This internationally popular British pop/funk quartet, fronted by Mark King and Mike Lindup, is best known for the hits "Lessons in Love", "Something About You", "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)", "Love Games", and "Hot Water". The genre-blending group started out on the Isle of Wight. Though their membership has fluctuated throughout the years, the original and perhaps best-known lineup of Level 42 consisted of Mark King aka "Thunderthumbs" (vocals & bass), Mike Lindup (vocals & keyboards), and brothers Boon Gould (guitar) and Phil Gould (drums).

Their first album, 'Level 42', came out in July 1981. Their first single, "Love Games", became a hit, reaching #38 on the U.K. single charts, and has since been a fan-favorite. While the band didn't quite break into the mainstream completely, this album and its follow-ups featured a spirited new wave sound that drew influence from jazz, funk, and rock.

After the success of the 1987 'Running In The Family' album, the Gould brothers left the band, citing musical differences and nervous exhaustion. Said release, the seventh album from Level 42, included perhaps the group's most popular and iconic single: "Lessons in Love". 'Running In The Family' and their previous album, 1985's 'World Machine', both brought them international stardom and critical acclaim, with 'World Machine' peaking at #3 on the U.K. album charts and staying on that chart for 72 weeks.

King and Lindup continued on after the brother's departure, picking up replacement artists in Gary Husband on drums and former Go West and Kate Bush guitarist Alan Murphy. Murphy sadly passed away after suffering from an AIDS related illness in October 1989. The band released their then swansong album, 'Forever Now', in 1994.