Staring at the Sun

Superb album. This was the first album Level 42 did after Phil and Boon Gould left the band, although Boon still wrote the lyrics for some of the songs. The songs range from serious to light and fun, and all show maturity and polish. I personally consider the song Staring at the Sun to be an under-rated gem, sounding rather like a tango and having crisp percussion accents that make it one of my favourites. The album is somewhat more guitar-based than any of Level 42's previous efforts, with wonderful playing from both Alan Holdsworth and Dominic Miller. Alan Murphy, who played with the band during the Staring at the Sun tour, did not play on the album. The fact that this album did not sell as well as the previous one probably has more to do with poor management by the record label than with the quality of the music. Videos were made for Take a Look, Heaven in my Hands, and Tracie, but it appears that only the Take a Look video turned out as expected and was given airplay. I consider this album to be better than anything Level 42 produced prior to this time, and highly recommend it.

This is an outstanding remastered two cd set. Although it is moderately compressed, it is not brick walled like some other remasters. It's very impressive compared to the original cd release from the late 1980's. Disc two has some great tracks as well as the first disc, which has added a couple extra tracks. If you like this release and have been disappointed with the sound in the first pressing, you should upgrade. It's a very nice package in a standard 2-cd jewel case. There are also extensive liner notes and information about this time in the bands history.

I have been a long term level 42 fan, ever since the Running In the Family album was released back in 1989, I think. I am surprised to say that the Staring At The Sun is their best album to me, because, I am building my own version of the best of level 42 and this album provided me maybe about 10 songs for the playlist ! And that's a lot. No other Level 42 album got even close to providing me as many songs although most have great Level 42 super hits.

I have been a Level 42 fan forever. They had one big hit in the 80s...which wasn't even one of their better songs....and I think most people just think about that one song. All of their albums are worth a listen (except 1 - Retrograde)...this is a good place as any to start.

This is one Level 42s best CD ever! Listening to this CD reminded me so much of my childhood because I heard this music so much growing up. All 10 songs on the CD just packed a unique sound-different from 'Running In The Family' and 'World Machine'. There was more bass and more fusion but it's all perfect!

Mark King and company do it again. The addition of Gary Husband on drums is noteworthy to me on this album. "Over There" is a tour de force track. "Silence" is darn near a tear-jerker. Overall, a great power pop album by virtuoso level musicians.

This CD is pretty good. However you have to listen to it more often to really enjoy their style of sound.

The Item arrived Safe & Sound, Many Thanks!!!!

Had this on cassette for Christmas 1988 and wore it out. Great song writing & melody + the late Alan Murphy's first class guitar work. Top marks to Universal Music on this particular album showing how a reissue should be done. Everything you need is here with extensive sleeve notes and period pictures. Fan's old & new buy this on sight!

Excellent album

Great funk album !

great sounds

GREAT MUSIC