level 42 / albums

233,185 plays
91 SHARES
106 FAVS
12 fans

- World Machine (U.S.Version)
- - 29,359 plays
  - 10 favs
  - 4 shares
Level 42
Released 1985

The Chant Has Begun
05:14
984 plays

Leaving Me Now
05:01
3,037 plays

World Machine
05:16
1,953 plays

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songs

- 1
- Something About You
- 04:25
- 15,580 plays

- 2
- World Machine
- 05:16
- 1,953 plays

- 3
- Physical Presence
- 05:27
- 1,787 plays

- 4
- Leaving Me Now
- 05:01
- 3,037 plays

- 5
- Hot Water
- 03:37
- 1,155 plays

- 6
- It's Not The Same For Us
- 04:37
- 1,563 plays

- 7
- Good Man In A Storm
- 04:36
- 1,799 plays

- 8
- The Chant Has Begun
- 05:14
- 984 plays

- 9
- Lying Still
- 05:39
- 1,501 plays

- play all

album review

Level 42 was one of Britain's most successful bands by the time World Machine was released in 1986, but U.S. success was elusive. But that changed with the engaging single "Something About You," which became a Top Ten hit in America and sent this album soaring into the Top 20. World Machine pushes their newfound radio-friendly sound into the forefront, and the result is one of the finest pop albums of the mid-'80s. "Something About You" exemplifies Level 42's sound at the peak of its success. Bassist Mark King's vocals, while limited in range, are soulful and yearning, while keyboardist Mike Lindup's complimentary falsetto backing vocals add just the right ingredient to the mix. Given the group's original guise as an all-instrumental jazz combo, the musicianship is brilliant, and "Something About You" proves how good a song can sound coming from the radio. Unlike most albums that contain one strong single surrounded by duds, World Machine has more than its share of fine tunes. The jazzy, upbeat title track is one of the band's finest moments, the should've-been-a-hit "Leaving Me Now" is an effective ballad, and the midtempo "Good Man in a Storm" is catchy and thought-provoking. While not perfect -- "Physical Presence" drags, and "It's Not the Same for Us" is a bit too cutesy for its own good -- World Machine is the most successful album in Level 42's career, both in terms of sales and quality. ~ William Cooper, All Music Guide