Team Plaid

Our second spotlighted artist is Brit funk band Jamiroquai. Blake often mentions them when asked what his album will sound like, and that makes me a happy Blaker Girl as I’m quite the fan! Jamiroquai first caught my attention in 1997 with their trippy music video for “Virtual Insanity,” an expression of fear about just how far technology can take us wrapped up in a slick, bouncy pop tune. Ironically, the song’s video is considered somewhat of a technological breakthrough, and it earned Jamiroquai four moon men at the ‘97 MTV Video Music Awards, including the top prize, Video Of The Year.

The eye-catching vid helped give Jamiroquai its first and really only taste of success here in the US with their third album, Travelling Without Moving. The band was already popular in their native UK, starting with its 1993 debut Emergency On Planet Earth. Frontman Jay Kay’s smooth, soulful vocals coupled with their fusion of acid jazz, funk, electronica, and grooves that would make some of the biggest disco acts of the 70’s jealous was a perfect fit for London’s club scene. Stateside, the follow-up albums to Travelling Without Moving produced singles that were limited to success on Billboard’s dance music charts. Find out some Jamiroquai tunes worth a listen after the jump!

Recommended Ear Candy
(I’ve included at least one song from each of their six studio albums, and I’ve provided music video links when available - just click the song title.)

“Emergency On Planet Earth” - retro jam about social injustice.

“Space Cowboy” - vibey piece; it’s almost like two songs in one.

“Cosmic Girl” - a peppy ode to one out-of-this-world chick. I heart the lyrics!

“Alright” - something to chill to.

“Drifting Along” - reggae-flavored song that screams BLAKE to me, hee.

“Canned Heat” - makes you wanna boogie, right Napoleon?

“Little L” - extreme disco throwback about a problematic relationship.

“Feels Just Like It Should” - features a fierce electronic groove!

All of these are available on iTunes (clicking that link will launch iTunes and take you directly the Jamiroquai store) and Amazon has every album and then some! Now, I think there’s nothing left for you to do but DANCE! ;)