Level 42 – World Machine Released in 1985 on Polydor Records, World Machine is the album that took Level 42 from cult jazz-funk favourites to mainstream superstars. Their fifth studio album and commercial breakthrough, it reached #3 in the UK Albums Chart and spawned two of the band's biggest singles — cementing their reputation as one of Britain's most accomplished and distinctive pop acts of the decade. Driven by Mark King's extraordinary slap bass technique and the band's impeccable musicianship, it remains the essential Level 42 record and sounds superb on vinyl. Also in stock: their follow-up Staring at the Sun (1988). Stand-Out Tracks "Something About You" – The band's biggest international hit, a flawlessly constructed pop-funk single that reached #6 in the UK and #7 in the US — one of the defining pop records of 1985. "Leaving Me Now" – A gorgeous, emotionally resonant ballad that reached #15 in the UK and showcases a more tender, vulnerable side of the band's song writing. "Physical Presence" – A driving, bass-heavy funk workout that opens the album with a statement of intent and remains a fan favourite for its sheer groove. "World Machine" – The epic title track, a five-minute funk-pop journey that perfectly encapsulates the band's ambition and musicianship at their mid-'80s peak. "Lying Still" – A lush, atmospheric closer that brings the album to a reflective, satisfying end and hints at the more introspective direction of later records. Record Details Artist: Level 42 Title: World Machine Format: LP (12") Year: 1985 Label: Polydor Records Barcode: 042282748713 Genre: Funk-Pop / Jazz-Funk / Pop Rock / AOR Decade: 1980s Notable: UK #3 album — features international hit "Something About You" Condition Record: VGSleeve: VG All records are graded using the Goldmine standard. See our full Condition Grading Guide for details. Browse our full 1980s Vinyl Collection. You might also enjoy our 1990s Vinyl or explore our range of Compact Discs.
