The second Johnny Hates Jazz album to feature founding members singer Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito since the '80s, 2020's Wide Awake finds the British outfit recapturing the cool sophistication of their early work. Johnny Hates Jazz had their biggest success with 1987's Turn Back the Clock, which spawned the hit "Shattered Dreams" and introduced audiences to their savvy brand of synthy, romantic adult-contemporary pop. However, creative friction led to vocalist and main songwriter Datchler's departure for a solo career. Songwriter and producer Phil Thornalley took over as singer for 1991's Tall Stories, but the band eventually broke up. Datchler and Nocito ultimately reconnected and, in 2013, released Magnetized, which found them picking up where they left off in the late '80s. However, following that album's release, Datchler was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer for which he sought treatment, ultimately recovering in 2014. Subsequently, it took Johnny Hates Jazz longer than expected to promote their comeback, let alone begin work on a follow-up. On Wide Awake, they continue to build upon their rejuvenated partnership, further emphasizing their long-standing love of vintage '70s soul and R&B. The album also spotlights Datchler's renewed sense of purpose, something he has discussed publicly since battling cancer, and many of these songs touch upon themes of social awareness, environmentalism, and love for others. It's an approach that brings to mind the work of Marvin Gaye and one which is brought to vibrant fruition on the opening track, "Spirit of Love." Framed by piano, sparkling guitars, and orchestral accents, Datchler sings, "Far too many suffer/In a world consumed by greed/While others show no mercy/To justify their creed/But there's a time I'm dreamin' of/When all of us can live in love." Equally uplifting is the Stevie Wonder-esque ballad "I Love the Light," with its environmentally conscious message and buoyant harmonica solo. More vintage vibes follow as Johnny Hates Jazz evoke Bobby Womack on the funky, slow-burning orchestral title track, slide into the dusky, mid-tempo disco groove of "Don't Stop the Music," and draw upon the spirit of George Michael on the slinky, minor-keyed "Greater Good." With Wide Awake, Johnny Hates Jazz have crafted another thoughtfully articulated album that sounds like it could have been made in the '80s, but with a wisdom that only comes with time and experience.
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