Jamiroquai

Funk Odyssey

Get down with Jamiroquai.

Review Score:

(8/10)
"A Funk Odyssey" takes me back to the 70's when R&B was at a musical "golden era" and mixes it with a 21st century electronic/synth sound. The music is R&B with much much more. Parts of some of the arrangements are almost as complex as that of Pink Floyd. Most of the songs align closer to Quincy Jones' disco/funk releases, primarily Chas Jankel's "Ai No Corrida". To make things interesting Jamiroquai adds a bit from the Giorgio Moroder school of electronics such as; Donna Summer's "I Feel Love". Combined with Jason Kay's Stevie Wonderish vocals this album makes for entertaining listening.
Opening big with horns and strings, "Corner Of The Earth" is a light jazz number somewhat similar to Michael Franks' easy grooves. With a catchy beat and shimmering keyboards this is a feel good song for a sunny afternoon. "You Give Me Something" a radio friendly disco/funk tune is a natural in the nightclub scene. The synth driven "Stop Don't Panic" contains rave-up guitars and a strong new wave beat. This song is like two songs combined into one, with impressive multilayers of music. Upon first listen of "Black Crow" one may possibly think they're listening to Stevie Wonder circa 1973 when he was in his "Higher Ground" era. "Twenty Zero One" is my favorite track, I call it Martian rock. The futuristic dance rock tune moves powerfully and has great special effects on the vocals. With laser sounds and complex productions we hear similarities to a Paul Oakenfold remix.
All in all the Jason Kay/ Rick Pope produced album is an odyssey of funk and disco to be enjoyed by the masses.

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