Jigsaw were a typical 70s radio-pop band: competent musicians with a firm understanding of classic song craft and a very sweet tooth constantly in search of the sugar rush of a hit. While they didn't actually score very many hits, they did occasionally transcend their commercial inclinations with some off-centre and delectable morsels.
Their biggest hit was "Sky High," a very 70s piece of not-quite-over-the-top pop that would have fit perfectly on Rhino Records' Have a Nice Day: Super Hits of the 70s series or the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack (maybe file it somewhere near Gary Wright's "Dream Weaver" or Pilot's "Magic"). However, for my money, it is "I Thank You," conveniently buried as the second-to-last song on Side A, that transcends enjoyable kitsch into something closer to classic.
The opening theme defines smooth groove with it soft funk bass line leading the way, with light funk guitar chords outlining the contours, and pillowy electric piano lending the while thing a warm glow. The vocals come in carrying a pleasant melody that maybe sorta kinda reappeared six years later as the verses in Duran Duran's "Is There Something I Should Know." But then the chorus.
The chorus is where this delightful song becomes truly special. After the verse modulates into a minor key for a one line bridge ("I never say 'I thank you,' but I shou-ould..."), the vocals cut out, the bass keeps grooving, and the piano cascades down, sweeping you into a cotton candy smile of impossible-to-resist finger snapping and inevitable singing along. "'Cause ev'ry time you stop and touch my cheek (pause) I thank you," steps springingly on the bouncing beat as caressing ooh-ahh-ohh's coo and blow around the soaring melody. Pop perfection.
To Jigsaw, I thank you.
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