I… uh… managed to 'acquire' a copy of Jamiroquai's new CD (out June 20th) a week or two ago, and have been mulling over it since then (yes, iTunes and my iPod have been on 'repeat'). And yes, I will be buying the album, come Monday.
I've read many people's (unfavourable) opinions on the previous two albums: "Synkronised" and "A Funk Odyssey", but I quite like them. This album is a bit of a departure from that. There's still electronic sounds, but I think there's a much better vibe to the whole album.
When I first listened to it, I wasn't sure about a few of the songs, but the album as a whole has really, really grown on me. I'm not too fond of "Feels Just Like It Should" (henceforth known as FJLIS!), as it sounds too over-synthesised, but the rest of the songs are just… WOW.
There's a difference in the 'tone' of the album as a whole, I think. While AFO was quite fun and dancy, this has some depth to it (despite the funky exterior). e.g. "Hot Tequila Brown", which describes Jay Kay's cocaine addiction.
Then again, you've also got some 'other' songs, such as "Black Devil Car", which, I believe, is all about Jay Kay's Ferrari Enzo (lucky bastard).
My favourites (at the moment – subject to seasonal variations):
- Dynamite – Didn't like this at first, but it's grown on me!
- Seven Days in Sunny June – A totally different beat, but has the same vibe as "Picture of my Life" from AFO
- Starchild
- Talulah – See "Seven Days in Sunny June"
- Hot Tequila Brown
That's not the say the others aren't great, but those are the standouts for me.
