"The Return of the Space Cowboy" is the second album by English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, released on October 17, 1994, under Sony Soho Square. This album continues the musical direction established in their debut, Emergency on Planet Earth (1993), featuring complex songwriting that emerged during frontman Jay Kay's struggles with a creative block mid-production. The lyrics touch on themes such as street life, hope, loss, Kay's drug use, and social issues related to Native Americans and youth protests.
The album received generally positive reviews, with many considering it an improvement over their first album. It peaked at number 2 in the UK, achieving platinum status with 1.3 million copies sold globally. Singles from the album included "Half the Man" and "Stillness in Time," which reached number 15 and number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, while "Space Cowboy" and "Light Years" topped the US Dance Charts at number 1 and number 6, respectively. A remastered version was released in 2013, including bonus material.
Derrick McKenzie joined Jamiroquai as the drummer after impressively recording the opening track, "Just Another Story," in one take. His arrival marked a shift from the band's original drummer, Nick Van Gelder. The album was recorded at various studios, including Townhouse, Battery, and Falconer. During production, Kay faced significant challenges, including a decline in his mental health and increasing drug use, complicating the songwriting process. This led to many songs being scrapped or rewritten as Kay grappled with creating meaningful lyrics in his new circumstances.
One of the standout tracks, "Stillness in Time," was written during a particularly difficult period for Kay, reflecting his wish for improvement in his life. Another significant track, "Half the Man," addresses the loss of Kay's twin brother shortly after birth, serving as both a personal reflection and a love song.
Other notable tracks include "Manifest Destiny," inspired by the treatment of Native Americans, and "The Kids," which captures the spirit of youth protests against legislation that limited raves. The album features a blend of energetic funk and thoughtful ballads, with tracks like "Mr. Moon" and "Scam" showcasing intricate arrangements. The closing track, "Space Cowboy," encapsulates Kay's struggles and served as a turning point in the album's creation.
The Return of the Space Cowboy debuted in the UK charts and received platinum certification for selling 300,000 copies domestically. The album also charted well internationally, including in France and Japan. The lead single, "Space Cowboy," was released in September 1994 and became Jamiroquai's first number one on the US Dance Chart. Other singles, such as "Half the Man" and "Light Years," contributed to the album's success.
Critics generally praised the album for its musicality and songwriting. Many noted the band's growth compared to their debut. Daryl Easlea highlighted that the album captured the band's best phase, while other reviewers remarked on Kay's vocal performances and the intricate arrangements throughout the album. Some critiques mentioned a tendency to prioritize technique over melody, but overall, the reception positioned Jamiroquai as a significant force in the funk and acid jazz genres.
