Artist:    Johnny Warman

Title:      From the Jungle to the New Horizons

File:        New Wave/Pop

“The best human jukebox on the planet” – Sir Elton John

“Like the best of Gabriel’s then-current work, ‘From the Jungle’ astonishes via its breadth and originality, whether it’s journeying through the deepest electro-bayou and a swamp-stained cover of “Spirit in the Sky,” flirting with Linn Drum-led reggae on “Dream, Dream, Dream,” or simply heading into what was altogether uncharted territory at the time via a vast array of gizmos, gadgets, and synths”. All Music Guide

Originally released in 1983, this follow-up to Johnny Warman’s ‘Walking into Mirrors’ – with single “Screaming Jets” a chart hit in Australia – follows in its predecessor’s path, albeit musically more complex. 

“A distinctly Gabriel-esque world of shifting percussion, uncanny synths, and bizarre vocal effects” as All Music Guide described it, ‘From the Jungle to the New Horizons’ brings out the best of period studio tech, channelling Warman’s individualistic compositions and vocal styling through a crack line-up including Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin, both members of Peter Gabriel’s backing band (the former Genesis vocalist guested on “Screaming Jets” and his influence is to be heard on both albums).

Newly signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records, with accompanying vocals from Kiki Dee, produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven (The Jam) ‘From the Jungle to the New Horizon’ was released to wide critical acclaim.

It follows in its predecessor’s electro mode, the Gabriel influence such that ‘From the Jungle…’ and Gabriel’s fourth solo release, ‘Security’ share much mood and momentum.

All Music Guide commented on how “like the best of Gabriel’s then-current work, ‘From the Jungle…’ astonishes via its breadth and originality, whether it’s journeying through the deepest electro-bayou and a swamp-stained cover of “Spirit in the Sky,” flirting with Linn Drum-led reggae on “Dream, Dream, Dream,” or simply heading into what was altogether uncharted territory at the time via a vast array of gizmos, gadgets, and synths.”

Writer Dave Thompson cited Warman a visionary in an another song on the album, the tragically prophetic “United The State of America” with its opening line “You are the envy of the World, their eyes are upon you and they’re watching every move that you make, it will always be this way, they’re watching so closely now waiting for your first mistake”.

Nineteen years later 9/11 happened, changing America. Likewise, Warman’s “China’s Moving (West)” forecast the emergence of the country as a dominant world force.

Says Warman:

“Back then China had always fascinated me. The Wall represented the cloistered state of the nation yet clearly things would change.

“Its people would be seeking to find out what was going on the other side of the wall and make their way globally perhaps not so much for world domination but on an equal footing with the USA and eventually become possibly the main contender.”

This Singsong Music release includes 8 bonus tracks.

Singsong Music has released all four of Johnny Warman’s solo albums as well as his late 1970’s band Bearded Lady’s only album. Further information on these and the Johnny Warman story at https://singsongmusic.com/news-introducing-johnny-warman/

Buy and Stream this album now  via this link

Tracks:

1  From The Jungle To The New Horizons

2 Spirit In The Sky

3 Looking Back (To See If Someone’s Looking Back At Me?)

4 China’s Moving (West)

5 I Love My Planet

6 (United) The State Of America

7 Flying Out Of Windows

8 Dream, Dream, Dream

9 Y.C.

Bonus Tracks

10 Satellite

11 I Wonder What Makes Us Normal?

12 Jon Glass

13 All The World

14 Zoo

15 Explorer 8 (The Watcher)

16 The World Came Down

17 Into The Void