Jamiroquai – The Return Of The Space Cowboy (2xLP)

The Return of the Space Cowboy (2xLP), released in 1994, is Jamiroquai’s sophomore album and a bold step deeper into acid jazz, funk, and songwriting ambition. The band expands the sonic palette of their debut with richer arrangements—horns, keys, and atmospheric textures play a bigger role, while Jay Kay’s vocals remain center stage. Tracks like Stillness in Time and Light Years balance groove and introspection, and the title track Space Cowboy becomes a defining anthem with its blend of cosmic vibe and earthbound energy.

Throughout the album, Jamiroquai walks a tightrope between funk’s physicality and jazz’s openness. The groove is rarely static: songs ebb and flow, allowing space for solos, breakdowns, and vocal turns. Its exploration of themes like escape, identity, and social consciousness gives the record resonance beyond dancefloor appeal. The Return of the Space Cowboy is a landmark in the band’s catalogue, often seen as the moment they matured from promising newcomers into full artistic force.

Reviews

“Most of this second album still sounds like vintage Stevie Wonder … but Kay’s vocals are as snappy and engaging as his extrovert persona.” – The Guardian

“Jamiroquai parlay jazzy soul pop so tight it crackles … Plantl would compare it to Roberta Flack and Weather Report.” – Rolling Stone