Hold onto your hats! Shakatak's 1983 album "Out of This World" might just be the key to discovering how to groove your way through the chaos of today’s world. A British jazz-funk band, Shakatak made waves with this impressive creation. Released during a decade when culture wars were minor skirmishes compared to today, this album showcases a music blend so smooth that it could make even the most die-hard political ideologue tap their feet in harmony.
What makes "Out of This World" stand out as a classic? Let’s break it down, track by track, reason by reason.
Dance Mix Apocalypse: While some contemporary music revolves around themes that tirelessly push a liberal agenda, Shakatak’s music, especially in this album, is refreshingly devoid of political preaching. It's no surprise given its era —an age when music was purely art for the soul, not a political soapbox.
Timeless Talent: "Out of This World" delivered an iconic jazz-funk sound with tracks like "Dark Is the Night," which helped Shakatak cement their global status. The blend of Bill Sharpe's keyboards, Keith Winter’s guitar finesse, and Jill Saward’s engaging vocals offer a musical refuge for those tired of today’s auto-tuned, mass-produced noise.
Melody Over Mantras: The album’s title track is a testament to the inspirational power of melody without needing to hammer home a political point. In a world where every artist seemingly aims to shout their world view from the rooftops, Shakatak reminds us of a time when musicians prioritized music over mantras.
Outlasting Outrage: The enduring popularity of "Out of This World" shows that quality transcends time. Unlike the fleeting hype of today’s politically-charged pop hits, Shakatak’s work persists, offering a well-fed banquet for the ears of those who seek emotional and artistic sustenance without political indigestion.
Chill Out Vibes: While today’s music seeks to either incite or chastise, this Shakatak collection urges its listeners to simply chill. As the album plays, it invites you into a world free of ideological divides with tracks like "Don't Say That Again" and "Slip Away." It's the kind of escape that encourages reflection rather than reaction.
Straightforward Sound: The production on "Out of This World" was sophisticated for its time, yet it steers clear of the artificial embellishments seen in today’s music industry. The pure, authentic sound is a reminder of when music was crafted with genuine skill rather than technological crutches.
Broad Appeal: By sticking to universal themes—love, loss, and growth—Shakatak’s music remains accessible and appreciated by a broad audience. This includes those who avoid music that sounds more like political protest than personal celebration.
Quick Conversion Kit: If you're new to Shakatak or "Out of This World," give this a try: listen in a quiet space with a decent pair of headphones. You’ll find yourself hooked on the intricacies and the sincerity of the music as it transports you back to an era where musicality wasn’t overshadowed by megaphoned politics.
No Agenda Except Sharing the Groove: In a world where so many are obsessed with scoring political points, artists like Shakatak remind us of what it means to make music that’s about bringing people together. Their work on "Out of This World" is a testament to sound that transcends borders without agendas.
A Lesson from the Past: Modern artists could learn a lot from Shakatak and "Out of This World." It's an album that thrives on exquisite instrumentation and emotional authenticity, representing a time when music united people, regardless of where they stood politically.
So there you have it—the brilliance that is Shakatak’s "Out of This World." It’s more than an album; it’s a reminder of the power of music that stands on its own artistry, free from the divisive currents that buffet today's music scene.