"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.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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...
exceptional by (20%):
very helpful by (73%):
helpful by (7%):
