Pop culture review time

Jamiroquai - Dynamite: At last, after 4 long, long years, we have a new album from Jay Kay and Co. These 4 years have been plenty of time for the group to explore some new avenues in the music, and the result is a 'New Jamiroquai' kind of sound that's revolutionary just like the new sound they had for 2001's Synkronized. Old-school faithfuls might be disappointed, but I just can't stop grooving to this album. It's wilder, louder, and in places less funky but the increased craziness makes up for it. There's sadly few other ways to describe it. There's something here to please everyone, because the album is divided as follows:

First 3 tracks: no-holds-barred, brand-new Jamiroquai sound. It's loud but unmistakably the voice of JK, even if a little different. The 'Feels Like It Should' single leads off, and it's honestly probably the weakest track on the album. Don't let it turn you off the album, because the title track follows and it's easily one of the best. 'Seven Days in Sunny June' is a teaser of old-school Jamiroquai, right before you get slapped in the face with 'Electric Mistress,' the embodiment of NeoJamiroquai. It's an 80s-infested, fast-paced, loud monster of a song, and it kicks ass. If you don't like this song, there's not much hope for you.

The next 3 tracks: A peaceful, funky return to Jamiroquai as its old fans know it. They're not worth writing home about but they're still extremely good tracks.

The last 5 tracks: Back to NeoJamiroquai. '(Don't) Give Hate a Chance' is a funkier tune reminiscent of Electric Mistress. 'World That He Wants' slows it down and shows a more serious side of the new band, but the next two tracks pick it up just in time to leave you with 'Time Won't Wait,' the badass, loud, new-sound kind of closing track.

Conclusion: As soon as this album comes out in the US on iTunes, I'm buying it. With money. It's seriously *that* good. In fact, it's the best album I've listened to since Room for Squares. And that came out quite some time ago. If you like Jamiroquai, get this album and love it. If you've never listened to the swingin' sounds of Jay Kay but happen to like some of the stuff I spin, get this album and enjoy it.

Coldplay - X&Y: Haven't gotten around to it yet. Jamiroquai's album is too good.
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