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Review of Simply Red's "Stars"

© Nick Bendel

Stars (1991), on the whole, is a bright, poppy album. Indeed the title is one that is very appropriate to the album's message and sound. The ten songs present are about love and life, happiness and disappointment, all the while aiming for and appealing to something on high. And there are certainly times on Stars when Simply Red reach such heights.

These moments are provided by two gems from singer-songwriter Mick Hucknall, the almost sole creative force of the album. The first of these is the title track. 'Stars' is a sweeping yet well-paced love song where words and music perfectly complement each other. The lyrics are a well-written testament to the pleasure and pain of yearning, while the musical arrangement allows lead singer Hucknall to show the full range of his voice.

The second moment of brilliance is "For your Babies," a more traditional, slower song of love. Again the words and music are well thought out and, at times, touching. "Your face is just beaming/your smile got me boasting, my pulse rollercoastering/...the dream of gold will be waiting in your eyes."

Combined with these two outstanding songs are three very good ones. "Something got me Started" is the type of breezy pop that characterises Stars, a sound that is augmented by the bouncy piano and playful saxophone solo. Similar is "Your Mirror," which is so bright that at times it can hurt. Also along the same positive lines is "Wonderland," which is a nice way to close out the record.

And then there are the good, though not outstanding contributions, songs that are nice enough but really rise to no great levels of creativity. "Thrill Me," for instance, seems to borrow a few notes from "Stars," while "She's got it Bad" appears to have a touch of the Michael Jacksons about it. "Model" has a reggae beat that seems out of place, while the ballad "How Could I Fall" is more cliched than clever.

And finally there is "Freedom." This is the only really poor song on the album and consists of the hint of a tune and the constant repetition of the word "freedom." It probably wasn't such a good idea to put it on the album.

All in all Stars is a good album, at times dazzling and at times "Freedom." Simply Red is a classic mainstream radio kind of band. For those that like bright, catchy tunes then both album and band are ideal. Others, though, will no doubt wince at the saccharine sweetness of Mick Hucknall and Simply Red.

RATING: 6/10

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