One of my favourite albums in my music collection.
This is a fusion of funk, soul and acid jazz.
Jamiroquai have been around a while, but this is where it all started, in 1993 with the album Emergency On Planet Earth.
The theme of the album is basically based on how there is an emergency on the earth, with people starving and the fact that innocent people are dying due to war.The first track "When You Gonna Learn" starts the album off with the clear message -we've got to stop this going on. Its a great track which just oozes funk.
The second track is a bit more mellow and its the uk top 10 hit "Too Young To Die". Its just a fantastic track , with a chours i'm sure you all can sing along too
"Hooked up" is the thrid track, not as good lyrically as many of the other songs on this album but still a good funky number which will have your feet tapping away.
The fourth track "If I Like It I Do It" sound very much like a Brand New Heavies sounding track (a group which Jay Kay went for an audition but was turned down)and the words relate very much to Jay Kays train of thought nowdays - If he likes it - he does it.
Track five swaps lyrics about war and worlds hunger for a sublime instrumental - "Music Of The Mind" This track really emphasises that there is more more to Jamiroquai than Jay Kay. The musical arangement is out of this world and you would be hard pressed to find a better instrumental track.
Track 6 sees the lyrics about the state of the world return, with the title track "Emergency On Planet Earth". This is very good lyrically with lines such as "I think were standing for injustice - white gets two and black gets five years?"
Controversial - and something Jay Kay doesn't seem to shy away from.
The 7th track is the weakest on this set. "Whatever it is I just can't stop". Not the worst song in the world but in comparison to the rest of the album it does lack a certain something.
Track eight is my personal Favourite on this album - "Blow Your Mind". All 8 minutes of it I love, and it really is a fantastic chill out tune.
If you think 8 minutes is a long time on Blow Your Mind then wait till you get to Track 9.....
"Revolution 1993" - If your feeling you need a funky lift - this is the song to put on! Fast paced, fast lyrics, and a tune to be embraced... oh yeh and its 10 minutes 17 seconds!
Jamiroquai's Digeridoo player Wallis Buchannan makes his debut on track 10 with the short but interesting Didgin' Out.
The soulful voice of Jay Kay put together with his and Toby Smiths lyrical genius makes this album something that is lacking during the 90's - Funk.
Vinny
