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Rating: Excellent |
The list of reasons why Jamiroquai's 1993 debut remains so relevant could fill the goofy hats that frontman Jay Kay made famous. Emergency On Planet Earth feels that way, even 30 years after its initial release. Powerful lyrics focused on global politics are hurled through a flurry of gargantuan arrangements that fuse '70s soul with jazzy psychedelia. Revisiting an album like this is both invigorating and disappointing at the same time. The sweeping arrangements and powerful vocals fill the room with color as these songs revolve around singer Jay Kay's pleas for help in making sense of the world around him. Even three decades later, the issues explored on Emergency On Planet Earth are as relevant as ever, and the music that conveys Jamiroquai's concerns is as vibrant and refreshing as the first time you encountered the diminutive mascot that graces the cover.
Like the album, it all began with the smash single “When You Gonna Learn?”. This song landed Jay Kay his major label deal with Sony, who released the album on June 14, 1993. The single was created by Kay himself with his then-producer. Once Kay had finished the song, his producer got his hands on it and altered the sound and structure to fit a more modern blueprint. Furious, Kay quickly changed the song back. This altercation not only seemingly ended Kay’s relationship with this producer, it also lit a fuse deep within the artist that would explode in the band we know today. Kay made sure to put together a live band to properly execute his unique musical vision. The band was quickly formed, with Kay initially joined by didgeridoo player Wallis Buchanan, bassist Stuart Zender, and keyboardist Toby Smith (who you can also thank for the string arrangements on the LP). The rest of the band was filled out by drummer Nick Van Gelder and a long list of contributing musicians. With Jamiroquai now in full swing, Kay wanted to put his band to work.
Emergency On Planet Earth is fueled by Jay Kay’s confusion with the world around him. Our hero finds himself in a world of political and social unrest. During the recording process, the Cold War had just ended and the news channels were presenting nothing but the horrors of war for our viewing pleasure, as was the rest of the world. He decided to make an album that not only put these issues directly before us all, but also radiated a resounding resentment towards those in power by shining a light on these alarming realities through an acid jazz band. The aforementioned “When You Gonna Learn?” questions why history always finds a way to repeat itself despite the lessons learned from the past, while “Revolution 1993” explains exactly why these songs are built around immediate change. “Well it's hard times, white lines, kids of nine getting down with gun crime” unashamedly states his opinion on the gun issue, inevitably calling for a change in the perceived patterns. With a bluntness that is unmistakable, Jamiroquai created a protest album that defies the norm, not only introducing us to the band's hyper-conscious songwriting but also welcoming their unique take on funk and jazz into a world on fire.
Few things come close to hearing the opening notes of Emergency On Planet Earth . That subtle drum pattern and vocals welcome you into the wondrous world of Jamiroquai’s output, a fusion of acid jazz and funk that borrows as much from the golden age of soul as it does from the political imperatives of punk. The album is filled with lush melodies and fields of horns that mingle in ecstasy, creating a sonic direction that points you somewhere you’ve never explored before. The instrumental relief “Music of the Mind” midway through the album offers a brief escape from the real-world issues driving the LP, while also providing a stunning example of the influence that jazz of the past had on Jamiroquai. From the smooth funk of “If I Like It, I Do It” to the gritty didgeridoo outro “Didgin' Out,” Emergency On Planet Earth draws from every corner of the world it tries to save to find the expansive instrumentals that elevate the album to its timeless status.
Even 31 years later, Jamiroquai’s debut album still sounds like it came out yesterday. Despite the heartbreaking realization that not much has changed since its release, Emergency On Planet Earth is an album that can be played countless times for generations. From the ivory-tower-setting lyrics to the cloud of unparalleled musicianship that shapes its sonic palette, it’s a showcase for innovation that lifts its morals out of an anarchic mindset. Across the 10 tracks that comprise Emergency On Planet Earth, Jamiroquai takes you through the harshest truths while softening the blow with whimsical arrangements that create an unforgettable juxtaposition of our wildest fantasies and our darkest realities.
= Full Album Play List =
= Track List =
