"Stars" by Simply Red is quite simply one of the best albums in UK history. When "Something Got Me Started" was released in 1991, nobody could have guessed that the forthcoming album "Stars" was going to be so huge. It almost feels like a greatest hits collection in itself - even the album ... Read review
Such was the omnipresence of Britain's biggest selling album in 1992 and 1993, that Stars ... more
sounds like a Greatest Hits in its own right. It's always been fashionable for critics to sneer at Simply Red's phenomenal success, but there's no denying the sum...
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Such was the omnipresence of Britain's biggest selling album in 1992 and 1993, ... more
thatStarssounds like a Greatest Hits in its own right. It's always been fashionable for critics to sneer at Simply Red's phenomenal success, but there's no denying the sumpt...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Stars was released in 1991 and is regarded as the classic Simply Red album, with ... more
outstanding hit tracks including Something Got Me Started, Your Mirror, For Your Babies and the title track Stars. This album was very much the dominating force of 1991 with record sales reaching dizzying heights and beating the likes of Michael Jackson, U2 and Dire Straits.This programme takes a look at the classic songs front he album and also includes specially recorded tracks, archive footage and promotional clips. We learn of Mick Hucknall's musical vision and his inspirational forces both past and present, and how these influenced the songs he wrote and recorded.Also featured in the programme are exclusive interviews with the producer Stewart levine, Motown Legend Lamont Dozier and members of the band, giving an insight into why the album, and Simply Red , have been such phenomenal successes. A true Classic Album.
Advantages: Easy to obtain and it's available on lots of formats Disadvantages: None
"Stars" by Simply Red is quite simply one of the best albums in UK history. When "Something Got Me Started" was released in 1991, nobody could have guessed that the forthcoming album "Stars" was going to be so huge. It almost feels like a greatest hits collection in itself - even the album tracks seem to be played endlessly in shops - and it's hard to remember a time before it was released in some ways. Mick Hucknall ... ...hair on the front cover - and the album had a very poppy feel that grabbed the attention of non-fans and reaffirmed the devotion of Simply Red's more zealous followers. It's probably the last time Mick's work had a "band" feel to it and it's all the better for it. It was the biggest album between 1992 and 1993 and deservedly so. It's a shame that a smashing formula was finally found here only for him to apparently take full charge of his ... more
"Stars" by Simply Red is quite simply one of the best albums in UK history. When "Something Got Me Started" was released in 1991, nobody could have guessed that the forthcoming album "Stars" was going to be so huge. It almost feels like a greatest hits collection in itself - even the album tracks seem to be played endlessly in shops - and it's hard to remember a time before it was released in some ways. Mick Hucknall went for an image change - check out the long hair on the front cover - and the album had a very poppy feel that grabbed the attention of non-fans and reaffirmed the devotion of Simply Red's more zealous followers. It's probably the last time Mick's work had a "band" feel to it and it's all the better for it. It was the biggest album between 1992 and 1993 and deservedly so. It's a shame that a smashing formula was finally found here only for him to apparently take full charge of his little projects. He seems to work better when he delegates...
Here is a list of tracks.
1. Something Got Me Started 2. Stars 3. Thrill Me 4. Your Mirror 5. She's Got It Bad 6. For Your Babies 7. Model 8. How Could I Fall 9. Freedom 10. Wonderland
Track one "Something Got Me Started" is a pop funk fest of oozing sexuality. The bass line, the spoken intro, the whispery "show me" and the backing singing all add up to a smashing song. It was a huge hit and I like the idea of a man realising he's done wrong and how he's trying to get someone back. "Totally broken hearted, guilty of what I did to you, lately since we've parted, I truly know that I need you". It's repetitive in places but it only adds to the song I think.
Title track "Stars" covers similar themes of guilt and lost love. This is a very radio friendly track and the bass line and introduction are superb. Mick's range is shown off to great effect in the chorus. I adore the line "These silent voices are driving me crazy".
Track 3 "Thrill Me" again covers themes of guilt and how bad a man feels to have neglected his love. The saxophone is superb and this has a kind of 1980s feel to it in some ways. This wasn't as big a hit as the rest of the singles but I really like it. It's quite forceful in the lyrics. "We've got a love so strong" and the sexy "I'm gonna treat you right".
The next song "Your Mirror" reminds me of "A New Flame" in terms of structure. It goes slow then fast then slow again and the bass and guitars follow the flow.
It's a very political song - very Tory-bashing, with references to society not caring about anyone - but it also reaches on a personal level. I love the tweeting bird sound effects in the chorus and the bass line. Great production.
The verse is about how we have to stand up for ourselves, because society (and the government) doesn't care and then suddenly there's an about-turn as Mick shouts "hold it, it's wrong" and explains we can look at ourselves and change things. It's also about having a lack of confidence. "Your beauty lies within you, look in the mirror baby". It shows off Mick's vocal range (yet again!).
Track 5, "She's Got It Bad" is very 1970s sounding track, a bit soulful but with drums and bass. The first real "filler" on this album.
Track 6 is "For Your Babies". Most people love it, I think it's dire. Great voice, great arrangements and the introduction is superb but I just can't stand the lyrics. Maybe I'm just too cynical for songs with words like "your face is just beaming". I'm still not entirely certain what this song is meant to be about. Is it parenthood or just faith and the energy of children in general? Who knows but I usually skip this. Sorry if you love this track!
Track 7 "Model" is a rather sexy dance-like track but with hints of reggae. And we all know about Hucknall's penchant for models...
"How Could I Fall" is next and there's that great saxophone again! The next song is "Freedom" which has a hard funky edge to it and some more politics. Yay!
The final track is the lazy, laid back song "Wonderland". Mick sounds like he's almost sighing his way through this but no, there's some more politics and apparent Thatcher-hating. The bile against this beautiful tune is almost perverse.
"The end of an era our future no clearer my people no stronger the blame I lay on her"
And the line "my people" seems to suggest some kind of allegiance.
A good end to a stunning album. I suspect most people will only listen to the hits on this classic CD (or minidisc or cassette) but give the rest of the album a go.
"Stars" is a true classic. I can't believe it's 14 years old.
Advantages: Songs will keep the listener's attention right through the CD Disadvantages: None
I remember buying this CD about 12 years ago, and relaxing today just listening to Hucknall's dulcit tones, it may as well have been produced yesterday!
Hucknall has a great voice, has massive range and the versatility lends itself to a great CD. It is a timeless classic in every sense and I am sure that fans are still playing Simply Red music regularly. Now all I need to do, is gain more fans for 'Stars' with this review!
Of course, I bought this ... ...Now, not everyone may like the song, but this is what clinched the purchase for me.
However, I will take each track separately and give you my critique on each one.
Track one - Something got me started
This starts the CD off with some good uptempo music. Despite the fact that it has a hint of sadness in the words due to lovers parting and the singer realising his mistake, the music remains uplifting, possibly giving hope that there is another ...
cheepcheep1 15.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Stars - Simply Red
Advantages: Easy listening, good tracks Disadvantages: None
Stars - Simply Red I wanna fall from the stars Simply Red have been around for a long long time now but I think their music is still relevant and great. I think they are one of those bands who have fans of all ages due to their easy listening, non offensive type music. Apparently, according to an article I read, Simply Red got their name because it was the lead singer's (Mick Hucknall's) nickname due to his red hair. I never knew this fact but it ... ...favourite album of theirs is Stars as it contains a lot of my favourite songs of theirs. Stars is the fourth album from Simply Red and was released in 1991. Apparently when it was released it became the best-selling album for two years running in Europe and the UK. According to an article I read, in 2000 Q magazine placed Stars at number 80 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. I would have to agree with this as it tends to be one ...
Spottydog11 25.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Stars - Simply Red
Advantages: mixture of music genres all on one cd Disadvantages: none
...to enjoy at home or in the car, I would recommend stars as being your first choice.
I would also recommend to those fans out there to see the group live in concert, because when they perfrom such songs as what is on this album live... nothing can beat it... ...
thebectoriousone 19.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Stars - Simply Red
Advantages: nice mellow, easy listening album Disadvantages: maybe too mellow
Very good album, I loved it, simply red, good as always. I thought it was slightly more mellow than their usual stuff, not that their other stuff isn't but, this was. Very good driving music I found, because when I went up to Bristol to visit my daughter, this album was perfect for the chaotic journey. But I did prefer their latet album, redder, simply because I love the song fairground.
But if you like some of simply reds older stuff, go for this ...
u23bancroftl 28.12.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Stars - Simply Red
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
Value for Money
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Advantages: A great album to get you in the mood for a night out Disadvantages: A couple of weak links
this light hearted thought of men falling out of the sky, after which the women can take their pick.
?Stars? by SimplyRed, released in 1992, slows the beat a little, and the opening bars of the song, provide a strong backdrop to the soulful tones of Mick Hucknall. The addition of the piano, makes this a memorable track and Mick?s voice is full of emotion as he proclaims his love and the fact that ?I wanna fall from the stars,
Straight into your arms?.
?Somebody elses guy? by Jocelyn Brown was a huge club hit during the 80?s. The track begins with her hugely powerful voice holding that first ?I? and being only accompanied by a piano, before the music absolutely thumps in and the ?oohs? of the backing singers. Again, the piano makes a huge impact during the song, and also the addition of trumpets, despite the song having ...
Down On Me
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ABBA - Knowing Me Knowing You
Bee Gees - You Win Again
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Take That - Back for Good
Westlife - Flying Without Wings
Dusty Springfield - Son of a Preacher Man
SimplyRed - Stars
Dido - Thank You
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Anastacia - I'm Outta Love
Sade - No Ordinary Love
Destiny's Child - Independant Woman Part1
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CD3 was your regular compilation last disk let down. A huge anti-climax and in nice timing for the bottle being emptied and the pillow fluffed up. Don't get me wrong all the artists deserve to be on a World Greatest CD but it's just one o those CD's you tend to forget you own.
Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds
Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone
Aretha Franklin - Respect
Marvin Gaye ...
Advantages: Brilliant Album for the Summer Disadvantages: I don't like a couple of tracks
Bedingfield - If You're Not the One (2002)
03. The Corrs - What Can I Do (1998)
04. Cher - The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss) (1990)
05. Ronan Keating - Lovin' Each Day (2001)
06. Bangles - Manic Monday (1985)
07. The Rembrandts - I'll Be There For You (Theme from Friends) (1995)
08. Katrina & The Waves - Walking on Sunshine (1985)
09. Bananarama - Venus (1986)
10. Donna Summer - Hot Stuff (1979)
11. The B-52's - Love Shack (1989)
12. M People - Moving on Up (1993)
13. Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive (1978)
14. SimplyRed - Stars (1991)
15. Mary Mary - Shackles (Praise You) (2000)
16. Womack & Womack - Teardrops (1988)
17. SWV - Right Here (1993)
18. TLC - Waterfalls (1995)
19. Shola Ama - You Might Need Somebody (1997)
20. Sister Sledge - We Are Family (1979)
21. Chaka Khan with Rufus - Ain't Nobody (1983)
PACKAGING ...
Simply Red: Mick Hucknall (vocals); Heitor T.P. (guitar); Ian Kirkham (saxophone); Fritz McIntyre (keyboards, background vocals); Tim Kellett (keyboards); Shaun Ward (bass); Gota (drums, percussion, programming). Mick Hucknall is one of the most prodigious talents in the music business; anyone who disputes this statement need only listen without prejudice to Stars. His voice has a range, sensitivity and accuracy that puts others to shame, and enables him to journey between soul, hip-hop and jazz with alacrity. As if that were not enough, he has an almost Mozartian ability to compose melodies woven from the very essence of music. On Stars he left behind much of the narcissism of previous albums, gave the band high-quality material to develop and produced an enduring classic.
Album Reviews
Q (6/00, p.63) - Ranked #80 in Q's "100 Greatest British Albums" - "You can take the boy out of Manchester, give him money and women, but you can't take Manchester out of the boy....Hence the admirable STARS..." Q (12/99, p.70) - Included in Q Magazine's "90 Best Albums Of The 1990s." Q - Included in Q's list of the 50 best albums of 1991. New York Times (10/2/91) - "...intelligent, soulful dance-pop."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Something Got Me Started
2.
Stars
3.
Thrill Me
4.
Your Mirror
5.
She's Got It Bad
6.
For Your Babies
7.
Model
8.
How Could I Fall
9.
Freedom
10.
Wonderland
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09/04/2004
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