JamiroquaiAutomaton (album review)

I just downloaded the new album and I gave each track a 30 second listen..

It sounds totally digital and totally on the same disco ish computerized vibe as the last few albums..

NO DAMN THANK YOU!!!

[Edited 3/30/17 4:17am]

I love the album!! This is gonna be my "summer album"

I was just listening to this song and I thought "this should be the next single".

SoulAlive said:

"Something About You" hits a delightful spot of New Power Generation-esque funk and early '80s Salsoul chunkiness.

"Something About You" I'm hooked on this song!! WOW!!

MD431Madcat said:

I know there are some fans who want them to return to the acid jazz sounds of the first few albums,but that's not gonna happen
it's 2017,they had to evolve a bit

I hear you.. but i'm through with Jay Kay and his wannabe 70's inspired computerized disposable music.!

SoulAlive said:

MD431Madcat said:

I just downloaded the new album and I gave each track a 30 second listen..

It sounds totally digital and totally on the same disco ish computerized vibe as the last few albums..

NO DAMN THANK YOU!

I know there are some fans who want them to return to the acid jazz sounds of the first few albums,but that's not gonna happen it's 2017,they had to evolve a bit

[Edited 3/31/17 10:11am]

Shaolin325 said:

YAS!!' YAS!!! YAS!!! (how Jay Z says yes ) I just finished listening to it. And on first listen all I can say is YAS!!!! Songs 7 thru 12 are all strong to me. From Summer Girl to Carla. Right now my favorites are Jungle, We Can Do It, Buzz and Carla, but this might change by this time tomorrow I love when I enjoy a song or an entire album on first listen. Automaton even sounds better within the mix of all the other songs. I'll be back later today with more feedback. I feel satisfied right now

I am ecstatic This album is incredible.There are so mny surprises throughout.....so many cool things going on in these songs! The delicious 70s's "wah wah wah" guitar in "Summer Girl"......the jazzy saxophone that pops up in "Dr.Buzz".....the interesting direction that "Hot Property" goes into during the last few minutes.....for those who thought that this was gonna be a totally electronic album,they're in for a surprise.The funk is very much alive on this album! The basslines are SICK!!

Whenever an artist does a song about their son or daughter,the results can sometimes be sappy and corny but "Carla" is a cool jam.I was pleasantly surprised.

the second part of this song reminds me of 70s Philly soul so lush,so dreamy,so intoxicating!

Shaolin325 said:

Summer Girl

On 1st (and possibly only) listen this album is pretty snoozy and 1 dimensional.Dr. Buzz is ok. I see how it could be a fan-pleaser, however, Im not that much of a fan and well...Im not that pleased.

MD431Madcat said:

I just downloaded the new album and I gave each track a 30 second listen..

Flawed judgement then.

BACK AGAIN! (sing that like the dilated peoples song )

.

Nothing much has changed since earlier today, I still like the final 6 songs (or the flip side) best!

.

My favorites are "We Can Do It" (something about the backing singers reminds me of a Bob Marly song, not sure which one) and "Vitamin" (bass guitar/piano/sax.....VERY NICE!)

.

I can't hear "Superfresh" for some reason. It's not doing anything for me yet.......

.

But, I'm just happy that I really like most of the album. This means I won't get bored with it that quickly.......

I'm finally listening to this album for the first time and I like it so far... Automaton didn't do anything for me. But the first song was great. A lot of disco on this album which I love... I'm on Superfresh and I didn't dig it at first but then it got good. So far...yeah!

Shaolin325 said:

SoulAlive said:

Shaolin325 said:

My favorites are "We Can Do It" (something about the backing singers reminds me of a Bob Marly song, not sure which one)

this is my least favorite track on the album it may grow on me....it just seems like a lazy track

Something for everyone. I'm loving "Something About You" at this moment... The opening to "Summer Girl" is great. Why am I getting some Marvin Gaye vibes at first? "Summer Girl" is really the perfect throw back summer song.

[Edited 3/31/17 18:15pm]

Dr. Buzz really works--a definite favorite.

"We Can Do It" is equally terrific.

[Edited 3/31/17 19:03pm]

Favorite jams on first listen: Shake It On, Something About You, Summer Girl, and Dr. Buzz through Carla. I'll definitely come back to listen again and agree that for most songs, there's a good flow and it takes me to where I like to be sonically...

SoulAlive said:

"Summer Girl" is such s stunning track.....reminds me so much of those lengthy,hypnotic jams by the likes of MFSB,The Salsoul Orchestra and Barry White.We all know that Jay Kay loves the 70s and on this track,the band perfectly captures that 70s sexy soul vibe.I love those strings and that "wah wah" guitar throughout.

Second stop tonight--Tuxedo II.

Funny, I knew they were dropping a new album, but I didnt know it was today! First thing this morning I went on Tidal to play the new Mastodon album, and was over the moon seeing Automaton available. I'm no expert on the J. Matter of fact, I only started jamming them about 7-8 months ago after years of sleeping on them, and thinking a song was cool here or there (They unfairly get no substantial love here in the States. Come across the pond and play some gigs Jay! A lot of us would love to see you!) Thoughts on the album? I was thrown off at first. But those feelings soon went out the window and I've been now obsessively playing it all day and this album is fucking fire! I CAN NOT get enough of Shake It On. Great lyrics, especially from a guy who's been guilty of writing some over-the-top hokey stuff during his career. Hot Property through Dr. Buzz in sequence is just outstanding. I'm seeing some very mixed thoughts from you guys here, but to me this shit is fresh. And you know what? I haven't even gotten to the new Mastodon album yet!

I'm really digging this new Jamiroquai album. Standouts for me are "Cloud 9", "Hot Property", "Summer Girl", "Dr. Buzz", & "Vitamin". My only gripe is that I wish there were a couple of smoother tracks on here. One of MY favorite things about Jamiroquai has always been their smoother, slower tracks. I think they're underrated in that department.

Tracks like "Everyday", "Digjital Vibrations", Tallulah", "Corner of The Earth", "Falling", "Morning Glory", "Half The Man", "7 Days in Sunny June", even "Two Completely Different Things" are all great songs, imo. Can't forget about "Smile" [how that's an outtake is puzzling to me].

It would have been nice to have that switch-up, to break up this fast pace album. While I do understand how some of the older fans could have issues with this, & previous albums, I'm an older fan myself [Started with Traveling..., but went back immediately to get the first two albums, which I'm a big fan of too], & I can except change.

I will say, I'm sure all of us are curious as to what Jamiroquai would sound like today, if the original line-up had stayed together.

"Hot Property" makes me wanna go to a nightclub and dance the night away......and I don't even go clubbin' anymore