Level 42: The British Dance-Rock and Jazz-Funk Pioneers

Level 42 is a British band that rose to prominence in the 1980s by masterfully blending jazz-funk instrumentation with pop-oriented dance-rock and new wave sensibilities. Hailing from the Isle of Wight, the group achieved major commercial success, particularly in the UK where they scored a string of Top 10 singles and several platinum-selling albums.

Early Career

Formed in 1979 on the Isle of Wight, the core of Level 42 consisted of Mark King (bass, vocals), Mike Lindup (keyboards, vocals), and brothers Phil Gould (drums) and Boon Gould (guitar). The band quickly gained a reputation on London's club circuit for their technically proficient, jazz-funk infused sound, leading to a contract with the independent label Elite Records in 1980. Their self-titled debut album, "Level 42," released that same year, established their signature sound built around Mark King's distinctive slap-bass technique and the sophisticated interplay between Lindup's keyboards and the Gould brothers' rhythms.

Breakthrough

The band's commercial breakthrough arrived in the mid-1980s after signing with Polydor Records. Their 1985 album "World Machine" became a defining release, propelled by the hit single "Something About You," which broke the band internationally, particularly in the United States. "World Machine" and its 1987 follow-up, "Running in the Family," achieved multi-platinum status in the UK, cementing Level 42 as hitmakers within the sophisti-pop and dance-rock genres.

Key Tracks

Love Games - This early single from their 1981 album "The Early Tapes" became a club favorite and the band's first UK Top 40 hit, showcasing their energetic jazz-funk roots.

The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) - A major hit from the "Standing in the Light" album, this track highlighted their move towards a smoother, more radio-friendly pop sound while retaining a funky backbone.

Something About You - The band's biggest international single, taken from the "World Machine" album, which became a Top 10 hit in the US and remains their most recognizable song.

Lessons in Love - The title track from their 1986 album, this song gave Level 42 their first UK number one single, marking the peak of their chart success.

Running in the Family - The title track from their 1987 album became another major hit, epitomizing their polished, sophisticated 80s pop-rock style.

The late 1980s saw further success with the album "Staring at the Sun," but the original lineup began to fracture with the departure of the Gould brothers. Mark King and Mike Lindup continued as the consistent core, navigating changes in musical trends and band members over subsequent decades. Level 42 has maintained a loyal fanbase, periodically releasing new material and touring extensively, celebrating a catalogue that uniquely fuses complex musicianship with accessible pop hooks.

Artists exploring similar territories of British jazz-funk, sophisti-pop, and dance-rock include Shakatak, who also emerged from the early 80s jazz-funk scene. Matt Bianco shares a sophisticated pop approach with Latin and jazz influences. The brand of pop-inflected funk-rock is also heard in the work of Incognito, led by Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick. For the instrumental virtuosity within an accessible framework, the music of Brand X, featuring Phil Collins, provides a parallel in the jazz fusion realm.