is a talent that he has maintained throughout Simply Red's career, both as an interpreter of genre-crossing standards ("Angel", "Night Nurse", "Ain't That A Lot Of Love") and original craftsman ("Stars", "It's Only Love", "For Your Babies"). Despite the line-up changes, a seamless poise and elegance has been the Hucknall hallmark--a winning blend of tenderness and resolve. It's Only Love is an impressive assertion of his soulful credentials.