Synkronized by Jamiroquai (Review)

Synkronized is still as funky, gritty, and groovy as anything you’re likely to hear this year.
Synkronized - Jamiroquai

Alright, let’s get a few things out of the way. Yes, everyone who hears Jamiroquai is immediately reminded of Stevie Wonder. No, Jamiroquai is not the name of the guy in the big hats; it’s the name of the whole band. And yes, Jamiroquai is a one-trick pony.

It’s pretty obvious where Jay Kay (the guy in those wacky hats) gets his influences: he practically wallows in them. But rather than acting as a limitation, his indulgence becomes our indulgence, and the result is some of the funnest, hippest, and booty-shakingest music this side of Essential Funk, Volume 1.

Synkronized gets the party started right from the get-go, with the first single, “Canned Heat,” which sounds like something the Bee Gees might’ve written if disco hadn’t suffered a public backlash in the late 70s and early 80s. Its undulating rhythms, strings, and infectious appeal to “Dance!” practically guarantees this one to be a hit on the dancefloor. Jamiroquai is all about getting your freak on, and if songs like “Butterfly” and “Where Do We Go From Here” don’t get you in the mood, you’re probably missing a pulse.

But unlike the dance/groove-happy sounds of previous albums like Return of the Space Cowboy, Jamiroquai seems to have adapted a bit more of an edge to their sound. Just listen to “Black Capricorn Days” and “Soul Education,” both of which sound like outtakes straight from the Superfly and Shaft soundtracks. Even some of the lyrics seem a little darker and twisted than Kay’s usual “let’s get together/love the Earth/gotta get with this girl” fare.

On one hand, the music seems more solid, but it’s missing some of the laidback atmosphere that permeated Jamiroquai’s other works. At times, the studio polish on these songs shines a little too much and ends up taking away from the natural, earthy feel that so much of their earlier stuff had. This can really be seen on the one instrumental on the album, “Destitute Illusion.”

Even though this track has more funk in its pinky than most bands have in their entire career, it’s missing the didgeridoo vibe that previous instrumentals used so much, opting instead for spaced-out keys and swirling electronics. In fact, the didgeridoo seems less pronounced on this album, a real shame. It was the perfect addition to their sound, a primitive, ritualistic sound in the midst of beats and basslines. It added a spiritual sound to their funk, simultaneously conjuring up images of the Australian Outback and of London clubs at 2:00am.

But despite these complaints, the fact remains that Synkronized is still as funky, gritty, and groovy as anything you’re likely to hear this year. Although it’s missing some of the organic flourishes and doesn’t seem quite as relaxed or sprawling as their previous works, those wanting a little edge on their funk won’t go away disappointed. And if you ever see me listening to this album, the chances are pretty good that I’ll be shaking my booty right out there with the rest of the kids.

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