In the early 1980s, Level 42 began as a jazz-funk fusion band in the United Kingdom, founded by Mark King and the Gould brothers (Phil and Rowland). During the Brit Funk era, they met Mike Lindup and Wally Badarou, who would become the fifth member, aside from the name, and recorded their first single "Love Meeting Love." Their follow-up single "Love Games" made it into the UK Top 40 and was also successful in Europe. This was followed by a series of smaller hits with "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)" and "Hot Water," but the big breakthrough came in 1985 with "Something About You." The single was Level 42's first American hit and performed well on both sides of the ocean. The band continued to deliver hits with their funky, jazzy songs that offered captivating grooves and infectious rhythms.