What makes Heaven in My Hands by Level 42 notable?

The album features the hit single 'Heaven in My Hands,' which reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Level 42's continued popularity in the late '80s. It also received positive reviews for its fusion of genres and was pivotal in cementing their status within the sophisti-pop movement during this era. Heaven in My Hands was released as part of Level 42's evolution into the late '80s music scene, following the commercial success of their album 'World Machine' in 1985. At this point, the band was refining their sound while still maintaining their dance-rock roots, exploring deeper lyrical themes and more complex arrangements. This album marked a moment where they sought to balance mainstream appeal with artistic integrity.

How many songs are on Heaven in My Hands?

Heaven in My Hands has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Heaven in My Hands

Level 42 · 1988

9 min · 2 tracks · new wave

A blend of catchy pop melodies with intricate jazz-funk rhythms, showcasing Level 42's signature sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heaven in My Hands — This track stands out for its infectious chorus and intricate instrumentation, encapsulating Level 42's signature blend of pop and jazz-funk elements.
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Gresham Blues — This song showcases a more introspective side of the band, with a groove that highlights their jazz influences alongside poignant lyrical content.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Lowland

Higher than 3% of albums we've rated

A tightly arranged, melodic pop-funk single whose chorus and rhythmic detail hold up, but whose two-track format offers little larger sequencing arc.

What we noticed

The title track rides a repeating bass-and-keyboard groove through compact verses into a broader, sustained-phrase chorus.
The two-track release pairs that polished pop arrangement with “Gresham Blues” as its B-side, so the package is built around one focal song rather than an album-length arc.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 3/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Heaven in My Hands

The bridge presents a shift in perspective that reflects on longing and desire through vivid imagery.

This moment elevates the emotional stakes by moving away from the main narrative, inviting listeners to engage with a heightened sense of vulnerability.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Heaven in My Hands 4:12
2 Gresham Blues 5:45

What to play next

Listen next

Level Best

1989

Go back to

Staring at the Sun

1988

Full Level 42 discography Where to start with Level 42 Artists like Level 42 Which Level 42 albums to start with

jazz-funk new wave pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata