World Machine (Deluxe Edition)

英国を代表するフュージョン・バンドLEVEL 42の傑作6THアルバムである『WORLD MACHINE』がデラックス盤として生まれ変わる!

バンドにとって2枚目のトップ10シングルとなった「SOMETHING ABOUT YOU」を始めとしたオリジナル・アルバムの楽曲がCD1に収録されており、CD2には初めてCD化される「WORLD MACHINE」の短いダブ・ヴァージョン、7インチ・エディット、12インチ・エクステンデッド・ヴァージョン、リミックス、B面曲のセレクションが収録されています。附随する特別なブックレットはファン必見!

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. World Machine 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 Level 42'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 "Something About You" proves how good a song can sound coming from the radio. Unlike most albums that contain one strong single surrounded by duds, World Machine 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 -- World Machine is the most successful album in Level 42's career, both in terms of sales and quality. ~ William Cooper