World Machine in Bloomington, MN

Level 42
was one of Britain's most successful bands by the time
World Machine
was released in 1985, but U.S. success was elusive. But that changed with the engaging single
"Something About You,"
which became a Top Ten hit in America and sent this album soaring into the Top 20.
pushes their newfound radio-friendly sound into the forefront, and the result is one of the finest
pop
albums of the mid-'80s.
"Something About You"
exemplifies
's sound at the peak of its success. Bassist
Mark King
's vocals, while limited in range, are soulful and yearning, while keyboardist
Mike Lindup
's complimentary falsetto backing vocals add just the right ingredient to the mix. Given the group's original guise as an all-instrumental
jazz
combo, the musicianship is brilliant, and
proves how good a song can sound coming from the radio. Unlike most albums that contain one strong single surrounded by duds,
has more than its share of fine tunes. The jazzy, upbeat title track is one of the band's finest moments, the should've-been-a-hit
"Leaving Me Now"
is an effective
ballad
, and the midtempo
"Good Man in a Storm"
is catchy and thought-provoking. While not perfect --
"Physical Presence"
drags, and
"It's Not the Same for Us"
is a bit too cutesy for its own good --
is the most successful album in
's career, both in terms of sales and quality. ~ William Cooper