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{{Short description|Simply Red song}}
{{Short description|Simply Red song}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Stars
| name = Stars
Line 9: Line 9:
| artist = [[Simply Red]]
| artist = [[Simply Red]]
| album = [[Stars (Simply Red album)|Stars]]
| album = [[Stars (Simply Red album)|Stars]]
| B-side =
| B-side = {{Unbulleted list|"Ramblin' on My Mind"|"Something Got Me Started" (Hurley's House Mix)}}
* "Ramblin' on My Mind"
| released = 18 November 1991 {{small|(Europe)}}<br>January 1992 {{small|(North America)}}
* "[[Something Got Me Started]]" (remix)
| format = {{hlist|[[CD single|CD]]|[[7" single]]|[[Gramophone record|12" maxi]]}}
| recorded = 1991
| released = {{start date|1991|11|18|df=y}}
| studio =
| recorded =
| studio = Condulmer ([[Venice]], Italy)
| venue =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop rock]]|[[blue-eyed soul]]}}
| genre =
* [[Soul music|Soul]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]
| length = 4:08
| length = 4:08
| label = [[EastWest Records America]]
| label = [[East West Records|EastWest]]
| writer = [[Mick Hucknall]]
| writer = [[Mick Hucknall]]
| producer = [[Stewart Levine]]
| producer = [[Stewart Levine]]
Line 25: Line 27:
| next_year = 1992
| next_year = 1992
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|izOdvBmTDh0|"Stars"}}}}
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|izOdvBmTDh0|"Stars"}}}}

}}
}}


"'''Stars'''" is a 1991 single by British [[soul music|soul]] and [[pop music|pop]] band [[Simply Red]], released as the second single from their fourth album [[Stars (Simply Red album)|of the same name]]. Written by lead singer [[Mick Hucknell]] and produced by [[Stewart Levine]], "Stars" became the first single from the album to crack the UK top 10, reaching number eight in December 1991. Outside the UK, "Stars" reached the top 10 in Denmark and Zimbabwe and peaked within the top 40 in more than 10 other countries. In the United States it climbed to number 44 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], marking the band's last appearance on the listing, and reached number eight on the ''Billboard'' [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] chart.
"'''Stars'''" is a song by British [[soul music|soul]] and [[pop music|pop]] band [[Simply Red]], released in November 1991 as the second single from their fourth album [[Stars (Simply Red album)|of the same name]] (1991). Written by lead singer [[Mick Hucknall]] and produced by [[Stewart Levine]], it became the first single from the album to enter the UK top 10, reaching number eight in December 1991. Outside the UK, "Stars" reached the top 10 in Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, and Zimbabwe. In the United States, it climbed to number 44 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], marking the band's last appearance on the listing.


In 2003, ''[[Q (magazine)|Q Magazine]]'' ranked "Stars" at number 241 in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzieklijstjes.nl/Q1001bestsongsever.htm|title=Q - 1001 best songs ever (2003)|publisher=}}</ref> The song was included on the band's compilation albums, ''[[Greatest Hits (Simply Red album)|Greatest Hits]]'' in 1996, ''[[Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits]]'' in 2008 and ''[[Song Book 1985–2010]]'' in 2013.
''[[Q (magazine)|Q Magazine]]'' included "Stars" in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever" in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muzieklijstjes.nl/Q1001bestsongsever.htm|title=Q - 1001 best songs ever (2003)|publisher=}}</ref> The song was featured on the band's compilation albums, ''[[Greatest Hits (Simply Red album)|Greatest Hits]]'' in 1996, ''[[Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits]]'' in 2008 and ''[[Song Book 1985–2010]]'' in 2013.


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
[[AllMusic]] editor Jon O'Brien called the song "wistful dreamy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/25-the-greatest-hits-mw0000805511|title=Simply Red - 25: The Greatest Hits|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|date=|accessdate=22 March 2020}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' described it as a "midtempo crooner". Writing for CultureSonar, Ellen Fagan wrote, "This exquisite ballad references a couple who love one another but are unlikely to walk off into the sunset together for various reasons. Because of that, both are destined to walk away reeling. The video released with the song is a vintage '80s masterpiece of surrealism; the whole package emerges as a mournful tune with a yearning, otherworldly feel."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.culturesonar.com/holding-back-nothing-simply-reds-top-10-songs/|title=Holding Back Nothing: Simply Red's Top 10 Songs|publisher=CultureSonar|date=20 December 2018|accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref> ''[[Music & Media]]'' commented that "the title track of their new album has numerous allusions, including references to [[Mick Hucknall]]'s own road to fame and to the stars in the European flag. This soulful pop song confirms the position of the red-headed singer at the top, close to the galactic stars."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1991/MM-1991-11-30.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|date=30 November 1991|page=12|accessdate=22 February 2018}}</ref>
[[AllMusic]] editor Jon O'Brien described the song as "wistful dreamy".<ref>{{cite web|first=Jon|last=O'Brien|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/25-the-greatest-hits-mw0000805511|title=Simply Red - 25: The Greatest Hits|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine viewed it as a "midtempo crooner". Jan DeKnock from ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' felt that the group's "move into a funkier groove" suited them well, especially on the "charmingly upbeat" "Stars" and "[[Something Got Me Started]]".<ref>DeKnock, Jan (14 November 1991). "Recordings". ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> Writing for CultureSonar in 2018, Ellen Fagan wrote, "This exquisite [[ballad]] references a couple who love one another but are unlikely to walk off into the sunset together for various reasons. Because of that, both are destined to walk away reeling. The video released with the song is a vintage '80s masterpiece of [[surrealism]]; the whole package emerges as a mournful tune with a yearning, otherworldly feel."<ref name="ellenfagan">{{cite web|first=Ellen|last=Fagan|url=https://www.culturesonar.com/holding-back-nothing-simply-reds-top-10-songs/|title=Holding Back Nothing: Simply Red's Top 10 Songs|publisher=CultureSonar|date=20 December 2018|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> A reviewer from ''[[Dundee Courier]]'' deemed it a "slowie".<ref>''[[Dundee Courier]]''. 9 January 1992. p. 12.</ref> Dave Tianene from ''[[Milwaukee Sentinel]]'' remarked that the song features "a delicately soulful vocal".<ref>Tianene, Dave (25 October 1991). "Simply Red gambles and wins". ''[[Milwaukee Sentinel]]''.</ref>


Pop Rescue noted that Hucknall "hits those notes with perfection in the chorus, resulting in a wonderfully warm and catchy track."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poprescue.com/2015/10/16/pop-rescue-stars-by-simply-red-cd-1991/|title=REVIEW: "STARS" BY SIMPLY RED (CD, 1991)|publisher=Pop Rescue|date=16 October 2015|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref> Karla Peterson from ''[[The Press-Courier]]'' called it "swooning" and said the track is "one of the most open-hearted love songs Hucknall has ever written."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QS5LAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA28|title=Simply Red embraces soul, R 'n' B, reggae|magazine=[[The Press-Courier]]|date=10 June 1992|page=13|accessdate=11 March 2020}}</ref> In 2014, Luke Turner from [[The Quietus]] noted that the song itself "holds up wonderfully." He added that "there's not a huge amount going on, but that's what makes it work: piano, terrific drums, layers of vocals, and a load of bonus hints of chorus snuck in amongst the verses."<ref>{{cite web|first= Luke |last= Turner |title= Absolved! The Quietus Writers' 50 Favourite Guilt-Free Pleasures |work= [[The Quietus]] |date= 4 August 2014 |accessdate= 21 April 2020 |url= https://thequietus.com/articles/15896-guilt-free-pleasures-songs-list}}</ref> In his review of the ''[[Stars (Simply Red album)|Stars]]'' album, Richard Paton from ''[[Toledo Blade]]'' described "Stars" as a "soulful groove".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ellPAAAAIBAJ|title=SOUNDS: "STARS" Simply Red|magazine=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=10 November 1991|page=13|accessdate=11 March 2020}}</ref> Johnny Dee from ''[[Smash Hits]]'' said the song is "superb".<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/57779449@N02/49357846707/in/album-72157712591994456/ |title= Singles |work= [[Smash Hits]] |date= 15 April 1992 |page= 52 |accessdate= 6 October 2020}}</ref>
Pan-European magazine ''[[Music & Media]]'' found that it has numerous allusions, including references to [[Mick Hucknall]]'s own road to fame and to the stars in the [[EU|European]] flag. They added, "This soulful pop song confirms the position of the red-headed singer at the top, close to the galactic stars."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1991/MM-1991-11-30.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|date=30 November 1991|page=12|access-date=22 February 2018}}</ref> In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue stated that Hucknall "hits those notes with perfection in the chorus, resulting in a wonderfully warm and catchy track."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poprescue.com/2015/10/16/pop-rescue-stars-by-simply-red-cd-1991/|title=Review: "Stars" by Simply Red (CD, 1991)|publisher=Pop Rescue|date=16 October 2015|access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref> Karla Peterson from ''[[The Press-Courier]]'' declared it as "swooning" and "one of the most open-hearted love songs Hucknall has ever written."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Karla|last=Peterson|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QS5LAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA28|title=Simply Red embraces soul, R 'n' B, reggae|magazine=[[The Press-Courier]]|date=10 June 1992|page=13|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> In 2014, Luke Turner from [[The Quietus]] remarked that the song itself "holds up wonderfully", adding that "there's not a huge amount going on, but that's what makes it work: piano, terrific drums, layers of vocals, and a load of bonus hints of chorus snuck in amongst the verses."<ref>{{cite web|first= Luke |last= Turner |title= Absolved! The Quietus Writers' 50 Favourite Guilt-Free Pleasures |work= [[The Quietus]] |date= 4 August 2014 |access-date= 21 April 2020 |url= https://thequietus.com/articles/15896-guilt-free-pleasures-songs-list}}</ref> Richard Paton from ''[[Toledo Blade]]'' complimented it as a "soulful groove".<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Richard|last=Paton|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ellPAAAAIBAJ|title=Sounds: "Stars" Simply Red|magazine=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=10 November 1991|page=13|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Johnny Dee from ''[[Smash Hits]]'' said it is "superb".<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Johnny|last=Dee|url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/57779449@N02/49357846707/in/album-72157712591994456/ |title= Singles |magazine= [[Smash Hits]] |date= 15 April 1992 |page= 52 |access-date= 6 October 2020}}</ref>


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==
"Stars" was a major hit in Europe, becoming one of Simply Red's most successful songs to date. It was a Top 10 hit in Denmark, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, where the single peaked at number 8 in its third week on the chart. Additionally, it also was a Top 20 hit in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland. On the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], "Stars" peaked at number 19 on January 18, 1991. Outside Europe, the single went to number 8 in Zimbabwe, number 17 in Canada, number 29 in Australia, number 32 in New Zealand and number 44 on the US ''Billboard'' [[Hot 100]]. In 2013, the song again charted, this time in Japan, where it peaked at number 49 on the [[Japan Hot 100]]. "Stars" received a [[Music recording certification|silver record]] in the United Kingdom, with a sale of 200,000 singles.
"Stars" became a top-10 hit in Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, where the single peaked at number eight during its third week on the UK Singles Chart. It entered the top 20 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland, as well as the top 30 in France and the top 40 in Sweden (32). On the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], "Stars" peaked at number 19 on 18 January 1991. Outside Europe, the single reached number eight in Zimbabwe, number 17 in Canada, number 29 in Australia, number 32 in New Zealand and number 44 on the US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]]. In 2013, the song charted in Japan, where it peaked at number 49 on the [[Japan Hot 100]]. "Stars" received a [[Music recording certification|platinum record]] in the United Kingdom, with sales and streams of over 600,000 units.


==Music video==
==Music video==
The accompanying [[music video]] for "Stars" was released in November 1991 and features Hucknall wandering around a desert surrounded by large gold stars with close-ups of him and a woman. It was directed by Zanna<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953055/?ref_=tt_ov_dr|title=Simply Red: Stars (1991)|publisher=[[IMDb]]|date=|access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=IMDb is unreliable|date=October 2021}} and edited by Marc Eskenazi.
[[File:Simply Red-Stars (music video).png|right|thumb|Mick Hucknall in a desert, surrounded by large gold stars in the music video of "Stars".]]
The [[music video]] for "Stars" was released in November 1991 and features Hucknall wandering around a desert surrounded by large gold stars with close-ups of him and a woman. It was directed by Zanna<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953055/?ref_=tt_ov_dr|title=Simply Red: Stars (1991)|work=IMDb|date=|accessdate=9 August 2020}}</ref> and edited by Marc Eskenazi. The video was uploaded to [[YouTube]] in April 2009. By August 2020, it had more than 72,4 million views.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izOdvBmTDh0|title=Simply Red - Stars (Official Video)|work=[[YouTube]]|date=27 April 2009|accessdate=9 August 2020}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listings==
{{col-begin}}
'''CD single'''
{{col-2}}
# "Stars" – 4:11
* '''7-inch, cassette, and mini-CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=[[Simply Red]]|year=1991|type=UK 7-inch single sleeve|publisher=[[EastWest Records]]|id=YZ 626, 9031-75801-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=Simply Red|year=1991|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=EastWest Records|id=YZ 626 C}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=Simply Red|year=1991|type=Japanese mini-CD single liner notes|publisher=EastWest Japan|id=WMD5-4087}}</ref>
# "[[Ramblin' on My Mind]]" – 2:11
# "Stars" (Comprende Mix) – 6:40
# "Something Got Me Started" (Hurley's House Mix) – 5:56

'''7" single'''
# "Stars" – 4:08
# "Stars" – 4:08
# "Stars" (PM-ized Mix) – 4:12
# "Stars" ([[P.M. Dawn|PM-ized]] mix) – 4:12


* '''12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=Simply Red|year=1991|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=EastWest Records|id=YZ626T, 9031-75802-0}}</ref>
'''12" maxi'''
# "Stars" (Comprende Mix) – 6:40
:A1. "Stars" (Comprende mix)
# "Stars" (PM-ized Mix) – 4:12
:A2. "Stars" (PM-ized mix)
# "Ramblin' on My Mind" – 2:11
:B1. "[[Ramblin' on My Mind]]"
# "Something Got Me Started" (Hurley's House Mix) – 5:56
:B2. "[[Something Got Me Started]]" ([[Steve "Silk" Hurley|Hurley]]'s house mix)
{{col-2}}
* '''CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=Simply Red|year=1991|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=EastWest Records|id=YZ 626 CD, 9031-76150-2}}</ref>
# "Stars"
# "Ramblin' on My Mind"
# "Stars" (Comprende mix)
# "Something Got Me Started" (Hurley's house mix)


* '''1993 mini-CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|others=Simply Red|year=1993|type=Japanese mini-CD single liner notes|publisher=EastWest Japan|id=AMDE-5105}}</ref>
==Personnel==
# "Stars"
* [[Mick Hucknall]] — lead vocals and backing vocals
# "[[Thrill Me (Simply Red song)|Thrill Me]]" ([[Stewart Levine]]'s club mix)
* [[Fritz McIntyre]] — electronic piano and backing vocals
{{col-end}}
* [[Tim Kellett]] — synthesizers and backing vocals

* [[Heitor Pereira]] - electric guitar
==Credits and personnel==
* [[Gota Yashiki]] — drums and drum machine
Credits are lifted from the ''Stars'' album booklet.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Stars|title-link=Stars (Simply Red album)|others=Simply Red|year=1991|type=UK CD album booklet|publisher=EastWest Records|id=9031-75284-2}}</ref>
* Shaun Ward — bass

'''Studios'''
* Recorded at Condulmer Recording Studio ([[Venice]], Italy)
* Mixed at [[Conway Recording Studios|Conway Studios]] (Los Angeles)
* Mastered at [[Bernie Grundman]] Mastering (Los Angeles)
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Simply Red'''
* [[Mick Hucknall]] – words, music, vocals, backing vocals, co-production
* [[Fritz McIntyre]] – additional vocals, keyboards
* [[Tim Kellett]] – keyboards
* [[Heitor Pereira]] – guitars
* [[Ian Kirkham]] – saxophone
* [[Gota Yashiki]] – drums, percussion, programs
* Shaun Ward – bass guitar
{{col-2}}
'''Other personnel'''
* Stewart Levine – production
* Daren Klein – mixing, engineering
* Sandro Franchin – assistant engineering
* Marnie Riley – assistant mix engineering
* Bernie Grundman – mastering
{{col-end}}


==Charts and certifications==
==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 76: Line 101:
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1991–1992)
!Chart (1991–1992)
!Peak<br>position
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Australia|29|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Australia|29|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Austria|18|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Austria|18|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders|16|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Flanders|16|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Canadatopsingles|17|chartid=2054|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Canadatopsingles|17|chartid=2054|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Canadaadultcontemporary|4|chartid=6828|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|4|chartid=6828|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-01-18.pdf|title=Top 10 Denmark|publisher=[[Music & Media]]|accessdate=21 March 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-01-18.pdf|title=Top 10 Sales in Europe|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=9|issue=3|page=30|date=18 January 1992|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref>
|9
|9
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-01-18.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|publisher=[[Music & Media]]|accessdate=19 March 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1992/MM-1992-01-18.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=9|issue=3|page=30|date=18 January 1992|access-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>
|19
|19
|-
|-
{{singlechart|France|24|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|France|24|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany2|19|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|songid=2367|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Germany|19|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|songid=2367|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Ireland2|13|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Ireland2|13|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php|title=Classifiche|work=[[Musica e Dischi]]|language=it|access-date=29 May 2022}} Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Simply Red".</ref>
!scope="row"|Luxembourg ([[Radio Luxembourg]])<ref>[http://www.umdmusic.com/default.asp?Lang=English&Chart=F Radio Luxembourg Singles, 8 December 1991]</ref>
|2
|-
!scope="row"|Luxembourg ([[Radio Luxembourg]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.umdmusic.com/default.asp?Lang=English&Chart=F|title=Ultimate Music Database|website=www.umdmusic.com}}</ref>
|4
|4
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch40|15|year=1992|week=2|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Dutch40|15|year=1992|week=2|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|15|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|15|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|New Zealand|32|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|32|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Sweden|32|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Sweden|32|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Switzerland|11|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|11|artist=Simply Red|song=Stars|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UK|8|date=19911214|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
{{single chart|UK|8|date=19911214|rowheader=true|access-date=31 July 2019}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|UK ''[[Music Week]]'' Dance Singles<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1991/MW-1991-11-30.pdf |title= Top 60 Dance Singles |magazine= [[Music Week]] |date= 30 November 1991 |page= 22 |accessdate= 28 September 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|[[UK Dance Singles Chart|UK Dance]] (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1991/MW-1991-11-30.pdf|title=Top 60 Dance Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=22|date=30 November 1991|access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref>
|25
|25
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1992-03-14/|title=Billboard Hot 100|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=14 March 1992|access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref>
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|44|artist=Simply Red|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
|44
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/adult-contemporary/1992-03-21/|title=Adult Contemporary|magazine=Billboard|date=21 March 1992|url-access=subscription|access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref>
{{singlechart|Billboardadultcontemporary|8|artist=Simply Red|rowheader=true|accessdate=31 July 2019}}
|8
|-
!scope="row"|US Pop (''[[Radio and Records]]'')<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1992/RR-1992-03-27.pdf | title=Radio & Records | website=worldradiohistory.com}}</ref>
|24
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Zimbabwe (ZIMA)<ref>* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. ''Zimbabwe: singles chart book''. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000</ref>
!scope="row"|Zimbabwe (ZIMA)<ref>* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. ''Zimbabwe: singles chart book''. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000</ref>
Line 127: Line 160:
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (2013)
!Chart (2013)
!Peak<br>position
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboardjapanhot100|49|artist=Simply Red|rowheader=true|accessdate=23 May 2020}}
{{single chart|Billboardjapanhot100|49|artist=Simply Red|rowheader=true|access-date=23 May 2020}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 135: Line 168:
===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1991)
!Position
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=1991 Top 100 Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=20|date=11 January 1992}}</ref>
|89
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1992)
!Chart (1992)
!Position
!Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Canada Adult Contemporary (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.1824&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.1824.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.1824|title=The RPM Top 100 Adult Contemporary tracks of 1992|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|publisher=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|accessdate=31 July 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Canada Adult Contemporary (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.1824&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.1824.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.1824|title=The RPM Top 100 Adult Contemporary tracks of 1992|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|via=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref>
|35
|35
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1992|title=Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1992|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|language=de|accessdate=31 July 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Germany (Official German Charts)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1992|title=Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1992|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]]|language=de|access-date=31 July 2019}}</ref>
|65
|65
|-
!scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1992/Billboard-1992-12-26.pdf|title=1992 The Year in Music|magazine=Billboard|volume=104|issue=52|page=YE-38|date=26 December 1992|access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref>
|35
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


===Certifications===
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Stars|artist=Simply Red|type=single|award=Silver|relyear=1991|certyear=2018}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Simply Red|title=Stars|award=Platinum|relyear=2004|certyear=2023|id=6250-666-1|access-date=13 October 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{col-end}}


==Covers==
==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
[[Olivia Ong]], Singaporean [[bossa nova]] singer recorded a cover in 2010. It also appears on the 2016 album ''The Boy, The Rocket and the World'' by [[Alistair Griffin]].
!scope="col"|Region

!scope="col"|Date
In November 2016, [[Olly Murs]] performed a cover of the song on ''[[The Chris Evans Breakfast Show]]'' on [[BBC Radio 2]].
!scope="col"|Format(s)

!scope="col"|Label(s)
Japanese group [[Kokua]] included a Japanese version of the song written by lead singer [[Shikao Suga]] on their 1st official album "Progress" out on sale 1 June 2016.<ref>http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/kokua/</ref>
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
|18 November 1991
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl|CD}}
|[[East West Records|EastWest]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1991/MW-1991-11-16.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=21|date=16 November 1991|access-date=19 June 2021}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|Japan
|21 December 1991
|rowspan="2"|Mini-CD
|rowspan="2"|EastWest Japan
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/79977/products/302683/1/|title=スターズ {{!}} シンプリー・レッド|trans-title=Stars {{!}} Simply Red|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|25 March 1993
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/79977/products/39820/1/|title=スターズ {{!}} シンプリー・レッド|trans-title=Stars {{!}} Simply Red|publisher=Oricon|language=ja|access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref>
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|simply-red|stars}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{Simply Red singles}}
{{Simply Red singles}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1990s ballads]]
[[Category:1991 singles]]
[[Category:1991 singles]]
[[Category:1991 songs]]
[[Category:1991 songs]]
[[Category:1990s ballads]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Zanna (director)]]
[[Category:Pop ballads]]
[[Category:Simply Red songs]]
[[Category:Simply Red songs]]
[[Category:Songs written by Mick Hucknall]]
[[Category:Songs written by Mick Hucknall]]
[[Category:Pop ballads]]
[[Category:Songs composed in G major]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Zanna]]

Latest revision as of 22:48, 17 December 2024

"Stars"
Single by Simply Red
from the album Stars
B-side
Released18 November 1991 (1991-11-18)
StudioCondulmer (Venice, Italy)
Genre
Length4:08
LabelEastWest
Songwriter(s)Mick Hucknall
Producer(s)Stewart Levine
Simply Red singles chronology
"Something Got Me Started"
(1991) 		"Stars"
(1991) 		"For Your Babies"
(1992)
Music video
"Stars" on YouTube

"Stars" is a song by British soul and pop band Simply Red, released in November 1991 as the second single from their fourth album of the same name (1991). Written by lead singer Mick Hucknall and produced by Stewart Levine, it became the first single from the album to enter the UK top 10, reaching number eight in December 1991. Outside the UK, "Stars" reached the top 10 in Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, and Zimbabwe. In the United States, it climbed to number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band's last appearance on the listing.

Q Magazine included "Stars" in their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever" in 2003.[1] The song was featured on the band's compilation albums, Greatest Hits in 1996, Simply Red 25: The Greatest Hits in 2008 and Song Book 1985–2010 in 2013.

Critical reception

[edit]

AllMusic editor Jon O'Brien described the song as "wistful dreamy".[2] Billboard magazine viewed it as a "midtempo crooner". Jan DeKnock from Chicago Tribune felt that the group's "move into a funkier groove" suited them well, especially on the "charmingly upbeat" "Stars" and "Something Got Me Started".[3] Writing for CultureSonar in 2018, Ellen Fagan wrote, "This exquisite ballad references a couple who love one another but are unlikely to walk off into the sunset together for various reasons. Because of that, both are destined to walk away reeling. The video released with the song is a vintage '80s masterpiece of surrealism; the whole package emerges as a mournful tune with a yearning, otherworldly feel."[4] A reviewer from Dundee Courier deemed it a "slowie".[5] Dave Tianene from Milwaukee Sentinel remarked that the song features "a delicately soulful vocal".[6]

Pan-European magazine Music & Media found that it has numerous allusions, including references to Mick Hucknall's own road to fame and to the stars in the European flag. They added, "This soulful pop song confirms the position of the red-headed singer at the top, close to the galactic stars."[7] In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue stated that Hucknall "hits those notes with perfection in the chorus, resulting in a wonderfully warm and catchy track."[8] Karla Peterson from The Press-Courier declared it as "swooning" and "one of the most open-hearted love songs Hucknall has ever written."[9] In 2014, Luke Turner from The Quietus remarked that the song itself "holds up wonderfully", adding that "there's not a huge amount going on, but that's what makes it work: piano, terrific drums, layers of vocals, and a load of bonus hints of chorus snuck in amongst the verses."[10] Richard Paton from Toledo Blade complimented it as a "soulful groove".[11] Johnny Dee from Smash Hits said it is "superb".[12]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Stars" became a top-10 hit in Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom, where the single peaked at number eight during its third week on the UK Singles Chart. It entered the top 20 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Switzerland, as well as the top 30 in France and the top 40 in Sweden (32). On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Stars" peaked at number 19 on 18 January 1991. Outside Europe, the single reached number eight in Zimbabwe, number 17 in Canada, number 29 in Australia, number 32 in New Zealand and number 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2013, the song charted in Japan, where it peaked at number 49 on the Japan Hot 100. "Stars" received a platinum record in the United Kingdom, with sales and streams of over 600,000 units.

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Stars" was released in November 1991 and features Hucknall wandering around a desert surrounded by large gold stars with close-ups of him and a woman. It was directed by Zanna[13][better source needed] and edited by Marc Eskenazi.

Track listings

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are lifted from the Stars album booklet.[20]

Studios

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[49] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 18 November 1991
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
 EastWest [50]
Japan 21 December 1991 Mini-CD EastWest Japan [51]
25 March 1993 [52]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Q - 1001 best songs ever (2003)".
  2. ^ O'Brien, Jon. "Simply Red - 25: The Greatest Hits". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  3. ^ DeKnock, Jan (14 November 1991). "Recordings". Chicago Tribune.
  4. ^ Fagan, Ellen (20 December 2018). "Holding Back Nothing: Simply Red's Top 10 Songs". CultureSonar. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  5. ^ Dundee Courier. 9 January 1992. p. 12.
  6. ^ Tianene, Dave (25 October 1991). "Simply Red gambles and wins". Milwaukee Sentinel.
  7. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 30 November 1991. p. 12. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
  8. ^ "Review: "Stars" by Simply Red (CD, 1991)". Pop Rescue. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  9. ^ Peterson, Karla (10 June 1992). "Simply Red embraces soul, R 'n' B, reggae". The Press-Courier. p. 13. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  10. ^ Turner, Luke (4 August 2014). "Absolved! The Quietus Writers' 50 Favourite Guilt-Free Pleasures". The Quietus. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  11. ^ Paton, Richard (10 November 1991). "Sounds: "Stars" Simply Red". Toledo Blade. p. 13. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  12. ^ Dee, Johnny (15 April 1992). "Singles". Smash Hits. p. 52. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Simply Red: Stars (1991)". IMDb. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  14. ^ Stars (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Simply Red. EastWest Records. 1991. YZ 626, 9031-75801-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ^ Stars (UK cassette single sleeve). Simply Red. EastWest Records. 1991. YZ 626 C.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ^ Stars (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Simply Red. EastWest Japan. 1991. WMD5-4087.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ Stars (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Simply Red. EastWest Records. 1991. YZ626T, 9031-75802-0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ^ Stars (UK CD single liner notes). Simply Red. EastWest Records. 1991. YZ 626 CD, 9031-76150-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ Stars (Japanese mini-CD single liner notes). Simply Red. EastWest Japan. 1993. AMDE-5105.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ Stars (UK CD album booklet). Simply Red. EastWest Records. 1991. 9031-75284-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ "Simply Red – Stars". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  22. ^ "Simply Red – Stars" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  23. ^ "Simply Red – Stars" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  24. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2054." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  25. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 6828." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  26. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 3. 18 January 1992. p. 30. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  27. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 9, no. 3. 18 January 1992. p. 30. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  28. ^ "Simply Red – Stars" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  29. ^ "Simply Red – Stars" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  30. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Stars". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  31. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 29 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Simply Red".
  32. ^ "Ultimate Music Database". www.umdmusic.com.
  33. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 2, 1992" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  34. ^ "Simply Red – Stars" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  35. ^ "Simply Red – Stars". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  36. ^ "Simply Red – Stars". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  37. ^ "Simply Red – Stars". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  38. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  39. ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 30 November 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  40. ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. 14 March 1992. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  41. ^ "Adult Contemporary". Billboard. 21 March 1992. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  42. ^ "Radio & Records" (PDF). worldradiohistory.com.
  43. ^ * Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  44. ^ "Simply Red Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  45. ^ "1991 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. 11 January 1992. p. 20.
  46. ^ "The RPM Top 100 Adult Contemporary tracks of 1992". RPM. Retrieved 31 July 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  47. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1992" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
  48. ^ "1992 The Year in Music" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 52. 26 December 1992. p. YE-38. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  49. ^ "British single certifications – Simply Red – Stars". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  50. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 16 November 1991. p. 21. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  51. ^ "スターズ | シンプリー・レッド" [Stars | Simply Red] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  52. ^ "スターズ | シンプリー・レッド" [Stars | Simply Red] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
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