Writing this review in my kitchen seems at odds with the music. The cool, refined Jamiroquai sound deserves a drive in an open-top vintage sports car through the Alps on a balmy Summer’s day, not perched with a laptop on your lap looking out at an English garden facing yet another arctic Winter.
But that’s what good music does, it transports you. And on ‘Runaway’ Jamiroquai transport you with more efficiency than a Virgin Atlantic flight with Richard Branson aboard.
Taken from the upcoming Greatest Hits album (‘High Times - Singles 1992 - 2006) this is another exercise in skittish bass lines, soothing string sections and Jay Kay’s distinct vocals.
I defy anyone to listen to this track and remain completely immobile.
Comparison to other work is unavoidable, especially with a retrospective album on the cards, and ‘Runaway’ certainly couldn’t be considered their finest single, but it bears all of those familiar hallmarks that make Jamiroquai the world’s undisputed leaders of dance music with substance.
Their brand of soul and funk-inspired break beats is a living contradiction - in so much as they constantly produce dance hits that are anything but throw-away.
They were and continue to be a breath of fresh air in a market that’s choking on one-hit wonders and disposable tracks.
For fans of the band this will be a welcome addition to the catalogue. To newcomers brace yourself for a warm breath of fresh air.
Winter suddenly doesn’t feel as menacing, now if only I could get my hands on that sports car!
