Jamiroquai: Groove as a Moving Target

Jamiroquai began in London in 1992 as a vehicle for one voice and one restless idea: that funk could be both a dance floor language and a place to say something.

Jay Kay, the band's only constant through many lineup changes, first surfaced in the acid jazz scene and recorded for Acid Jazz Records. He then signed with Sony, and the sound widened to take in rock, disco, electronic music and Latin colour. Beneath the silk, the lyrics often turned to social and environmental concerns.

That range shows up in our rotation. "Everyday" (in its 2013 remaster) is warm and unhurried. "Too Young to Die" and "Feel So Good" carry the early, bass-driven pulse. "You Give Me Something" and "Love Foolosophy" show a band comfortable with polish and swing. "Time Won't Wait" and "Little L" stretch the disco side, and "Cosmic Girl" keeps the whole thing in orbit.

The band has changed members and decades, but the groove has stayed steady.