World Machine by Level 42

World Machine

by Level 42

Released: October 18, 1985

New wave, dance-rock, jazz

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

01

The Album

"World Machine" is the sixth studio album by British pop group Level 42, released in 1985. The album represents a shift from the band's jazz-funk roots to a more polished funky pop sound, a transition that ultimately led to the departure of drummer Phil Gould after their next album, Running in the Family. It marked the band's international breakthrough and features their hit single "Something About You," which became their only American top 10 hit, peaking at number 7.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

In 2000, World Machine was re-released as a…

In 2000, World Machine was re-released as a 2-CD set alongside their previous album, True Colours, and in 2007, it was issued as a remastered Deluxe Edition with additional remixes and live versions.

In addition to "Something About You," the album…

In addition to "Something About You," the album includes successful singles like "Leaving Me Now" and "Physical Presence," the latter of which inspired the title of their first live record.

The album cover features a photo of Hafnarfjall…

The album cover features a photo of Hafnarfjall, a mountain in west Iceland.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

01

World Machine

"World Machine" is the sixth studio album by British pop group Level 42, released in 1985.

02

Physical Presence

In addition to "Something About You," the album includes successful singles like "Leaving Me Now" and "Physical Presence," the latter of which inspired the title of their first live record.

03

Something About You

It marked the band's international breakthrough and features their hit single "Something About You," which became their only American top 10 hit, peaking at number 7.

Then

Reception

World Machine achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and staying on the chart for 72 weeks. It also entered the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 18 and remaining there for 36 weeks. The album has sold over three million copies, earning a 2× Platinum certification from the BPI.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"World Machine" is the sixth studio album by British pop group Level 42, released in 1985. It marked the band's international breakthrough and features their hit single "Something About You," which became their only American top 10 hit, peaking at number 7. The album represents a shift from the band's jazz-funk roots to a more polished funky pop sound, a transition that ultimately led to the departure of drummer Phil Gould after their next album, Running in the Family.

In addition to "Something About You," the album includes successful singles like "Leaving Me Now" and "Physical Presence," the latter of which inspired the title of their first live record.

World Machine achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and staying on the chart for 72 weeks. It also entered the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 18 and remaining there for 36 weeks. The album has sold over three million copies, earning a 2× Platinum certification from the BPI.

The album cover features a photo of Hafnarfjall, a mountain in west Iceland. In 2000, World Machine was re-released as a 2-CD set alongside their previous album, True Colours, and in 2007, it was issued as a remastered Deluxe Edition with additional remixes and live versions.

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