From Jazzy Highbrow to Funky Pop Sound: Level 42
This time we remember the incredible British group “Level 42”. While their music spans 1981 through 2006 with different lineups, I want to touch on their bit from 1986-87 which I consider as the peak of their popularity. They already had a good fan following prior and after this period, I think their popularity really ‘popped’ with the albums “World Machine” and “Running in the Family”.
Thapson
A Quick Reminder
This post is the result of my “Blast from the Past and Resultant Fallout” from whence I reached into my ‘music vault’ and dusted off the old cassette tapes and VHS recordings. And this to give my homage to some wonderful music which has been relegated to history and AM Radio. Not so fast I say! As I add my voice to other like minded individuals who have an appreciation for the wonderful work done by acts “of the past”. And we’ll try to lend these sounds the freshness they still deserve.
The 80s was probably the first time in recent history that all genres of music intersected resulting in eclectic sounds that had something for everyone. There was a lot of fusion and creativity as bands created new genres of music. And Level 42 was one such group that did just this. Their musical style and the vocal combination of Mark King and Mike Lindup was bound to bring them success. But they had to make some changes to generate a wider appeal.
“Much of their earlier stuff was jazzier and more artistic, but not “light enough”, for want of a better phrase, to make them a household name.”
Level 42 – The Evolution
Now, Level 42 had been together for some time and built up a good following. Much of their earlier stuff was jazzier and more artistic, but not “light enough”, for want of a better phrase, to make them a household name. By “household name” I refer to yours truly – who is as lowbrow as they come. It was starting with their albums in ‘86-‘87 when Level 42 made some changes to their music styles which brought them instant mainstream success. This is also where I also noticed them for the first time. But this change likely didn’t go too well with Phil Gould, their drummer, who left around this time. So the change may not have been easy.
The Music
Hey! You don’t want me to blabber on, do you? When you talk about music, you need to listen to it. Let’s take a musical tour of their work from these albums. As they say: “a picture is worth a thousand words”. We can say the same regarding music as well. Let’s check out the songs which stood out for me personally. And since we are a visual species, why not try to appreciate their work both aurally and visually – as far as possible.
“Something About You” (1985)
This song. on their “World Machine” album, was the one that caught my attention for the first time. The catchy tune, signature beat, great lyrics/vocals made this song an instant success outside their popular base. In fact, the lyrics to this song are subject to much debate as to its real meanings. The official music video, which were so vogue then, is quite interesting too. Almost a “paranormal” feel to it – one shot resembles a scene from the TV movie ‘It’ which came out years later.
Music – Movies – Games [Catan Channel] / DailyMotion.com
Children Say (1987)
After changing their music style, Level 42 released their “Running in the Family” album. This song included a whole bunch of runaway hits. Among them is this one – which was the last track to be added on the album. Once again, wonderful lyrics, interpreted differently by listeners. I think it sounds cool with a whole mixture of synthesizer, good bass, and percussion. And it’s topped by the harmoniously combined vocals of King and Lindup.
Laura Aurelia / YouTube.com
Running in the Family (1987)
While this song didn’t reach high in the US or Australia, it did pretty well in Europe. An interesting song that reflects on how our lives sometimes echo our parents’. I guess Children Say was written and added to the album to keep with this family theme. Another definite hit from Level 42. Unfortunately the official video for this song has serious video and audio synchronization problems. So let’s enjoy the video with lyrics instead.
YouTube / Level 42
Lessons in Love (1987)
This song was a big, big hit from them and for me. Most of the countries agree too, as it was an international hit . I think it’s definitely the peak of Level 42’s career. Probably their most widely recognized song. The lyrics unambiguously straightforward, timeless tune, incredible vocals, and we have one big hit of that decade. I don’t need to say much about this song as the it “plays” for itself. Listening to it, you would hardly believe that this band actually has its roots in jazz. But I guess if it hadn’t been for that, we’d not have had the sophistication of music we see here.
YouTube / Level 42
To Be with You Again (1987)
And I’ll sign off with the last of their big hits from this album. With the same wonderful beat synonymous with Level 42, this song didn’t reach the dizzying heights of some of their other hits. But it definitely put them up there in the UK and I personally think they sound just swell. In 1986, I had arrived all alone to the United States, which made this song more poignant. I think this was their last big hit from the “Running in the Family” album. I remember the DJ stating, when it went up to No. 1 on my local college radio station: “They’re beginning to make it a habit!”
The80sJukebox / YouTube.com
In Closing
So, it was with the change of their musical genre in “Running in the Family”, that Level 42 achieved the worldwide recognition they deserved. But it came at a price as they lost the Gould brothers around the time it was released. One of them, Rowland Gould, unfortunately, passed away in April this year. After their departure, Level 42 experimented with different lineups as they released further albums with their new sound. They finally disbanded in the mid-90s to re-unite again in the 2000s. In any case, “Running in the Family” was the album that altered their course and if it wasn’t for it, many of us would never have heard what these talented musicians are capable of. Wonderfully underrated band for sure.
I’ll be back with another name from the music world worth remembering. Until then, keep on rocking or rolling, or whatever you like to do!
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