After hearing their new promo single “White Knuckle Ride,” it’s like Jamiroquai never left! Jamiroquai is one of the first bands that really peaked my interest in dance music. While I think it was “Virtual Insanity” that first grabbed my attention (and subsequently helped break Jamiroquai into the mainstream) there are SO many classics from the band’s six album catalog that it’s hard to choose a favorite. In addition to the band’s breakout hit, songs like “Cosmic Girl,” “Deeper Underground,” “Canned Heat,” “Little L,” “You Give Me Something” continue to pop up on my playlist from time to time and EVERY time one does I hope for a comeback. Well. Looks like I’ll be getting my wish next month when Jamiroquai releases their 7th studio album Rock Dust Light Star on November 1st. *HAPPY DANCE*
“White Knuckle Ride,” the band’s first single since 2006’s “Runaway,” is a slice of musical heaven and a sign of good things to come from the new album. Written by band members Jay Kay and Matt Johnson the song marks the groups first single signed to Mercury Records. To be released as a “taster” on a limited edition vinyl, “White Knuckle Ride” is backed by remixes from Seamus Haji, Monarchy and Penguin Prison so it’s looking like this record will be prime club play material. BRILLIANT! Rock Dust Light Star, Jamiroquai’s seventh studio album and the bands’ first in 5 years is the sort of comeback I was hoping for.
“At a time when many acts are producing electronic, disco influenced tracks, with “Rock Dust Light Star, Jamiroquai have moved on from the sound they helped popularize and reverted to a more organic, live sound.”
Interesting. I’m not going to lie…”White Knuckle Ride” kind of sounds like another Jamiroquai song to me. Perhaps I need to go back and listen to the old catalog again, but I don’t think this is a bad thing in the slightest. Perhaps the re-jiggering was done under the hood, and not audible? Perhaps I just haven’t listened to it enough. Regardless of whether or not the new sound is actually new, Jamiroquai is back and I’m beyond thrilled with the result.
According to frontman Jay Kay, “Everything on the record is live. It’s a real band record. The last, album – fantastic – but the whole thing became a little sterile. This time we’ve captured the flow of our live performances.”
Maybe that’s the problem! I need to see Jamiroquai live! While it doesn’t appear to have a U.S. release date just yet, here’s hoping. The first official first album single “Blue Skies” will be released in November 1st, the same day as the album release and is described by the band as “pure class” and “an epic, blissful, sun-kissed Californian mid tempo song with lush string arrangements and perhaps Kay’s most emotive vocal to date.” Can’t wait! Check out the video for “White Knuckle Ride” below!
