So how many times have you heard ‘Uptown Funk’ so far this year? Into the hundreds yet? I’d wager you’re fairly close at the time of writing this review, but for once the exposure to this track – and the subsequent album – is wholly merited. Sure, it seems that Mark Ronson has followed all the instructions to make a fully functioning kit, but he has done it with great flair and presence of mind. The presence of mind extends to his choice of novelist writer Michael Chabon for the lyrics, which are original and with it at all times. I’m sure Mystikal did a few of his own, though, for the thrilling and expletive-laden ‘Feel Right’, while Stevie Wonder, whose guest turns book-end the album, contributes some wholly accomplished harmonica playing. ‘Uptown Funk’ is the bold and brassy centrepiece of course, but it’s not all full flavoured, for Ronson moves into a bit of Yacht rock here, a bit of cultured funk and lounge there. It suits him working like this, being behind the scenes while his well-chosen guests flaunt their musical wares up front. By far his best album yet, then – just don’t go expecting a reinvention of the musical wheel.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
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