"Something Got Me Started" is the first single released from British band Simply Red's 1991 album, Stars. It was released in several forms — a 7-inch single, a 12-inch single and a CD version, which included a remix by Perfecto. The song became successful around the world, peaking at number 11 in the United Kingdom and charting within the top 10 in New Zealand and several European countries; on the Eurochart Hot 100, the single reached number 9 in November 1991. It was less successful than the band's previous hits in North America, peaking at number 11 in Canada and number 23 on the US BillboardHot 100. "Something Got Me Started" was included on the band's compilation albums, Greatest Hits in 1996, in 2008 and Song Book 1985–2010 in 2013.
Critical reception
editor Jon O'Brien said that the "funky piano-led" song and "Stars" justify the Stars album's multi-platinum success. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the track "maintains the Brit-eyed soul of previous hits" and noted that Mick Hucknall "turns in an unusually restrained vocal, which adds depth and maturity to an already potent track." Writing for CultureSonar, Ellen Fagan wrote that Simply Red "charges out of the proverbial gate with great impact. The dizzyingly beautiful video entices the eye with lithe, dancing silhouettes, a European backdrop, and delicious '80s overdrive. Another "love gone wrong" song with some lyrics but counters that with an upbeat tempo, powerful harmonies and a "call and answer" format of "I'd give it all up for you/" that builds in an irresistible crescendo." Expressen described the song as "bouncy". Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report commented, "Red hot from the moment they reached America's shores, the Mick Hucknall-led Simply Red outfit forged an intensely loyal following." He added that reminiscent of their 1986 hit, "Money's ", "this uptempo groove is too strong to ignore." Music & Media said the song is "state of the art Simply Red. Mick Hucknall's star is still shining bright on this Money's Too Tight Too Mention type of song." People noted the "peppy lite funk" of the track. Pop Rescue added that "the vocal melody here, sat alongside the funky bass and piano, really gives this a light, upbeat feeling." Al Walentis from Reading Eagle called it "brassy". Richard Paton from Toledo Blade labeled it as a "soulful groove".
In 2005, "Something Got Me Started" was one of the eight previously released Simply Red songs re-recorded for the albumSimplified. It also became the second single release from the album, as a double A-side with a new cover of the Leon Russell song "A Song for You". This made it the only Simply Red song to date to be released as a single twice.
