"Stars" is the second single from

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are an American rock band from Vermont, formed in 2002 in Waitsfield by drummer Matt Burr, guitarist Scott Tournet, and singer Grace Potter. They began their career as an indie band, self-producing their albums a ...

' fourth studio album '' The Lion the Beast the Beat'' and a follow-up to "Never Go Back", their debut single from the album. "Stars" is track #4 on the album. The Deluxe Edition of ''The Lion the Beast the Beat'' also contains an alternative

country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. It may be a sovereign state or make up one part of a larger state. For example, the country of Japan is an independent, sovereign state, while ...

version performed as a duo by Grace Potter and country singer

Kenny Chesney Kenneth Arnold Chesney (born March 26, 1968) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has recorded more than 20 albums and has produced more than 40 Top 10 singles on the US ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs and Country ...

Music video

The music video was released on August 24, 2012. It was directed by

Philip Andelman Philip Andelman is an American music video director and photographer. Andelman has directed music videos for many notable artists, see below. He has received nominations for his works from the MVPA, VMAs, and CMT awards including MVPA Director ...

, who also directed for

Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Her discography spans multiple genres, and her vivid songwriting—often inspired by her personal life—has received critical praise and wide media coverage. Bor ...

and Beyoncé.

Commercial performance

As of February 20, 2013, the song has sold 183,000 copies in the US.

Critical reception

"Stars" was positively received by critics, deemed one of the best songs off the new album.

Personnel

Adapted credits from the booklet. Main version *

Grace Potter Grace Evelyn Potter (born June 20, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who formed Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in 2002. Potter released her debut solo record ''Original Soul'' on 2004 via Grace Potter Music. Potter and her b ...

– lead vocals, keyboards, tambourine *Scott Tournet – acoustic guitar, lead guitar, lap steel guitar, loops, ambience *Benny Yurco – electric guitar *Matt Burr – drums *Michael Libramento – bass guitar * David Campbell – string arrangements Alternative country version *Grace Potter – lead vocals, Hammond organ * Pat Buchanan – electric guitar *

– backing vocals *

Chad Cromwell Chad Cromwell (born June 14, 1957) is an American rock drummer whose music career has spanned more than 30 years. He is the founding member of a band called Fortunate Sons, which released a self-titled album in 2004. Cromwell has worked with m ...

– drums *

Dan Dugmore Dan Dugmore is an American session musician known primarily for playing the pedal steel guitar Born in 1949, Dugmore was raised in Pasadena, California. Influenced by the Flying Burrito Brothers, he learned to play steel guitar after Flying Bur ...

– steel guitar *

Larry Franklin The Lawrence Franklin espionage scandal involved Lawrence Franklin passing classified documents regarding United States policy towards Iran to Israel. Franklin, a former United States Department of Defense employee, pleaded guilty to several espi ...

– fiddle *

Kenny Greenberg Kenneth S. "Kenny" Greenberg is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer, and session musician. He is known for bringing a rock-and-roll sensibility to Nashville recording sessions. Biography Greenberg was born in Cleveland, Ohio but attend ...

– electric guitar *

John Barlow Jarvis John Barlow Jarvis (born January 2, 1954 in Pasadena, California)Paul Kingsbury, editor"The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music" 2004 is an American songwriter, composer, session pianist and recording artist. Before mov ...

– piano *

Alison Krauss Alison Maria Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer and musician. She entered the music industry at an early age, competing in local contests by the age of 8 and recording for the first time at 14. She signed with ...

– backing vocals * Michael Rhodes – bass guitar *Scott Tournet – electric guitar, acoustic guitar

Covers

Amanda Brown, a contestant from Team Adam Levine in the third season of the American ''

The Voice The Voice may refer to: Fictional entities * The Voice or Presence, a fictional representation of God in DC Comics * The Voice (''Dune''), a fictional ability in the ''Dune'' universe * The Voice, a character in the American TV series ''Cleo ...

'' performed it on November 19, 2012.

American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It aired on Fox from June 11, 2002, to Ap ...

semi-finalist Nick Boddington performed "Stars" during the final round of Hollywood Week in Season 12. The episode aired on February 7, 2013. Emily Piriz performed this song during Hollywood Week on season 13 of

which aired on February 12, 2014. * On October 5, 2015, Shelby Brown covered the song choice selection on

The Voice (U.S. season 9) The ninth season of the American Reality television, reality talent show ''The Voice (American TV series), The Voice'' premiered on September 21, 2015 on NBC. Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Pharrell Williams returned as coaches for the season. Gwe ...

. * On November 25, 2019, Marybeth Byrd covered the song during Top 11 fan choice selection on The Voice (U.S season 17).

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

References

{{Grace Potter and the Nocturnals 2012 songs Grace Potter and the Nocturnals songs Hollywood Records singles Music videos directed by Philip Andelman 2012 singles