About Level 42

Level 42 are an English band formed in 1980. Led by singer and bassist Mark King, they achieved their greatest success in the 1980s, with the albums World Machine (1985), Running in the Family (1987) and Staring at the Sun (1988). Their most popular singles include ""Something About You"", ""Lessons in Love"" and ""Running in the Family"". After disbanding in 1994, they reformed in 2001 and continue to tour and release music today.

Early Years

The original lineup of Level 42 included brothers Phil and Boon Gould on guitar and drums respectively, alongside keyboardist Mike Lindup and bassist Mark King. The quartet released their debut album The Pursuit of Accidents in 1981. The album spawned hits such as ""Love Meeting Love"" and ""Weave Your Spell"". Their second album Standing in the Light followed in 1983, with singles like ""The Chinese Way"" and ""The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)"".

World Machine & Commercial Success

1985 saw the release of their breakthrough album World Machine. The record featured the hit single ""Something About You"", which charted at No.7 in the UK Singles Chart. The record also featured hits like ""Leaving Me Now"" and ""Hot Water"". The band's next album Running in the Family was released two years later in 1987. It included singles like ""Lessons in Love"", which peaked at No.3 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as ""To Be With You Again"" and ""Children Say"".

Staring at the Sun & Later Years

Level 42's most successful album to date is 1988's Staring at the Sun. It included popular singles such as ""It's Over"", which reached No.15 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as ""Heaven In My Hands"", which peaked at No.5 on the same chart. After releasing a further three studio albums until 1994, Level 42 disbanded for seven years before reforming for a tour in 2001.

Legacy

Level 42 have been cited as an influence by many modern bands, including Jamiroquai, Take That and Duran Duran. They are considered one of Britain's most popular jazz-funk bands of all time, with a career that has spanned over four decades.