Jamiroquai - A Funk Oddessy
Label: Sony/Epic
Rating: 
 

Britain's Jamiroquai have always been underground in the States. Although they have a strong base in England, they're best known here as the one-hit wonders responsible for the award winning music video "Virtual Insanity," from their 1996 release Travelling Without Moving. In it, lead vocalist/visionary Jay Kay �travels without moving' courtesy of clever direction and a rigged sliding floor.

Although they traveled away from the mainstream soon after they hit the spotlight, there's no doubt that lead vocalist/visionary Jay Kay still has style. With his funky clothes, insane dance moves, and a voice that can be easily mistaken for Stevie Wonder, the man demands to be noticed. And either you'll love Jamiroquai, or you won't be able to stand them. Their style borrows heavily from the 70's dance movement, with it's retro saturation of disco and funk. In other words, "A Funk Oddessy" is like a trip back into when bell-bottoms and leisure suits were hip. This music is a lot more ELO than Linkin Park. 

At this point, this review would even turn me off, as I grew up as a meat and potatoes rock fan like many of you. I was born before the 70's and for the most part thank the good lord for that small favor! However, I'm curiously recommending this disc anyway because some of these songs are just insanely catchy. It's fun, it's upbeat, it has soul. It's not for everyone, but I guarantee songs like "Little L," "Love Foolosophy," and "You Give Me Something" will charm their way into your head. Too much of today's corporate rock lacks charisma, and giving A Funk Oddessy a spin is a refreshing change of pace.