Automaton (album)

Jay Kay described the inspiration for Automaton: "in recognition of the rise of artificial intelligence and technology in our world today and how we as humans are beginning to forget the more pleasant, simple and eloquent things in life and in our environment including our relationship with one another as human beings".{{cite magazine|last1=Kaufman|first1=Gil|title=Jamiroquai Drops 'Automaton' Video, Album Due March 31|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7669848/jamiroquai-drops-automaton-video-album-due-march-31|access-date=27 January 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=27 January 2017|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127153342/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7669848/jamiroquai-drops-automaton-video-album-due-march-31|url-status=live}}

{{Album ratings

| MC = 71/100{{Cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/automaton/jamiroquai |title=Reviews for Automaton by Jamiroquai |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=1 April 2017 |archive-date=1 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401231510/http://www.metacritic.com/music/automaton/jamiroquai |url-status=live }}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/automaton-mw0003019080 |title=Automaton - Jamiroquai : Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic |date=7 April 2017 |access-date=9 April 2017 |archive-date=15 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215080330/https://www.allmusic.com/album/automaton-mw0003019080 |url-status=live }}

| rev4 = The Independent

| rev4score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite web |last1=Gill |first1=Andy |title=Album reviews: Father John Misty, Jamiroquai, Imelda May + more |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-reviews-father-john-misty-pure-comedy-jamiroquai-automaton-imelda-may-life-love-flesh-blood-a7668561.html |website=The Independent |access-date=1 May 2021 |language=en |date=5 April 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501041517/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-reviews-father-john-misty-pure-comedy-jamiroquai-automaton-imelda-may-life-love-flesh-blood-a7668561.html |url-status=live }}

| rev2 = Consequence of Sound

| rev2Score = B+{{cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2017/03/album-review-jamiroquai-automaton/ |title=Jamiroquai - Automaton - : Album Reviews |website=Consequence of Sound |date=31 March 2017 |access-date=9 April 2017 |archive-date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404232547/https://consequence.net/2017/03/album-review-jamiroquai-automaton/ |url-status=live }}

| rev3 = Exclaim!

| rev3Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Patrick |first=Ryan B. |url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/jamiroquai-automaton |title=Jamiroquai Automaton |website=Exclaim.ca |date=29 March 2017 |access-date=30 March 2017 |archive-date=29 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329194552/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/jamiroquai-automaton |url-status=live }}

| rev5 = The Guardian

| rev5Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news|last=Gibsone|first=Harriet|title=Jamiroquai: Automaton review – escapist futurism and libidinous love songs|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/mar/30/jamiroquai-automaton-review-virgin-emi|access-date=30 March 2017|work=The Guardian|date=30 March 2017|archive-date=30 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330234316/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/mar/30/jamiroquai-automaton-review-virgin-emi|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = The Observer

| rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web |author=Kitty Empire |title=Jamiroquai: Automaton review – Jay Kay's back as a Daft Punk tribute act |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/apr/02/jamiroqaui-automaton-review-jay-kay-back-as-daft-punk-tribute-act |website=The Observer |access-date=1 May 2021 |language=en |date=2 April 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501034026/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/apr/02/jamiroqaui-automaton-review-jay-kay-back-as-daft-punk-tribute-act |url-status=live }}

| rev7 = Paste

| rev7Score = 8.6/10{{cite news|last=Afzar|first=Rakin|title=Jamiroquai: Automaton Review|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/03/jamiroquai-automaton-review.html|access-date=30 March 2017|work=Paste|date=30 March 2017|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215080345/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/jamiroquai-automaton-review/|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = Pitchfork

| rev8Score = 7.0/10{{cite web|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23062-automaton/|title=Jamiroquai: Automaton Album Review|work=Pitchfork|date=4 April 2017|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405073559/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/23062-automaton/|url-status=live}}

| rev9 = Slant Magazine

| rev9Score = {{rating|2.5|5}}{{cite news|last=Goller|first=Josh|title=Jamiroquai: Automaton|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/jamiroquai-automaton|access-date=30 March 2017|work=Slant Magazine|date=30 March 2017|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331114701/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/jamiroquai-automaton|url-status=live}}

| rev10 = The Yorkshire Times

| rev10score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite news|last=Clark|first=Graham|title=Jamiroquai - Automaton|url=http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Jamiroquai--Automaton|access-date=30 March 2017|work=The Yorkshire Times|date=30 March 2017|archive-date=31 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331035923/http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Jamiroquai--Automaton|url-status=live}}

}}

Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 71, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on 16 reviews.

In his review for AllMusic, Matt Collar concluded: "There are few bands who play classic disco-funk with as much genuine love for the genre and care in the productions as Kay and Jamiroquai. Ultimately, it's that sense of love and good vibes that drives much of Automaton."

Although not released as a single, "Shake it On" broke into the Official French Singles Chart, peaking at number 154.{{Cite web |url=http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Jamiroquai&titel=Shake+It+On&cat=s |title=Lescharts.com - Jamiroquai - Shake It on |access-date=5 August 2017 |archive-date=9 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109113510/http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Jamiroquai&titel=Shake+It+On&cat=s |url-status=live }}

The album had its worldwide radio premiere on 26 January 2017 at 20:00 GMT on BBC Radio 2's Jo Whiley Show, which played its first single, "Automaton".{{refn|group=nb|20:23–20:28 GMT.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial/photos/a.417997351117.193684.6220201117/10154992673091118/?type=3&theater |title=Automaton Transmission: Worldwide |date=25 January 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=26 January 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906052935/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJamiroquaiOfficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.417997351117.193684.6220201117%2F10154992673091118%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater |url-status=live }}

On 27 January 2017, Jamiroquai released online a video version of the title track as the album's lead single.{{cite news|last1=Welsh|first1=April Clare|title=Listen to Jamiroquai's Daft Punk-inspired new single 'Automaton'|url=http://www.factmag.com/2017/01/27/jamiroquai-automaton-single/|access-date=27 January 2017|work=Fact|date=27 January 2017|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127120322/http://www.factmag.com/2017/01/27/jamiroquai-automaton-single/|url-status=live}}

On 10 February 2017, Jamiroquai released an audio version of the track "Cloud 9",{{cite news|last1=Monroe|first1=Jazz|title=Listen to Jamiroquai's New Song "Cloud 9"|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/71517-listen-to-jamiroquais-new-song-cloud-9/|access-date=11 February 2017|work=Pitchfork|date=10 February 2017|archive-date=10 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210142004/http://pitchfork.com/news/71517-listen-to-jamiroquais-new-song-cloud-9/|url-status=live}} and on 22 February 2017 released online the video version featuring actress Monica Cruz.

On 29 June 2017, the band released "Superfresh" as the third official single from the album. An accompanying music video was produced without active participation from front man Jay Kay, whose back injury most likely left him unable to attend the filming. As a result, cut scenes from the "Automaton" video were interspersed throughout it.{{cite news|last1=Press|first1=Party|title=Brand new single 'Superfresh'|url=http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/purplepr/view/168334/|access-date=5 August 2017|work=PressParty|date=29 June 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806020228/http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/purplepr/view/168334/|url-status=live}}

In December 2017, a fourth single, "Summer Girl", was released.{{cite news|last1=Lopez|first1=Omayra|title=Jamiroquai - New Single/Video for 'Summer Girl'|url=https://www.altwire.net/2017/12/08/jamiroquai-new-single-video-for-summer-girl/|access-date=5 January 2018|work=AltWire|date=8 December 2017|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106072906/https://www.altwire.net/2017/12/08/jamiroquai-new-single-video-for-summer-girl/|url-status=live}} It was followed by "Nights Out in the Jungle" in January 2018.{{cite web|title=Video: Jamiroquai - 'Nights Out in the Jungle'|url=http://stagedoor.fm/2018/01/05/video-jamiroquai-nights-out-in-the-jungle/|website=stagedoor.fm|access-date=5 January 2018|date=5 January 2018|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106085218/http://stagedoor.fm/2018/01/05/video-jamiroquai-nights-out-in-the-jungle/|url-status=live}}

On 17 January 2017, Jamiroquai announced a 10-date festival tour of Asia and Europe due to start on 25 May 2017 in Tokyo, Japan, and to end on 5 August 2017 in Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal; the tour also included shows in South Korea, Greece, the Netherlands,{{cite web |url=http://www.maxazine.nl/2017/01/17/eerste-namen-northsea-jazz-festival-2017-bekend/ |title=Eerste namen North Sea Jazz Festival 2017 bekend |date=2017 |website=maxazine.nl |access-date=26 January 2017 |archive-date=18 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118145749/http://www.maxazine.nl/2017/01/17/eerste-namen-northsea-jazz-festival-2017-bekend/ |url-status=live }} Italy, Finland, France, Switzerland and Czech Republic.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial/photos/a.417997351117.193684.6220201117/10154962729191118/?type=3 |title=Official Jamiroquai Communication — New Live Appearances Announced for 2017 |date=17 January 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=26 January 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906052936/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJamiroquaiOfficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.417997351117.193684.6220201117%2F10154962729191118%2F%3Ftype%3D3 |url-status=live }}

On 1 February 2017, Jamiroquai announced a new show: on 9 August 2017 at Smukfest, Skanderborg, Denmark.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial/photos/a.417997351117.193684.6220201117/10155013293606118/?type=3 |title=Automaton Communication: Denmark |date=1 February 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=4 February 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906052939/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJamiroquaiOfficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.417997351117.193684.6220201117%2F10155013293606118%2F%3Ftype%3D3 |url-status=live }}

On 3 February 2017, Jamiroquai announced two new shows, in France and the UK: on 28 March 2017 at the Salle Pleyel, Paris and on 31 March 2017 at the Roundhouse, London. The two shows were sold out in less than one minute.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial/photos/a.417997351117.193684.6220201117/10154996570001118/?type=3&theater |title=Automaton Communication: United Kingdgo; France |date=27 January 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=4 February 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906052945/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJamiroquaiOfficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.417997351117.193684.6220201117%2F10154996570001118%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/JamiroquaiOfficial/photos/a.417997351117.193684.6220201117/10155019448006118/?type=3&theater |title=Automaton Communication: France // UK (sold out) |date=3 February 2017 |website=Facebook |access-date=4 February 2017 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906052947/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJamiroquaiOfficial%2Fphotos%2Fa.417997351117.193684.6220201117%2F10155019448006118%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater |url-status=live }}

Two new band members joined at the time of the tour: Nate Williams on guitar and keyboards, and Howard Whiddett on Ableton Live.{{cite web |title=Meet our talented new band members @natewilliams on keys & guitars and @howard.whiddett our ableton live whiz, welcome aboard chaps! :) #JamiroquaiLive2017|url=http://jamiroquai.com/news;news/id/231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728093446/https://www.jamiroquai.com/news;news/id/231|archive-date=28 July 2022|via=Jamiroquai.com |access-date=28 July 2022}}

Jamiroquai also announced they would take part on 12 August 2017 in the Boardmasters Festival, Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom.

{{Track listing

| all_writing = Jay Kay and Matt Johnson, except "Nights Out in the Jungle" by Kay

| title1 = Shake It On

| length1 = 5:14

| title2 = Automaton

| length2 = 4:47

| title3 = Cloud 9

| length3 = 3:56

| title4 = Superfresh

| length4 = 3:48

| title5 = Hot Property

| length5 = 4:31

| title6 = Something About You

| length6 = 3:58

| title7 = Summer Girl

| length7 = 5:31

| title8 = Nights Out in the Jungle

| length8 = 5:09

| title9 = Dr Buzz

| length9 = 6:01

| title10 = We Can Do It

| length10 = 4:06

| title11 = Vitamin

| length11 = 4:26

| title12 = Carla

| length12 = 5:33

| total_length = 57:07

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese bonus track

| title13 = Nice and Spicy

| length13 = 4:41

| total_length = 61:48

}}

Credits adapted from liner notes.{{cite AV media|title=Automaton|others=Jamiroquai|publisher=Virgin EMI|year=2017|id=00602557321234|type=liner notes}}

• Jay Kay – vocals
• Matt Johnson – keyboards, engineering, programming
• Paul Turner – bass guitar
• Rob Harris – guitar
• Derrick McKenzie – drums
• Sola Akingbola – percussion{{cite web |url=http://www.solaakingbola.com/ |title=Sola Akingbola |publisher=Sola Akingbola |access-date=30 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312051335/http://www.solaakingbola.com/ |url-status=live }}
• John Thirkell - trumpet, flugel, horn arrangements
• Andy Greenwood - trumpet, flugel
• Dave Bishop - saxophones
• Neil Sidwell - trombone
• Joshua Blair – engineering
• John Prestage – engineering assistance
• Mick Guzauski – mixing{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/post/idsa.f2e3be80-e715-11e6-b5a7-d7a7e60c0bdb |title=Listen to "Interview with Jay Kay from Jamiroquai" posted by Zane Lowe on Apple Music |website=iTunes |date=30 January 2017 |access-date=30 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065601/https://itunes.apple.com/us/post/idsa.f2e3be80-e715-11e6-b5a7-d7a7e60c0bdb |url-status=dead }}
• JP Chalbos – mastering

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=Jamiroquai|title=Automaton|award=Silver|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|access-date=18 May 2018|id=14951-1616-2}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true | noshipments=true | streaming=true}}

{{Reflist}}

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• {{Discogs master|10056690|Automaton|type=album}}

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Category:2017 albums

Category:Jamiroquai albums