Fans of Level 42 and fans of Simply Red are often one and the same. Both bands offered a jazz-funk edge to pop music, especially in their earlier days. As time went on, both bands evolved a more mainstream pop sound, with Simply Red dabbling a bit more with dance music in the early to mid 90s. Level 42's final studio album, Forever Now, was released in 1994 (then again with a new tracklisting in 1995), with several standout album tracks that would've faired well as singles. The mid-tempo ballad "Romance," appeared on both versions of the album and as a b-side on two of the four "Forever Now" CD singles. I always felt that this song had a Simply Red feel to it, and was one of the stronger tracks on the album. I like the subtle strings and vintage synth lead combined with the contrasting vocals of Mark King and Mike Lindup (which two me, was always the highlight of any Level 42 song).
Romance "Ne Plus Ultra Remix" (Level 42)
2 comments:
i just discovered level 42 this month! starchild & lovegames are on permanent rotation in my itunes. where the hell was i all this time? these guys have that uniquely british understanding of r&b that rod temperton & countless others have shown. anyway, i could kick myself as i scroll through your past postings & find a wealth of their music (in unfortunately outdated links). i would kill to hear that 'hell' track you describe for example.
anyway, i've bookmarked your page & plan to keep an eye out for more great L42 stuff. thanks. NYC
Level 42 has always been under rated in my opinion.. Some of the expired links may reactivate in the future (and I'll repost them if they do). Rest assured you will find more Level 42 here in the future... Starchild and Love Games are top notch....
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