What makes Staring at the Sun by Level 42 notable?

The album produced several hit singles, including Heaven in My Hands, which reached the top 10 in the UK charts, showcasing Level 42's enduring popularity. Staring at the Sun is also notable for its rich fusion of genres, influencing the sophisti-pop scene and leaving a lasting impact on British pop music's evolution during that era. Staring at the Sun marked Level 42's sixth studio album and followed their successful 1985 release, World Machine. By this point, the band had established themselves as a prominent act in the UK music scene, blending pop rock with sophisticated jazz influences. The album came during a period of experimentation for the band as they sought to evolve their sound in the late 1980s.

Who is Staring at the Sun for?

Staring at the Sun works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove satisfaction, uplifting melodies for sunny days and vibrant background for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Staring at the Sun?

Staring at the Sun has 10 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Staring at the Sun

Level 42 · 1988

49 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant mix of dance-rock rhythms and jazz-funk grooves, underpinned by introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heaven in My Hands — This track combines infectious melodies with a danceable beat, exemplifying the band's knack for crafting radio-friendly hits while retaining musical sophistication.
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Tracie — Tracie stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the band amid their upbeat arrangements.
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Staring at the Sun — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of introspection and longing, supported by intricate instrumental layers that highlight Level 42's musicianship.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends dance-rock and jazz-funk with strong melodies, though its pacing and cohesion vary.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent bass lines, establishing a danceable groove.
The album shifts to a slower pace with 'Silence' as the fifth track, introducing a more introspective tone.
Several tracks incorporate complex chord progressions and jazz-influenced arrangements, particularly in the instrumental sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove satisfaction
uplifting melodies for sunny days
vibrant background for social gatherings
engaging sing-alongs with friends
smooth transitions between tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, high-energy music
seek experimental or disjointed sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Staring at the Sun marked Level 42's sixth studio album and followed their successful 1985 release, World Machine. By this point, the band had established themselves as a prominent act in the UK music scene, blending pop rock with sophisticated jazz influences. The album came during a period of experimentation for the band as they sought to evolve their sound in the late 1980s.
Stylistic neighbors: Jamiroquai· Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic