Critic's Review
Kenyon Hopkin, All Music Guide
Stars reveal an obsession with stylish '80s rock on Nightsongs; the most obvious evidence is the band's cover of the Smiths' "This Charming Man." But that doesn't mean the Montréal group's debut sounds like it's from that decade. Drawing equally from new wave and the sophisticated electronic pop of acts such as Saint Etienne and Momus, Stars make every note painfully romantic. Even the vocals make a song about "stars on the ceiling" or words like "motherf*cking" sound innocent and respectable. Several guest musicians and vocalists contribute to Nightsongs (including labelmate Kendall Jane Meade of Mascott), resulting in a chamber pop ensemble comprised of keyboards, horns, and strings. Positively charming.
