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Artist profile · 04/07/2026

Level 42

Isle of WightFormed in 1980Compilations Funk / Soul / RnB6 vinyl albums
Level 42 is a British pop-rock group formed in 1980 on the Isle of Wight, blending funk, jazz-funk, and new wave influences across four decades.
Explore the discographyThe 3 must-haves
6
Albums on Vinyles.com
550k
Last.fm listeners
7M
Last.fm plays

About

Key 80s albums like 'Running In The Family' and 'World Machine' available in audiophile vinyl editions.

Level 42 emerged in the early 1980s as a band merging dance-rock, jazz fusion, funk, and pop with sophisticated production. The founding lineup featured Mark King on bass and vocals, Phil Gould on drums, Mike Lindup on keyboards and vocals, and Boon Gould on guitar. Their sound is known for tight rhythms, prominent slap bass, and catchy melodic hooks. Their discography includes over 2,100 releases with studio albums, live recordings, and numerous compilations spanning the 1980s to the 2000s.

Vinyl collectors can explore audiophile 180g pressings of key albums such as 'Running In The Family' (1987) and 'World Machine' (1985) on Polydor and newer releases on Music On Vinyl.

Discography

Level 42 discography

Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.

Live in SwitzerlandLevel 42Live in Switzerland
Sirens Tour LiveLevel 42Sirens Tour Live
Live From Metropolis StudiosLevel 42Live From Metropolis Studios
Live Town and Country Club, LondonLevel 42Live Town and Country Club, London
The Acoustic AlbumLevel 42The Acoustic Album
Live In Holland 2009Level 42Live In Holland 2009

Data provided by Discogs

Listen

Signature songs

  1. 01Lessons in LoveRunning In The Family · 1987
  2. 02Something About YouWorld Machine · 1985
  3. 03Running in the FamilyRunning In The Family · 1987
  4. 04Something About You - 7" Version
  5. 05It's OverRunning In The Family · 1987
  6. 06Something About You - Single Version
  7. 07Love Games
  8. 08Hot WaterLive From Metropolis Studios · 2013

Essentials

3 Level 42 albums you need to own

Our picks, approved by the editors.

  1. #1 · 1987
    180g LP

    Running In The Family

    A signature 80s synth-pop and pop rock album featuring 'Lessons In Love' and the title track, with a strong presence of slap bass and polished production.

    9 tracksPolydor labelStereo mixMultiple vinyl versions including promo
    Discover the album
  2. #2 · 1985
    180g LP

    World Machine

    Known for its blend of synth-pop and jazz-funk styles, this album contains classics like 'Something About You' and 'Leaving Me Now'.

    9 tracksPolydor labelStereo mixAudiophile vinyl editions
    Discover the album
  3. #3 · 1991
    Vinyl LP

    Guaranteed

    The 1991 release on RCA showcasing the band's continued evolution with funk influences and polished studio production.

    Typical early 90s soundRCA labelStudio albumAudiophile marbled vinyl edition available

Go further

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Artists who share part of Level 42's musical DNA.

Howard Jones
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Johnny Hates Jazz
Curiosity Killed the Cat
Simply Red
Simply Red
ABC
Simple Minds
Simple Minds
Go West

B-side

B-side: the hidden stories of Level 42

Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.

01Studio

Recording 'Running In The Family' in 1987

The 'Running In The Family' album was released in 1987 with multiple vinyl pressings, including a US promo LP (cat.no 831 593-1 Y-1) and UK standard LP (POLH 42). It features polished production blending pop rock and synth-pop.

1987UK / US
02Vinyl Pressings

Audiophile editions of 'World Machine'

The 'World Machine' album from 1985 appears on high-quality 180g audiophile vinyl with several international pressings including Turkey and Israel, showing wide demand for this jazz-funk influenced record.

1985International
"Mark King's slap bass and vocals define the band's distinctive sound."
— Original band lineup insight
04Formation

Level 42 formed in 1980 on the Isle of Wight

The band was formed in 1980 by natives of the Isle of Wight: Mark King (bass, vocals), Phil Gould (drums), with Mike Lindup (keyboards) and Boon Gould (guitar) joining shortly after.

1980Isle of Wight, UK
05Live Performance

Live recordings throughout the 2000s

Level 42 issued several live albums including 'Live In Holland 2009' and 'Live From Metropolis Studios' (2013), capturing performances across decades and mediums.

2009-2013Various

Level 42 CDs

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Recommended accessories

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FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who are the founding members of Level 42?

Mark King (bass, vocals), Phil Gould (drums), Mike Lindup (keyboards, vocals), and Boon Gould (guitar) formed the band around 1980.

What genres does Level 42's music include?

Their music blends funk, jazz-funk, new wave, dance-rock, and pop across their career.

Which albums by Level 42 are available on audiophile 180g vinyl?

'Running In The Family' and 'World Machine' have audiophile 180g vinyl pressings popular among collectors.

What are some of Level 42's most played tracks?

Popular tracks include 'Lessons In Love', 'Something About You', and 'Running In The Family'.

How many tracks are on the 'Running In The Family' album?

The album has 9 tracks, blending synth-pop and pop rock styles.

Where was Level 42 originally formed in the UK?

The band was formed on the Isle of Wight, part of the United Kingdom.

Are there any notable live Level 42 releases?

Yes, notable live releases include 'Live In Holland 2009' and 'Live From Metropolis Studios' from 2013.

Is Level 42's music linked to the French vinyl collector community?

Several of their key releases are available through French vinyl labels and distributors, contributing to their presence in the vinyl market there.

Transparency

Sources & method

This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability

Our method

  1. Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
  2. Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 04/07/2026