Jamiroquai - Synkronized

With songs that fall exactly in between Michael Jackson's Off the Wall period and A Taste of Honey, Jamiroquai's Synkronized is a funk-disco inferno that is distinguished from its 1970s counterparts only by its 1990s production. It contains all the same ingredients: wah-wah guitar, electric piano, soft-sided strings oozing out melody, pot-bellied bass, and a blasted-out horn section that evokes images of three guys stepping in sync while their sequined flairs swipe over white patent-leather loafers. While the funk is steamy enough to flatten the tallest 'fro, Jay Kay's impeccable ability to emulate Stevie Wonder's vocals brings on the cool side. But the album isn't all about a time warp. Just when you think Jamiroquai isn't going to step a toe beyond 1978, "Supersonic," the seventh track, throws down an acid-house riff that works in didgeridoo and a synthed-out cow bell. "Where Do We Go from Here" rocks with a leap-frogging blues piano and tangy bongos. The album's grand finale, "King for a Day," is a regal rock-operatic excursion embellished with fully orchestrated piano and strings. Overall, this Jamiroquai jamfest is an irreplaceable summer-in-the-city album. --Beth Massa Amazon.com

Certainly good if not great

3 1/2

I was kind of disappointed when i first heard this back in the day. Coming off of their quintessential pleaser TWM, Synkronized seemed to continue pushing towards radio-friendly funk and soul at the expense of better songwriting, making the impressive interplay and arrangements found on their first few releases even less prominent. But time has been kind to this release, and a fair amount of tracks attest to Kay's street-pop sensibilities, displaying an elegant simplicity in the always-reliable production which does prove less is sometimes more. June 6, 2008

Butterfly

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
~Plato

Well, I can't say it any better than good ole' Plato. This is a great
album. But for me, the song "Butterfly" is the standout. Certainly gives
wings to my mind, flight to my imagination and, well, you get the point.

"I feel like I'm a butterfly in June
So color in my wings and let me hold your hand.
I could be the sun and you could be my moon.
But all you ever say is catch me if you can.
Feel like a butterfly searching in the summer sky."

Great lyrics, swirling melodies and hypnotic rhythms abound in this gem of
a song. But you can't go wrong with any of the numbers on this wonderful
album. Have a nice flight!! April 23, 2007

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE SONG ON HERE!

The overall CD is funky and groovy of course, but wanted to draw attention that "Canned Heat" is the song in the dance sequence in "Napoleon Dynamite". July 20, 2006

One Heck of a Great Follow Up! Great Sound Quality! Great Tracks!

I have to admit that after the great "Travelling Without Moving," I was a little hesitant about getting this the follow up album for fear of experiencing the usual letdown of follow-up album falling way short of the classic that preceded it but lo and behold what a great album this turned out to be! Not only are all the tracks great, the sound quality of this very well produced disc is also excellent. No weak tracks at all and although still not as great as "Travelling...", "Synkronized" holds its own very well indeed. Highly recommended! December 7, 2005

I love it!

I just bought this album and can't put it down. I saw them in concert earlier this month, they were off the hook. They did most of the songs from this album and "Funk Odessey". Pick it up, classic Jamiroquai! November 19, 2005

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