“White Knuckle Ride”, the lead-off single from Jamiroquai’s upcoming release Rock Dust Light Star, marks the first commercial release from the UK pop-funksters since 2005’s Dynamite, as well as the first new material since the termination of Jay Kay’s epic 8 album contract with Sony Records.  Now signed with Mercury/Universal, the band says they’re feeling invigorated and excited by the creative freedom they’ve found in their new contract.

“White Knuckle Ride”‘s boogie-down groove is classic late-model Jamiroquai disco-funk along the lines of “Starchild” and “Canned Heat”, but with a slightly more organic feel to the production.  The band has stated that they’ve taken a different approach to the album production on this latest go-around by largely avoiding the over-use of digital editing, with more of the tracking being done live in the studio.

Regardless, the production is as slick as you’ve come to expect from this outfit with Jay Kay’s layered, soulful vocal pushed along by a four-on-the-floor disco beat, funk-fueled bass line, tasty synth, and immaculate Nile Rodgers-esque guitar.  Put this track on after a couple drinks on Friday night and try to stand still.  I bet you can’t!

The release of Rock Dust Light Star is currently scheduled for November.

Jamiroquai – White Knuckle Ride

Thoughts?