Released on 30 September 1991, "Stars" was the 4th., studio album by British-based pop/soul/jazz band Simply Red. Five singles were released from the album, "Something Got Me Started", "Thrill Me" "Your Mirror" and including the UK top ten hits "Stars" and "For Your Babies". The album was a worldwide success, particularly in the band's home country where it has been certified twelve times platinum and was the best-selling album of the year in the UK for both 1991 and 1992. The album was on the shortlist of nominees for the 1992 Mercury Prize.
Interestingly, the recording process did not get off to a good start. Recording for the album originally began in Paris in August 1990, but the initial sessions did not go well: the equipment in the studio did not live up to expectations, and with the Gulf War having just started and dominating television news reports, the band found the atmosphere in the bunker-like studios oppressive and not conducive to making music. The group moved to the more relaxed surroundings of Venice to resume recording in the Condulmer Studios.
Hucknall’s directive was to create an album that was less electronic and more soul-oriented; consequently, Gota—known for his work with Soul II Soul—became a top choice. The opportunity arose after Hucknall heard him playing drums one night in Venice; Hucknall was impressed to discover that Gota was an accomplished drummer and subsequently hired him as the band's full-time drummer following the recording sessions.
The work began on pre-written tracks such as "Stars" and the brilliant "Something Got Me Started," while the song "Thrill Me" was built around a riff created by McIntyre. Reflecting the political climate of the time, Hucknall wrote "Wonderland" to express his dissatisfaction with the conservative administration then governing the United Kingdom.
The album was not without controversy regarding its cover art; Hucknall wanted to be photographed wearing only a tunic he had bought in Spain, leaving his bare legs exposed. Zanna, the photographer, presented the image to EastWest Records, where concerns arose that it might offend sensibilities in the United States. As a result, Zanna digitally retouched the photo, replacing Hucknall's bare legs with an image of her assistant's legs clad in jeans.
Critical reception was mixed, with the album often described as merely average—featuring acceptable, easy-listening tracks. The sound was simultaneously relaxing, cohesive, and refreshing, with standout songs like "Thrill Me" and "For Your Babies" (the latter becoming a hit in the UK). Ultimately, the album could be considered Simply Red's most accessible and danceable work to date.
Stars Track List:
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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