Simplify “Simplify” (the original album) was released in 1999 and was later renamed and recompiled into Simplified in 2005. It is the second release from Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand. It features Ryan Shupe, Roger Archibald, Craig Miner, Rory Carrera, and Wally Barnum.
"The music is mandolin, guitar, violin, bouzouki and banjo-driven. It's truly an acoustic circus ... But, because the boys throw in jazz, funk, a bit of rap and some blues into the act, nobody knows what to call 'em ... Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband are able to take a seat among performers like Paul Simon, Dave Matthews, Natalie Merchant, James Taylor and Lyle Lovett." - Deseret News
The music is a "Fresh hybrid of new music ... featuring the percussive fervor of rock, and other styles ... Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand bring imaginative arrangements and daring musicianship to their quintet sound." - Bluegrass Unlimited
"The disc is refreshingly fun ... yet, still tackles important themes. Most of the songs deliver a country music morality message, yet the inventive nature of the music mix is undoubtedly nontraditional and unconstrained. Like another unmentionable Utah singing duo from the past, it's a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n' roll." - MTV.com
