Jamiroquai
Emergency On Planet Earth
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Jamiroquai
Emergency On Planet Earth
Sony, 1993
RiYL: Stevie Wonder, Ozric Tentacles, Sly & The Family Stone, The Dust Brothers |
Frontman Jay Kay introduces himself with an environmentally-oriented manifesto inside the LP sleeve, and his lyrics smack of idealist save-the-planet revolution. But this revolution would be held on the dance floor, if the band's impressive rhythm section had anything to say about it. Horns, string arrangements and a digeridoo provide full texture on the album's tunes, and the socially-aware party vibe raged into the UK's number one album slot.
What's most interesting about Emergency On Planet Earth is how Jamiroquai established itself as a unique musical force and instantly became a worldwide sensation. Much has been made of Jay Kay's distinct vocals' resemblance to Stevie Wonder, but what better influence to have back on the airwaves in the '90s? The ten-piece Jamiroquai lineup brings a decorative musical buffet to the table, and pop hooks are as prevalent as the addictive rhythms.
Emergency presents the band's full range of diversity, from the uptempo jazzy instrumental "Music Of The Mind" to the stop-start funk of "Whatever It Is, I Just Can't Stop." Two ambitious epics, "Blow Your Mind" and "Revolution 1993," roost near the end of the record, exploring one aspect of Jamiroquai's music that has been neglected somewhat on subsequent efforts - extended funk improv jams.
The great thing about Jamiroquai, whatever one can say about the band's adherence to its influences, is that it remains a one-of-a-kind band in the '90s. Few bands have come along that synthesize so many genres into instantly agreeable, technically proficient and commercially successful tunes. Emergency shows this exception bursting out of stereos, fully formed and ready to rock.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.