Art comes in countless forms, from the grandeur of a seventeenth-century painting to the simplicity of humming a favorite tune. In our daily lives, we all need an outlet—whether to express ourselves or to unwind after a long day. Music, in particular, has a unique power to lift our spirits and transform our moods. For me, whenever I felt down or bored, popping in a Level 42 CD always did the trick. This British band, emerging in the mid-1980s, played a pivotal role in the pop/funk era, delivering international hits that defined the eighties and nineties.

The early eighties saw the second “British Invasion,” with giants like Pet Shop Boys, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, A-ha, and Swing Out Sister. Amidst this wave, Level 42 burst onto the scene in 1980, with their initial demos—later known as the early tapes—signaling their intent to leave a mark on the music industry. While many British bands of the era leaned heavily on synthesized sounds, Level 42 remained true to their jazz-funk roots. Their fusion of vibrant melodies and subtle harmonies stood out, especially in the club scene.

Named after a reference from the cult classic “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Level 42 was formed in London in 1980 by vocalist/bassist Mark King, keyboardist/vocalist Mike Lindup, guitarist Boon Gould, and drummer Phil Gould. They started as an instrumental jazz-funk band, but when King added vocals to their tracks, they quickly climbed the charts. Their debut single “Love Meeting Love” reached No. 61, and their self-titled debut album, released in August 1981, climbed to No. 20 in the UK album charts, staying there for 18 weeks. This success led to a European concert tour.

By the early eighties, Level 42 had crafted what fans would call the “Level 42 Sound”—heavy bass riffs, funky drum rhythms, synthesized keyboards, and captivating guitar lines. This distinctive sound gained international popularity, paralleling the broader British invasion.

Level 42 drew inspiration from diverse musical influences, including Stanley Clarke, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Wally Badarou. Earth, Wind & Fire’s funky soul and African rhythms, Stanley Clarke’s innovative bass work, and Wally Badarou’s enduring harmonies all shaped Level 42’s unique style.

In 1983, during their German tour, Level 42 connected with Larry Dunn and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, who offered to produce their next album. Before heading to The Complex Studios in Los Angeles, they recorded the single “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” with Wally Badarou in London. Shortly after, they made their American debut in New York, cementing their presence in the US. Their hit “Something About You” in 1986, performed on Saturday Night Live, became one of their biggest singles, contributing to their sale of over thirty million records worldwide. Level 42’s influence on a generation of music enthusiasts remains undeniable, with their signature sound still referenced in critiques of the genre.

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References

http://www.forevemow.com/menu.html

http://www.leve142.com/

http://www.mikelindup.com/