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THE REVIEW
Seven years after âRock Dust Light Star,â Jamiroquai release their eighth studio effort, titled âAutomaton.â
Entirely written and produced by the leader Jay Kay along with the band's keyboardist Matt Johnson, the new work was announced as a more decisive shift towards synthpop and dance sounds. A shift that had been partially attempted in some past episodes (just think of the beautiful âFeels Just Like It Shouldâ).
Electro-dance pulses that, in fact, proudly display themselves in the stunning title track, proposed as the lead single: an orgy of sounds, electronic vibrations, and distorted voice that would not be out of place on a Daft Punk record. The melodic opening of the refrain is beautiful, and the incursion into rap territory in the bridge is curious. Daft Punk is heavily referenced also in the overwhelming opener âShake It On,â one of the best tracks on the album and definitely a candidate for the next single; the track serves as a good general presentation of the sound of the work, which oscillates between '70s disco and synthpop in other highly danceable episodes such as âSuperfresh,â âHot Propertyâ (fantastic), and âDr Buzz.â
The experiment of âNights Out In The Jungleâ is curious (the only track on the album entirely written by Jay Kay), which reintroduces some rap parts that culminate in a curious and chaotic finale, amid jungle sounds and monkey-like noises.
There are typically old-style Jamiroquai episodes, but they are almost all placed at the end of the record: âWe Can Do Itâ is closer to the latest productions of the British band, while âVitaminâ is a sort of reboot of the now classic âVirtual Insanity.â
The funky-dance of âCarlaâ closes the album, which like âSummer Girlâ aligns with the '70s-'80s disco atmosphere that permeates the entire work.
âAutomaton,â all things considered, is a good work, not the complete revolution of Jamiro's typical sound as some had predicted, but nonetheless a good refresh and a new, delightful batch of tracks that will represent a valuable addition in the upcoming live shows of Jay Kay's band.
Best track: Nights Out In The Jungle
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Summary by Bot
Jamiroquai returns after seven years with Automaton, a synthpop and dance-infused album led by Jay Kay and Matt Johnson. The record balances electro-dance pulses and 70s disco vibes, highlighting tracks like the title song and Nights Out In The Jungle. While not a drastic departure, the album offers a refreshing update to their classic sound, promising impactful live performances.Tracklist
Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai is a British funk/acid jazzârooted band led by Jay Kay, known for a groove-heavy mix that later incorporated disco, electronic and pop influences, plus a strong live reputation.16 Reviews
Other reviews
By Omega Kid
Jamiroquai once again manages to slip in a noteworthy opener, just like the good old days.
Given the very poor quality of todayâs scene, even an average Jamiroquai album is enough to be considered a masterpiece.
