Level 42 es un álbum de Level 42, publicado en 1981 por Polydor. El disco incluye 8 canciones, entre ellas «Turn It On», «43», «Why Are You Leaving» y «Almost There».
Sobre el álbum
El álbum de debut homónimo que inaugura la discografía de Level 42, lanzado en 1981, es una vibrante y sofisticada carta de presentación que sacudió la escena musical británica. Este trabajo presentó a una banda con un virtuosismo instrumental asombroso y un sonido único que fusionaba el jazz-funk, el soul y el pop de una forma completamente nueva. Desde el primer momento, Level 42 se estableció como una propuesta diferente y de una calidad excepcional.
En primer lugar, el álbum destaca por la increíble habilidad de sus músicos. De hecho, la técnica de "slap" en el bajo de su líder y vocalista, Mark King, se convirtió instantáneamente en su seña de identidad, una ametralladora rítmica que impulsaba todas las canciones. Su estilo redefinió el papel del bajo en la música pop.
El disco tiene un fuerte componente instrumental, con largas secciones en las que la banda demuestra su maestría. Temas como "Sandstorm" o "Theme to Orson" son ejemplos perfectos de su faceta más jazzística. Mientras tanto, el contrapunto lo ponen los teclados y la suave voz de Mike Lindup, que junto a la de King, creaban unas armonías vocales muy distintivas. El single "Love Games" se convirtió en su primer éxito, una pieza de funk elegante y contagiosa.
El debut de Level 42 es una obra de una frescura y una musicalidad apabullantes. Es el sonido de cuatro jóvenes músicos de la Isla de Wight que llegaban para demostrar que se podía hacer música bailable, compleja y comercial sentando las bases de lo que se conocería como "sophisti-pop".
Listado de Canciones
- Turn It On5:36
Letra
Reach into to another day And the world is just one step away Making money living blind It's time to change - leave it all behind Turn it on - whenever you can Turn it on - you know that you can Hear the echoes in your heart tune your minds in then make a start Anything you want to be Will soon become reality Then you'll see Turn it on - whenever you can Turn it on - you know that you can You're out of touch - so turn it up You don't need much - to burn it up Take a different point of view And discover just what you can do Getting closer every day Now the world is just a step away - (don't delay) Turn it on - whenever you can Turn it on - you know that you can You hit the top - so turn it up You'll never stop - just burn it up Turn it on (turn it on) - whenever you can Turn it on (groovin' on) - you know that you can Turn it on (turn it on, yeah) - whenever you can Turn it on (just movin' on) - you know that you can Turn it on Turn it on Turn it on Turn it on - 437:02
- Why Are You Leaving4:34
- Almost There5:42
Letra
Watch the paper window - see the stars News and views to show you who you are Keep the money moving change the scene Open up the market with our dreams Almost there - you and I Catch the fall - touch the sky Love a lot - paper view Now's the time - make your move Keep the money moving As long as we are using Almost without knowing Getting ego's burning Freightend they stop turning See the judge adjourning Play your part and don't get in their way Black and White they say you must believe Now they found a sound that we obey If you wait to long the tide will turn Then there'll be some brand new rules to learn Almost there - you and I Catch the fall - touch the sky Love a lot - paper view Now's the time - make your move Read a million pages Every headline ages Nothing ever changes There's a time for laughing Time will soon be passing Make your mark before you fade away - Heathrow4:43
- Love Games7:25
Letra
As I watch your face I can see my life go by You mean everything to me Just can't take no more Throw a smile my way And the pain I feel inside Turns to love for you And I'm yours Do lovers ever need to hide The things they really feel inside I simply need you to need me Can't you see Once I hoped to be Your lover and your friend But it turned into a game I won't play no more I believe I'm right When I say you loved me too It just can't go on Your love games Your love games Do lovers ever need to hide The things they really feel inside If you won't show your heart to me Set me free Now the time has come To show you how I feel The love I gave to you I can't give no more Even now I see The salt tears in your eyes But it can't go on Your love games Your love games Your love games Your love games [Repeat to fade] - Dune Tune4:50
- Starchild6:52
Letra
When I was an infant in my mother's arms I would watch the starlight in her face 'Cause I was reaching out to understand the cosmic charm I am just a starchild born in space Way up high above the sky All that beauty passes by Whole worlds still unknown And out beyond the blue There's a place for people too It's time for us to go I have seen the sun shine bright in paradise I have been there, I have seen it Everywhere space people stare through ageless eyes I have seen them, I believe it Way up high above the sky All that beauty passes by Whole worlds still unknown And out beyond the blue There's a place for people too It's time for us to go We have time (In my dreams) Time and space While we're young (Floating free) We can chase To the stars Searching for the magic in the universe Guided by the stars that light my way I have seen the sun shine bright in paradise I am just a starchild born in space If you want to go with me I'll take you there I've been shown the secrets face to face I have seen the sun shine bright in paradise I am just a starchild born in space