Linx – Go Ahead

Linx – Go Ahead

A sophisticated slice of early-1980s British soul and funk, Go Ahead is the second album from Linx, the London-based group whose distinctive blend of Brit-funk, soulful vocals and dancefloor-ready arrangements helped establish them as one of the most interesting acts on the UK's emerging soul scene.

Released in 1981 on Chrysalis Records, the album followed the success of their debut Intuition and continued the musical partnership of David Grant and Peter Martin. With Grant's expressive lead vocals and the group's polished arrangements, Linx developed a sound that brought together American funk influences, British soul songwriting and the sophisticated rhythmic approach of contemporary jazz-funk and disco.

Produced by Bob Carter and David Grant, Go Ahead features an accomplished combination of tight rhythm sections, melodic basslines, crisp percussion, expressive keyboards and carefully arranged guitar work. The production reflects the confidence of the British soul movement at the beginning of the 1980s, balancing accessible songwriting with the musicianship and grooves that made Brit-funk such an important part of the era's club culture.

'So This Is Romance' opens the album with an infectious blend of soulful melody and rhythmic sophistication, while 'I Don't Want To Learn' and 'I Wanna Be With You' demonstrate the group's natural ability to combine catchy songwriting with a polished funk sensibility. 'Urban Refugee' adds a more thoughtful dimension, while 'I Won't Play The Game' continues the album's smooth but rhythmically assured approach.

The second side is equally rewarding. 'Can't Help Myself' is a particularly strong example of the group's soulful dancefloor sound, while 'All My Yesterdays' and 'Know What It Is To Be Lonely' reveal a more reflective side to their songwriting. The album closes with 'Tinsel Town (You Don't Fool Me)', an especially appealing track for collectors of British soul and funk, combining a compelling groove with the group's characteristic melodic sophistication.

The album also benefits from contributions by an accomplished group of musicians, including guitarist Nile Rodgers, whose distinctive rhythmic approach adds another interesting connection to the wider funk and disco landscape of the period.

Although Linx are perhaps best remembered for their earlier hit singles 'You're Lying' and 'Intuition', Go Ahead is an important part of their musical story and a rewarding album in its own right. It captures a period when British artists were confidently developing their own interpretations of American soul and funk, creating a distinctive sound that remains highly regarded among collectors of vintage Brit-funk.

An excellent choice for fans of British soul, jazz-funk, boogie and early-1980s dance music, Go Ahead deserves attention from anyone exploring the golden period of UK funk and soul.

Tracklist

A1. So This Is Romance (4:47)
A2. I Don't Want To Learn (3:28)
A3. I Wanna Be With You (4:46)
A4. Urban Refugee (4:34)
A5. I Won't Play The Game (4:06)

B1. Can't Help Myself (5:24)
B2. All My Yesterdays (4:50)
B3. Know What It Is To Be Lonely (3:15)
B4. Tinsel Town (You Don't Fool Me) (5:53)