Level 42 – Level 42

Level 42 – Level 42

Originally released in 1981, Level 42 is the self-titled debut album from the Isle of Wight-born British group who would become one of the most successful jazz-funk and sophisticated pop bands of the 1980s. Led by the distinctive bass playing of Mark King, alongside keyboardist Mike Lindup, guitarist Boon Gould and drummer Phil Gould, the album captures the band in their formative period, before their sound developed into the polished pop-funk that would bring them international success later in the decade.

The opening “Turn It On” immediately establishes the band's early formula: intricate funk rhythms, prominent slap bass, jazz-influenced keyboards and tight ensemble playing. “43”, “Why Are You Leaving” and “Almost There” continue the groove-heavy approach, demonstrating why Level 42 were regarded as musicians' musicians as well as a pop act. The album's rhythmic sophistication owes as much to American jazz-funk and fusion as it does to the British jazz scene from which the group emerged.

Side B opens with the instrumental “Heathrow”, followed by “Love Games”, the song that would become one of Level 42's signature early tracks. Its combination of Mark King's highly recognisable bass technique, Lindup's keyboards and the Gould brothers' rhythm section established a sound that was both technically impressive and remarkably accessible. “Dune Tune” and “Starchild” round out the album with further examples of the band's early instrumental and songwriting abilities.

The album is particularly interesting as a document of Level 42 before their major commercial breakthrough. Later hits such as “Something About You,” “Lessons In Love” and “Running In The Family” would move the band further towards sophisticated pop, but the debut remains rooted in the jazz-funk and fusion influences that defined their original identity.

For collectors and fans of Level 42, British jazz-funk, slap bass, 1980s funk, jazz fusion and sophisticated pop, this self-titled debut offers a fascinating snapshot of the group at the beginning of their career.

Side A

1. Turn It On
2. "43"
3. Why Are You Leaving
4. Almost There

Side B

1. Heathrow
2. Love Games
3. Dune Tune
4. Starchild