Jamiroquai
High Times Singles 1992-2006

THE REVIEW

The 2006 was truly a year full of collections and Best Of (U2, Oasis, The Doors, Eminem, George Michael, Elisa, etc...). Among all these is also the Greatest Hits by Jamiroquai, titled "High Times Singles 1992-2006" (as a translation, I would choose "smoky singles 1992-2006") and it was released on November 6th.

The famous English band brings together some of its greatest hits in chronological order and seizes the opportunity to remaster them. To these are added two unreleased tracks, namely "Runaway" and "Radio". Dance tracks with a Jamiroquai branded sound. Nothing new as far as lyrics or arrangements go. I have to say I got a bit upset when I read the news that there would be only two new pieces, but one has to make do. The album was initially released in a 2 CD version, which also included a disc of only remixes (no comment, but I must say that the remix of "Space Cowboy" is fabulous). Shortly after, the DVD was also released, including all the band's videos from 1992 to 2005 (yes, I said 2005 because the video for "Runaway" isn't there, what a terrible blunder), the making of the video for "Little L" and some interviews which do not have subtitles, not even in English!!!! (how will we ever understand, eh... Sony). However, the quality is really excellent.

Returning to the Greatest Hits, Jay has selected the 16 most beautiful tracks from his discography (obviously adding the two unreleased ones) and wanted to include also the draft "High Times", which is his favorite song. The album starts with early Acid Jazz tracks like "Blow Your Mind" and "Space Cowboy", continues with more commercial singles from "Travelling Without Moving", with the dance of "Canned Heat" (the only one from "Synkronized" not counting "Deeper Underground"), the mature works "A Funk Odyssey" and "Dynamite". All tracks are "Single Version", meaning they are cut to make them less boring and more commercial, such as "Too Young To Die", "Virtual Insanity" or "Corner Of The Earth".

Album commissioned by Sony to Jay to beautifully close the now worn-out contract. If someone wants to start getting to know Jamiroquai, I believe this album could be the starting point, as it encompasses all the beauty of their music...