Life in a Day is the debut album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released in April 1979 by record label Zoom.

[5] The Lou Reed and Nico influenced "Chelsea Girl" was written in March 1978[6] and appeared on Simple Minds first demo tape along with "Pleasantly Disturbed", "The Cocteau Twins" and three other songs.

[9] Prior to the album's release, "Life in a Day" and "Chelsea Girl" was performed live on BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test in March 1979.

The recording sessions yielded the full album, the b-side "Special View" and two unfinished out-takes, "Rosemary's Baby" and "Children of the Game".

Smash Hits' Red Starr selected it as "British Pick of the Week", calling it "a very strong debut album from an exceptionally talented new Scottish band that are certainly destined for the top.

Though occasionally overdecorated and missing the urgency of their live shows, this is still a superb blend of old and new waves into punchy, imaginative mainstream rock with some classic songs.

"[17] NME's Tony Stewart praised the lyrics and arrangements despite noting the overt influences of 1970s music, and rated "Murder Story" the standout track.