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Lost Stars
View on Wikipedia| "Lost Stars" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Adam Levine or Keira Knightley | |
| from the album Begin Again: Music from and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture and V (Deluxe Edition) | |
| Released | June 23, 2014 |
| Recorded | 2012 |
| Studio | Electric Lady Studios in New York City, New York |
| Length |
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| Label | |
| Songwriters |
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"Lost Stars" is an original song performed by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine for the romantic comedy-drama film Begin Again. It was released on June 23, 2014, through ALXNDR, 222 Records, Polydor, and Interscope in the United States.
The song was written and produced by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood. It was recorded in New York City at Electric Lady Studios in mid-2012. "Lost Stars" also includes two versions, one for actress Keira Knightley and the other by Levine titled "Into the Night Mix", which are included on the film's soundtrack, with the original version appearing on the deluxe edition of Maroon 5's fifth studio album V (2014). Levine is also noted for his falsetto usage in the chorus.
"Lost Stars" was performed live for the first time on the season finale of The Voice's season seven by Levine and his team member Matt McAndrew. Their performance peaked at number 83 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[1] Later, Levine performed the song with his band Maroon 5 at the 87th Academy Awards on February 22, 2015.[2]
Music videos
[edit]Adam Levine version
[edit]A lyric video of the song by Adam Levine was released on June 30, 2014.[3] It follows the scenes from Begin Again, with the film's character Dave Kohl (portrayed by Levine).
An acoustic version of the song was released on August 29, 2014.[4] The video shows Levine performing the song in a recording studio with Maroon 5 member James Valentine playing the guitar. This version does not appear on the film's soundtrack.
Keira Knightley version
[edit]Another lyric video of the song by Keira Knightley was released on June 26, 2014.[5] Like the first lyric video, it follows with another character Gretta James (portrayed by Knightley).
Animated lyric video
[edit]An animated lyric video version of "Lost Stars" was performed by New Radicals (whose members include co-writers Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois) premiered execlusively on Deadline website, February 16, 2015.[6]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2014–15) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[7] Duet with Matt McAndrew |
86 |
| France (SNEP)[8] | 145 |
| South Korea (Gaon)[9] | 2 |
| South Korea (Gaon)[9] Keira Knightley version |
21 |
| South Korea (Gaon)[10] Into the Night mix |
55 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 93 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[12] Duet with Matt McAndrew |
83 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[13] | 2× Platinum | 120,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[14] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| South Korea | — | 2,500,000[15] |
| United States (RIAA)[16] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
| Streaming | ||
| South Korea | — | 100,000,000[15] |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Accolades
[edit]"Lost Stars" was nominated for a 2015 Critics Choice Award for Best Original Song, but lost to "Glory" by John Legend and Common from Selma. The song was also nominated for Best Original Song at the 2015 Academy Awards, where it also lost to "Glory". However, the song did win Best Original Song in a Feature Film at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) and nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Academy Awards | Best Original Song | Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois for "Lost Stars" | Nominated | [17] |
| Critics' Choice Awards | Best Song | Keira Knightley performed "Lost Stars" | Nominated | ||
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | Best Original Song in a Feature Film | Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois for "Lost Stars" | Won | [18] | |
| RTHK International Pop Poll Awards | Top 10 International Gold Song | Adam Levine performed "Lost Stars" | Won | [19] |
Stevie McCrorie version
[edit]| "Lost Stars" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Stevie McCrorie | ||||
| Released | 5 April 2015 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Length | 3:16 | |||
| Label | Decca | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Stevie McCrorie singles chronology | ||||
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In April 2015, Scottish singer Stevie McCrorie released a cover version of "Lost Stars" as his winner's single following his victory on the fourth series of The Voice UK. On 4 April 2015, McCrorie performed the song "Lost Stars" live on The Voice UK grand final, with the single being released the next day as a digital download. It reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in his native Scotland the following week, and has since become the most successful winners single from a The Voice UK in the United Kingdom, selling in excess of 62,000 copies.[20]
Chart performance
[edit]| Chart (2015) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Ireland (IRMA)[21] | 89 |
| Scotland Singles (OCC)[22] | 1 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[23] | 6 |
Release history
[edit]| Country | Release date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 5 April 2015 | Digital download | Decca |
References
[edit]- ^ "headlineplanet.com". 25 December 2014. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
- ^ "Watch Adam Levine and Maroon 5 Perform "Lost Stars" at the Oscars". Time. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Shannon Vestal Robson (June 30, 2014). "Watch Adam Levine Perform His Song "Lost Stars" From Begin Again". PopSugar. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Keith Girard (August 29, 2014). "Adam Levine Sings Acoustic Version of 'Lost Stars' in New Video (Watch!)". The New York Independent. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Rachel McRady (June 26, 2014). "Keira Knightley Sings "Lost Stars" in Begin Again: Watch Now". US Magazine. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
- ^ Bloom, David (February 16, 2015). "Oscar Nominated "Lost Stars" Gets Animated Lyric Video Theatment". Deadline. Archived from the original on February 24, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
- ^ "Adam Levine Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Adam Levine – Lost Stars" (in French). Le classement de singles.
- ^ a b "Digital Chart – Week 39 of 2014". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Digital Chart – Week 40 of 2014". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 12/4/2015 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Adam Levine Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Adam Levine – Lost Stars" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Adam Levine – Lost Stars". Radioscope. Retrieved January 6, 2025. Type Lost Stars in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ a b "Gaon's 관찰노트" [Gaon's Observation Notes]. Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. September 12, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
- ^ "American single certifications – Adam Levine – Lost Stars". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
- ^ "The 87th Academy Awards (2015) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Retrieved February 23, 2015.
- ^ Scott Feinberg (November 5, 2014). "Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Gregg Alexander Performs, Glen Campbell Feted". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
- ^ "26th International Pop Poll Awards". RTHK. Government of Hong Kong. 18 May 2015. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "How The Voice UK winner's singles have performed on the Official Chart". Official Charts. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Stevie McCrorie". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 12/4/2015 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 12/4/2015 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
Lost Stars
View on GrokipediaBackground
Begin Again film
Begin Again is a 2013 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by John Carney, starring Keira Knightley as Gretta James, a young British songwriter, Mark Ruffalo as Dan Mulligan, a struggling record label executive, and Adam Levine as Dave Kohl, Gretta's boyfriend and musical partner.[12] The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2013, and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 27, 2014, through Variance Films and The Weinstein Company.[13] It explores themes of heartbreak, redemption, and the transformative power of music, set against the backdrop of New York City's independent music scene.[12] The story follows Gretta and Dave as they arrive in New York City after Dave secures a major record deal, but their relationship deteriorates when Dave succumbs to fame and begins an affair, leaving Gretta devastated.[12] A pivotal element is "Lost Stars," an original song written by Gretta as a Christmas present for Dave, which she records simply with him on guitar in their apartment.[14] Later, Dave transforms it into a polished pop version for his debut album—promoted on television—which she finds disappointing and symbolic of the commercialization of art. Heartbroken, Gretta performs an acoustic version of "Lost Stars" at an open-mic night in a Greenwich Village bar, where her raw vulnerability catches the attention of Dan, who is on the brink of despair amid his own personal and professional failures; the performance inspires him to envision a full arrangement and propose recording her songs guerrilla-style across the city's locations.[13] Through their collaboration on Gretta's album, which includes "Lost Stars" in its authentic form, the film highlights music's role in healing and connection, as Dan assembles a band of session musicians to capture the songs live in unconventional settings like rooftops and alleys.[13] The song reappears in key emotional moments, including a duet scene between Gretta and Dave reflecting their fractured bond, and culminates in Gretta's solo performance at a showcase, underscoring her artistic independence.[6] "Lost Stars" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards in 2015, recognizing its integral contribution to the narrative and emotional depth of Begin Again.[15]Song development
"Lost Stars" was originally written for the 2013 romantic comedy-drama film Begin Again, directed by John Carney, as a central element in the story of aspiring musicians navigating personal and professional challenges in New York City's music scene. The song serves as an emotional anchor in the narrative, performed by characters played by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley, reflecting themes of aspiration, vulnerability, and existential wonder.[16] The composition was a collaborative effort led by songwriter and producer Gregg Alexander, formerly of the band New Radicals, alongside co-writers Danielle Brisebois (a longtime collaborator and fellow New Radicals member), Nick Lashley, and Nick Southwood. Alexander and his team worked intensively on the track during the film's pre-production, refining it to fit the movie's intimate, acoustic sound while capturing broader philosophical undertones about human existence. Alexander described the process as creating his "saddest song" in lyrical content, drawing from reflections on life's uncertainties, but he intentionally balanced this melancholy with soaring, hopeful melodies and chord progressions to evoke upliftment.[16][17] In a Billboard interview, Alexander elaborated on the lyrical intent: "The goal was for each lyric and sentiment to be a story and a thought unto itself, but also to the point where the chorus is, 'Please don't see just a boy caught up in dreams and fantasies.' We are just a lost star trying to light up the dark." Upon sharing an early version with Carney, the director provided positive feedback that affirmed the song's emotional resonance and secured its pivotal role in the film.[16][17]Writing and recording
Songwriters and production
"Lost Stars" was co-written by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley, and Nick Southwood, with Alexander and Brisebois serving as the primary creative forces behind the track. Alexander, the former frontman of the 1990s band New Radicals, brought his experience in crafting emotionally resonant pop songs to the project, while Brisebois, a veteran songwriter and Alexander's longtime collaborator who also contributed vocals to New Radicals, helped shape the lyrics and melody. The full writing team ensured the song's structure supported its narrative role in Begin Again, where it represents a pivotal moment of artistic expression for the protagonist.[16][18] The song's composition was influenced by the film's requirements, particularly the need for it to be adaptable to both female and male performers—Keira Knightley's character Gretta writes it as a demo, which is later polished into a pop version by Adam Levine's character Dave. Alexander noted that this versatility was a deliberate challenge: "To write a song that maybe will fit like for a female singer and voice as well as a male was a unique kind of challenge, but it was fun." This approach allowed the track to evolve from an intimate acoustic piece to a more produced, radio-friendly rendition, emphasizing themes of longing and self-doubt through its introspective lyrics and soaring chorus.[9][16] Production duties fell to Gregg Alexander, who not only co-wrote but also helmed the recording process for the Begin Again soundtrack's original compositions. Drawing from his background in analog recording techniques, Alexander aimed to capture an organic, live feel that mirrored the movie's street-performance aesthetic, blending acoustic guitars, piano, and subtle orchestration to enhance the song's emotional depth without overproduction. This hands-on involvement extended across the film's music, resulting in a cohesive body of work that earned the soundtrack critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for "Lost Stars" in the Best Original Song category.[19][20]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for "Lost Stars" occurred at Electric Lady Studios in New York City during mid-2012, as part of the broader production for the Begin Again soundtrack.[21] Producer and co-writer Gregg Alexander oversaw the sessions, emphasizing an organic approach that integrated the song's emotional arc with the film's narrative.[22] Multiple versions were captured to reflect the story's progression, including intimate acoustic takes and fuller band arrangements, with initial demos shared remotely via email and MP3 files before in-person refinements in London.[22] The core track originated from Alexander's acoustic guitar sketches, designed with a delicate, stripped-down energy to capture vulnerability.[23] For Keira Knightley's rendition, shared with Mark Ruffalo in the film, the session focused on this raw style to mirror the character's solo performance in a quiet setting, prioritizing subtlety over polish.[23] In contrast, Adam Levine's version built into a dynamic rock production, incorporating drums, electric guitar, and bass for a climactic "tour-de-force" feel reminiscent of The Beatles' "Hey Jude," with Levine's vocals recorded in a key that enhanced their iconic range.[23] Alexander and co-writers Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley, and Nick Southwood collaborated closely during the sessions, iterating on arrangements to balance intimacy and intensity while aligning with director John Carney's vision.[22] Versions were played back-to-back for comparison, ensuring a logical emotional evolution from the film's earlier, tentative renditions to later, empowered ones.[23] The process avoided overly theatrical builds typical of musicals, opting instead for authentic, narrative-driven recordings that highlighted the performers' chemistry.[22]Release
Single release
"Lost Stars" was released as a digital single by Adam Levine on June 30, 2014, through 222 Records and Interscope Records.[24][25] The track served as the lead single from the soundtrack album for the romantic comedy-drama film Begin Again, in which Levine starred alongside Keira Knightley.[25] The single's digital availability on platforms like iTunes coincided closely with the film's limited U.S. theatrical release on June 27, 2014, aiming to capitalize on the movie's promotion.[24][26] The release included a promotional CD version distributed by The Weinstein Company for awards consideration, particularly targeting the Academy Award for Best Original Song.[27] Levine's polished, pop-rock rendition of the song, written by Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois, was positioned as a standalone track to highlight its emotional depth and ties to the film's narrative.[25]Soundtrack and album inclusion
"Lost Stars" serves as a pivotal track on the soundtrack album for the 2014 film Begin Again, titled Begin Again: Music from and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture, released by Interscope Records on July 1, 2014.[28][29] The album features original songs composed for the movie, with Adam Levine's rendition of "Lost Stars" appearing as the opening track, running 4:27 in length.[30] A second version performed by Keira Knightley, who stars in the film, is included as track 5, clocking in at 4:00 and reflecting her character's raw, acoustic demo style in the story.[30] These inclusions underscore the song's central role in the film's narrative about aspiring musicians discovering their voices in New York City.[28] Beyond the soundtrack, Levine's version of "Lost Stars" was incorporated as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Maroon 5's fifth studio album, V, released on September 2, 2014, by Interscope Records.[31] Positioned as the 15th and final track on the expanded 15-song edition, it extends the album's pop-rock sound while tying into Levine's solo contribution to the Begin Again project.[31] This placement highlights the song's crossover appeal, bridging Levine's work with Maroon 5 and his film-related endeavors. The track has also appeared on select compilation albums, such as the 2021 various artists collection Viajando por el Aire and the 2023 compilation album Summer Blues, where it features amid diverse artist lineups to evoke emotional introspection.[32][33][34][35] However, its primary and most impactful inclusions remain the Begin Again soundtrack and V deluxe edition, cementing its status as a standalone hit integrated into broader musical releases.[36]Commercial performance
Charts
"Lost Stars" achieved moderate commercial success on international music charts, primarily driven by its association with the film Begin Again, the Academy Award nomination, and live performances by Adam Levine, including a duet version on The Voice. The solo version from the soundtrack entered several charts in late 2014 and early 2015, while the duet with Matt McAndrew boosted its visibility on the US Billboard Hot 100.[37] The track's chart performance was strongest in North America, where it benefited from digital sales and radio airplay following the Oscar buzz. In the United States, the duet version peaked at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2015, marking Levine's first solo charting entry as a lead artist outside of Maroon 5.[37] It also reached number 86 on the Canadian Hot 100, reflecting similar regional interest.[38] In the United Kingdom, the solo version debuted and peaked at number 93 on the Official Singles Chart in April 2015, during a period of increased streaming and download activity.[39]| Chart (2014–2015) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 86 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (solo) | 24 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 (duet version) | 83 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 93 |
