Star (Erasure song)

Last updated
"Star"
Erasure single star.jpg
Single by Erasure
from the album Wild!
B-side "Dreamlike State"
Released21 May 1990 (1990-05-21) [1]
Genre Pop
Length3:53
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Erasure singles chronology
"Blue Savannah"
(1990)
"Star"
(1990)
"Chorus"
(1991)
Music video
"Star" on YouTube

"Star" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in May 1990 as the fourth European (and third American) single from the group's fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). Been described as a straightforward dance music track with disco elements, it was written by group members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. The lyrical content clearly referencing nuclear war; Erasure's own form of protest song. When released, the track was remixed slightly for radio, bringing acoustic guitar elements and various background vocal parts forward in the mix. The accompanying music video was directed by John Maybury. [2]

Contents

Chart performance

As the last single released from Wild!, it became Erasure's 12th consecutive top-20 hit on the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at number 11. It also peaked at number 33 in West Germany. In the United States, the song did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, although it became a popular club hit, climbing to number four on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Critical reception

Steven McDonald from AllMusic felt the song is "another one of those rip-roaring Clarke/Bell compositions that's as much fun for the ears as it is for the feet". He described it as "stupendous". [3] Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote, "Pop gem that should have kicked off campaign behind sorely overlooked Wild! album is finally issued with club-ready remixes. He added, "Well-edited "Trafalmadore Mix" should satisfy house-conscious jocks." [4] Ian McCann from NME said, "With a bassline that sounds like it has just woken up with a hangover only to find that someone has been pouring Mescal on the cornflakes, the groove of 'Star' is delicious." [5] Jaynie Senior from Number One remarked the "pure pop" of "Star". [6] Christopher Smith from Talk About Pop Music stated that the song "returns us to more lively, energetic Erasure as the chorus comes in first then the song gathers pace with each successive verse and chorus." [7] Troy J. Augusto from Variety complimented it as "hook-filled". [8]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by English filmmaker and artist John Maybury. [2] It was later published on Erasure's official YouTube channel in September 2014. The video had generated more than five million views as of January 2023.

Track listings

  1. "Star"
  2. "Dreamlike State"
  1. "Star" (Trafalmadore mix)
  2. "Star" (single mix)
  3. "Dreamlike State" (The 12 Hour Technicolor mix)
  1. "Star" (Interstellar mix)
  2. "Star" (Soul mix)
  3. "Dreamlike State" (The 24 Hour Technicolor mix)
  1. "Star" (single mix)
  2. "Dreamlike State"
  3. "Star" (Trafalmadore mix)
  4. "Star" (Soul mix)
  1. "Star"
  2. "Dreamlike State"
  1. "Star" (single mix)
  2. "Star" (Trafalmadore mix)
  3. "Star" (Interstellar mix)
  4. "Dreamlike State" (The 24 Hour Technicolor mix)
  5. "Star" (Soul mix)

* Also released on 12-inch vinyl (Sire 92-15580) and cassette (Sire 21558-4), minus "Star" (single mix).

Charts

Chart (1990)Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [9] 34
Ireland (IRMA) [10] 11
UK Singles (OCC) [11] 11
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [12] 4
US Dance Singles Sales ( Billboard ) [13] 4
West Germany (Official German Charts) [14] 33

Related Research Articles

<i>Crackers International</i> 1988 EP by Erasure

Crackers International is a Christmas EP released by English synth-pop duo Erasure in November 1988, in between the albums The Innocents (1988) and Wild! (1989). The EP reached number-one in Denmark and Argentina, and peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

<i>Wild!</i> 1989 studio album by Erasure

Wild! is the fourth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure. Released in 1989, it was the follow-up album to their 1988 breakthrough The Innocents. The album was produced by Erasure, along with Gareth Jones and Mark Saunders and released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.

<i>EBX</i> (album) 1999 box set by Erasure

EBX is a series of box sets released by English synth-pop duo Erasure, collecting material originally released on 12″, cassette, CD, and DVD singles, released in the UK by Mute Records between 1999 and 2021. Seven volumes of EBX have been released. EBX1 and EBX2 were released in 1999, then EBX3 and EBX4 in 2001. EBX5 refers to the retrospective box set From Moscow to Mars, released in 2016. The standard EBX series resumed in 2018 with the release of EBX6, followed by EBX7 in 2019 and EBX8 in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enjoy the Silence</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"Enjoy the Silence" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. Recorded in 1989, it was released as the second single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990), on 5 February 1990. The single is certified Gold in the US and Germany. The song won Best British Single at the 1991 Brit Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Policy of Truth</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"Policy of Truth" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 7 May 1990 as the third single from their seventh studio album Violator (1990). It is the only Depeche Mode single to chart higher on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart than on the UK Singles Chart, and it became the band's second chart-topper on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World in My Eyes</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"World in My Eyes" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released on 17 September 1990 as the fourth and final single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990). The song peaked at number two in Denmark and Spain, number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Needs Love Like That</span> 1985 single by Erasure

"Who Needs Love Like That" is the debut single of English synth-pop duo Erasure. The song was released in the UK on Mute Records in 1985 as a prelude to their debut album, Wonderland (1986). The accompanying music video was directed by John Scarlett Davies and produced by Nick Verden for Aldabra. While the original 1985 release enjoyed only minor success, the later "Hamburg Mix" version reached the top 10 in both the UK and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh L'amour</span> 1986 song by Erasure

"Oh L'amour" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in April 1986 as their third single. Written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, it is a lament from someone experiencing unrequited love. The song is an uptempo, synth-pop dance track and its popularity was further fueled in dance clubs by the "Funky Sisters Remix", which appeared on the UK 12-inch single and as a bonus track on the US edition of Erasure's debut album, Wonderland (1986). A different mix of the song was submitted for the single release, adding new instrumentation and extra sounds. This version appears on all of the band's compilation albums. A version of the 12" single was included with early copies of the debut LP Wonderland. One of the B-sides is a cover version of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! ", the first time Erasure covered a song from the ABBA songbook. It was issued by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US to herald the June release of Wonderland, but became the third consecutive commercial failure for the band in both territories. Despite its low chart placement, "Oh L'amour" has proven to be one of Erasure's signature songs, due to its popularity in dance clubs. It remains a favourite among fans, particularly when performed live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chains of Love (Erasure song)</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"Chains of Love" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in May 1988 as their ninth single overall. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, and released by Mute Records as the second single from Erasure's third studio album, The Innocents (1988). In the United States, Sire Records released it as the first single. The chorus is memorable for Bell's use of falsetto. The album version was produced by Stephen Hague and was slightly remixed for its single release. The accompanying music video featured Clarke and Bell performing the song while being hoisted through the air by thick, metal chains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Little Respect</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"A Little Respect" is a song written and recorded by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in September 1988 by Mute. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. The lyrics are a plea to a lover to show compassion and respect. The heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell's vocal falsetto in the chorus. It was their tenth single and was taken from their third studio album, The Innocents (1988). Known as one of their signature songs, the single reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and was Erasure's second consecutive top-20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it made number 14, and reached number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drama!</span> 1989 single by Erasure

"Drama!" is the first single released from English synth-pop duo Erasure's fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). Written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song begins with a low-key keyboard line and a subdued vocal from Bell. As the song progresses, the instrumentation and vocals become more hectic, ultimately ending as a full-blown dance track. "Drama!" contains a "Guilty!" exclamation throughout, provided by Scottish band the Jesus and Mary Chain, who were recording in the studio next door. The song was met with critical acclaim from both music critics and fans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Surround Me</span> 1989 single by Erasure

"You Surround Me" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure that was issued in November 1989 by Mute Records as the second single from the band's fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). Written by the duo's Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, it is a heavily synthesized ballad with a dramatic chorus featuring Bell's falsetto. Clarke has stated that this song was his attempt at writing a James Bond film theme. Upon release, "You Surround Me" became Erasure's tenth consecutive top 20 hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #15. It reached #10 on the Irish singles chart, and became a top 40 hit in Germany, where it reached #38. The song was not released as a single in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Savannah</span> 1990 single by Erasure

"Blue Savannah" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure from their fourth studio album, Wild! (1989). Written by members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song was released as a single in Japan on 25 January 1990 and was issued in the United Kingdom the following month. Alfa Records released it in Japan as the album's lead single, Mute Records released it in Europe as the album's third single, and Sire Records released it in the United States as the album's second single. Considered one of the band's signature songs, the duo still perform it regularly in concerts. It has been described as an uplifting love song; the instrumentation is crisp and heavily synthesized, accented with sweeping, programmed piano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chorus (Erasure song)</span> 1991 single by Erasure

"Chorus" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in June 1991 as the first single from their fifth studio album of the same name (1991). Produced by Martyn Phillips and written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, the song features Clarke's electronic soundscapes and Phillips' computerised production. The single was released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US. It peaked at number three in both Denmark and the UK, while reaching number four in Ireland. In the US, it peaked at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love to Hate You</span> 1991 single by Erasure

"Love to Hate You" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in September 1991 as the second single from their fifth studio album, Chorus (1991). Written by band members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, it is an electronic dance track inspired by disco music. The synthesizer melody in the chorus is an interpolation of the string break from American singer Gloria Gaynor's disco-era classic "I Will Survive". The duo also recorded a Spanish version of the song, called "Amor y Odio", and one in Italian called "Amo Odiarti". The single was released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US. It peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-10 hit in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breath of Life (Erasure song)</span> 1992 single by Erasure

"Breath of Life" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released as the fourth and final single from their fifth studio album, Chorus (1991), in March 1992. It was written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell with additional input from Pat O'Brien. An uptempo synth-pop song, its dance music elements were strongly accentuated for the club remixes. For the single release, it was remixed slightly, including a shortened intro. In the United States, it was the third single released from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Always (Erasure song)</span> 1994 single by Erasure

"Always" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure. The ballad was released on 11 April 1994 as the first single from their sixth studio album, I Say I Say I Say (1994). Written by Erasure members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, it was produced by Martyn Ware. Mute Records issued the single in the United Kingdom, and Elektra Records released it in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run to the Sun</span> 1994 single by Erasure

"Run to the Sun" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in July 1994 by Mute and Elektra as the second single from the duo's sixth studio album, I Say I Say I Say (1994). The song is written by Vince Clarke with fellow Erasure member Andy Bell and is an uptempo dance music track that displays signature synthesizer programming by Clarke. The UK 7-inch single of "Run to the Sun" was issued on yellow-coloured vinyl and featured a fold-out poster of the single's cover artwork. The single's B-side, a ballad entitled "Tenderest Moments", was later re-recorded by Erasure in an acoustic version for their 2006 album Union Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New York City Boy</span> 1999 single by Pet Shop Boys

"New York City Boy" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 22 September 1999 as the second single from their seventh studio album, Nightlife (1999). In the UK, the single peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. It also reached the charts in numerous European countries, peaking at number three in Spain, and number four in Finland and Hungary. In the US, the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 53 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wild Women Do</span> 1990 single by Natalie Cole

"Wild Women Do" is a song by American singer-songwriter Natalie Cole. The song was written by Greg Prestopino, Sam Lorber, and Matthew Wilder for the 1990 romantic comedy film Pretty Woman and was included on the film's soundtrack as the opening track. The song contains influences from pop, rock, R&B, and soul music, and its lyrics describe an independent woman who lives a wild life. In 1990, the song was also included on certain re-issues of Cole's 1989 album Good to Be Back.

References

  1. "New Singles". Music Week . 19 May 1990. p. 37.
  2. 1 2 "Star (single)". erasureinfo.com. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  3. McDonald, Steven. "Erasure – Star". AllMusic . Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  4. Coleman, Bill (16 June 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 85. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  5. McCann, Ian (19 May 1990). "Singles". NME . Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  6. Senior, Jaynie (18 October 1989). "Albums". Number One . p. 43. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  7. Smith, Christopher (16 October 2019). "Review: 'Wild!' – Erasure". Talk About Pop Music. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  8. Augusto, Troy J. (23 November 1992). "Erasure". Variety . Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  9. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 7, no. 24. 16 June 1990. p. V. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  10. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Erasure". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  11. "Erasure: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  12. "Erasure Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  13. "Erasure Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  14. "Offiziellecharts.de – Erasure – Star" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 24 July 2022.