Totally Retro: 80s Edition

In the pantheon of 1980s music, certain bands receive endless adulation, while others remain quietly influential, appreciated more by musicians and devoted fans than by the general public. Level 42 falls into the latter category—a band that masterfully fused jazz-funk and pop, pioneering a sound that was technically impressive yet commercially viable. Though they never reached the legendary status of some of their contemporaries, their impact on music is undeniable, and their catalog remains a testament to their skill and vision.

The Formation: From Instrumental Jazz to Chart-Topping Pop

Level 42’s story begins in 1979 on the Isle of Wight, where four incredibly talented musicians—Mark King (bass and vocals), Mike Lindup (keyboards and vocals), Boon Gould (guitar), and Phil Gould (drums)—came together with a shared love for jazz-funk and progressive rock. Originally, the band had no intention of incorporating vocals; they saw themselves in the same instrumental vein as Weather Report or Return to Forever. However, at the urging of their record label, they began incorporating vocals, leading to a more structured pop-oriented sound that would define their career.

The band’s name, Level 42, was inspired by Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, in which the number 42 is the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” This nerdy yet philosophical reference reflected the band’s complex musicality, blending intellectual influences with accessible, groove-heavy songwriting.

Their early singles, including “Love Meeting Love” (1980) and “Starchild” (1981), showcased their jazz-fusion roots and gained them a loyal underground following. These tracks were full of sophisticated basslines, smooth keyboards, and intricate rhythms that set them apart from the rising synth-heavy pop movement of the early 1980s.

Breakthrough Success: The Pop-Funk Fusion

As the decade progressed, Level 42 refined their sound, incorporating catchier melodies while maintaining their signature technical prowess. This transition led to their major breakthrough with the album True Colours (1984), which featured the energetic single “Hot Water.” While the album gained them recognition, it was their next effort, World Machine (1985), that propelled them to global stardom.

The World Machine album was a masterclass in pop craftsmanship without sacrificing musicianship. It featured their first major international hit, “Something About You”, a track that combined funk-infused bass lines, lush keyboard textures, and soaring vocals. The song remains one of their most recognizable hits and exemplifies the sophisticated, emotionally resonant style that became their signature.

Another standout from the album, “Leaving Me Now,” showcased the band’s ability to blend melancholic lyricism with rich harmonies and elegant instrumentation. By this point, Level 42 had fully transitioned from jazz-funk purists to chart-topping pop innovators.

The band solidified their place in pop history with Running in the Family (1987), their most commercially successful album. This record spawned a series of massive hits, including:

• “Lessons in Love” – One of their biggest songs, topping charts across Europe and becoming an anthem of the late 80s.
• “Running in the Family” – A nostalgic, introspective track that resonated with audiences and became another signature hit.
• “Children Say” – A deeply melodic, groove-heavy song that blended their jazz roots with contemporary production.

By this point, Mark King had established himself as one of the most innovative bassists in pop music. His slap bass technique, originally a hallmark of jazz and funk, became a defining feature of Level 42’s sound. King’s approach to bass playing was so aggressive, melodic, and rhythmically complex that it often functioned as a lead instrument rather than a supporting element.

Internal Struggles and Lineup Changes

Despite their success, tensions within the band began to rise. The intense touring schedule and creative differences led to the departure of Boon and Phil Gould in 1987. Losing two founding members at the peak of their career was a heavy blow, and while Level 42 continued with replacements, the band was never quite the same.

The Staring at the Sun (1988) album was still commercially successful, but the absence of the Gould brothers was evident in the band’s changing sound. As musical trends shifted in the early 1990s, Level 42 found themselves struggling to maintain their earlier dominance. They released Guaranteed (1991) and Forever Now (1994) before disbanding temporarily in 1994.

A Resilient Comeback and Legacy

After a brief hiatus, Mark King resurrected Level 42 in the early 2000s, bringing back Mike Lindup and incorporating new members. While they never recaptured their mainstream success, their loyal fanbase ensured that they remained a force in the jazz-funk and fusion scene. They continued to tour extensively, playing to sold-out crowds across Europe and Asia.

In 2006, Level 42 released Retroglide, their first new studio album in over a decade. Though not a commercial hit, it was well-received by longtime fans and showcased that the band still had plenty of creative energy left.

To this day, Level 42 continues to tour, with Mark King and Mike Lindup leading the charge, keeping their unique sound alive for new generations of listeners. Their influence extends beyond their own discography—many bass players cite King as an inspiration, and their jazz-funk fusion sound can be heard in later artists who strive to balance virtuosity with mainstream appeal.

Why Level 42 Deserves More Recognition

Despite their undeniable impact, Level 42 is often overlooked in retrospectives of 1980s music. They don’t fit neatly into the standard new wave or synth-pop narrative, and their sophisticated musicianship sometimes went underappreciated in an era that favored simplicity. However, for those who take the time to explore their work, Level 42 offers a rare combination of technical brilliance, infectious grooves, and emotive songwriting.

Their ability to fuse genres—jazz, funk, rock, and pop—with precision and accessibility is a testament to their talent. Songs like “Something About You”, “Lessons in Love”, and “Hot Water” still sound fresh today, proving that great music transcends time.

For those new to the band, the best place to start is their mid-80s peak:

• World Machine (1985) – The perfect balance of pop and musicianship.
• Running in the Family (1987) – Their most commercially successful and polished record.
• True Colours (1984) – A transitional album showing their jazz-funk roots and pop potential.

Final Thoughts

Level 42’s legacy is one of quiet excellence—a band that consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music without compromising their musical integrity. Whether you’re a bassist marveling at Mark King’s virtuosity, a fan of sophisticated pop songwriting, or simply someone looking for timeless grooves, Level 42 has something to offer.

They may not be as frequently mentioned as some of their 80s peers, but for those who truly appreciate musicianship, melody, and groove, Level 42 is nothing short of legendary.