Three more relatively awkward pieces follow, but they manage to pick the pace back up again towards the end of the album. These will most likely split opinions but could easily scare off long time fans of the band, luckily Something About You saves the day with a satisfyingly cliché collection of handclaps, Nile Rogers electric guitar chops and of course, another stellar vocal performance from Jay Kay. The proceeding tracks are much less impressive but that is partly due to their more experimental nature. An instant classic from them that holds up against Space Cowboy or Deeper Underground. Jay Kay is on top form with an instantly recognisable chorus, they have always had a keen ear for a pop tune and this is no exception. It’s slightly tamer pace also works in its favour, atmospheric vocals and a jumping bass line add the finishing touches.Ĭloud 9 follows up with traditional Jamiroquai ingredients, funky guitar chops and more violin slides paint a glorious picture of a summer party. The title track Automaton that follows is certainly more original, with full bodied 80’s style synth stabs and arpeggios. It is a well put together track with a polished string section adding an element of class, however its bold synthetic bass and vocoded vocal effects come across as unimaginative. The opener Shake It On has possibly taken a touch too much influence from the french robots Daft Punk. Overall this is classic Jamiroquai material though, toe-tapping inoffensive summer grooves that always get under your skin. Ground breaking music videos and outrageous outfits (especially frontman Jay Kay’s impressive hat collection) helped them to stand out in the past, this album plays with a more futuristic style at times swapping rhodes for synths and top hats for an LED crown. Jamiroquai have always been an intriguing group, both visually and sonically. Thanks to acts like Pharrell, Bruno Mars and Daft Punk there has been plenty of disco inspired sounds on the radio in recent years, it is an irresistible style that when executed well can often mean chart topping success. The seven year gap since their last album Rock Dust Light Star has been a little longer in comparison, will their latest material ensure another comeback? Their unique take on funky disco flavours gained them a hugely successful career in the 90’s, they continued to impress with consecutive gold and platinum albums roughly every five years since 1996. Since the surprise announcement in January Jamiroquai fans have been salivating at the thought of some new material.
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