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Stars 1991
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Stars

When Simply Red embarked on the creation of Stars, their fourth studio album, they were seeking a sound that moved away from the electronic and closer to their soul roots. Recording began in Paris in August 1990, but the initial sessions proved unproductive. The oppressive atmosphere of the studios, coupled with news of the Gulf War dominating the media, was not the ideal environment for creativity. Therefore, the group decided to relocate to Venice, to Condulmer Studios, seeking a more relaxed setting to resume work.

Year
1991
Songs
10
Duration
41 min 19 seg
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About the album

Stars, according to DoReSol

To achieve that deeper sonority, Mick Hucknall recruited programmer Gota, whose work with Soul II Soul had impressed him. What Hucknall didn't know was that Gota was also a drummer, and upon hearing him improvise one night in Venice, he became the band's full-time drummer. The album's songs, such as "Something Got Me Started" and the title track, Stars, were written on the road during the previous tour. "Wonderland," on the other hand, was described by Hucknall as his most political piece to date, reflecting his discontent with the British government of the time.

The result was an album released on September 30, 1991, that resonated strongly in the UK. Stars debuted at number one on the album charts and became the best-selling album of the year in both 1991 and 1992, an achievement not seen since Simon & Garfunkel with Bridge over Troubled Water in 1970-1971. By April 2019, it ranked as the fourteenth best-selling album of all time in the UK. Despite its commercial success, critical reception was mixed; some alternative music publications showed coolness, while others acknowledged the quality of the music, describing it as pleasant and well-produced. In 2000, Q magazine included it in its list of the 100 Best British Albums of All Time.