World Machine cover

World Machine

Level 42 · 1985

46 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of dance-rock rhythms and jazz-funk grooves elevates emotive vocals into an infectious, sophisticated pop experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Something About You — This track showcases Level 42's signature blend of catchy melodies and intricate bass lines, making it a defining moment of their sound and a commercial success.
  • →
    Leaving Me Now — A poignant ballad that highlights the band's ability to marry emotional depth with rhythmic complexity, making it a fan favorite during live performances.
  • →
    Physical Presence — This track exemplifies the band's jazzy undertones while maintaining a danceable groove, representing their unique approach to pop music during the mid-80s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

World Machine showcases strong compositions and innovative production, making it a standout in the new wave genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature intricate bass lines that intertwine with rhythmic guitar riffs, creating a dynamic interplay characteristic of jazz-funk.
  • The vocal melodies often soar above the instrumentation, with harmonies that emphasize emotional peaks in the lyrics.
  • The album closes with 'Lying Still', which features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 1, 1985, World Machine marked Level 42's commercial peak, following their successful album True Colours. At this point, the band had solidified their distinctive sound, blending jazz-funk with new wave influences, and this album propelled them to international acclaim.
Stylistic neighbors
Jamiroquai· Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic
New to Level 42? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Leaving Me Now

    The lyrics shift from reflective sorrow to a powerful declaration of emotional disconnect.

    This transition underscores the complexity of relationships, contrasting vulnerability with a firm resolve that deepens the song's impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 World Machine 5:16
  • 2 Physical Presence 5:27
  • 3 Something About You 4:26
  • 4 Leaving Me Now 5:02
  • 5 I Sleep on My Heart 4:06
  • 6 It’s Not the Same for Us 4:38
  • 7 Dream Crazy 3:54
  • 8 Good Man in a Storm 4:36
  • 9 Coup d’etat 3:43
  • 10 Lying Still 5:39

What to play next

Running in the Family
Listen next

Running in the Family

1987
A Physical Presence
Go back to

A Physical Presence

1985
Full Level 42 discography Where to start with Level 42 Artists like Level 42
jazz-funk new wave pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata