The Chick Corea Elektric Band made a slight stylistic change with their second release, LIGHT YEARS. The furiously dynamic textures of the first album have been replaced by a funky backbeat groove for the majority of this record while maintaining the stylized electric sound for which the group had become known. This change reflects a desire by the band and their label, GRP, to reach a wider audience through the adult contemporary/jazz radio format that had begun to gain popularity. Also, new band members Frank Gambale (guitar) and Eric Marienthal (saxophone) came on board to add new colors to the already rich palette of the Corea/Patitucci/Weckl trio.
The opening title track is a driving groove with a jabbing melody supported by Weckl's backbeats and Patitucci's slaps and pops. Solo spots are kept to a minimum, although Marienthal sports some tasty licks here, on the funky "Flamingo" and the dramatic "The Dragon." The aptly titled "Time Track" and "View From The Outside" are prime examples of this group's ability to use their electronic tools to the fullest while maintaining a highly musical approach. This simpler style would be short-lived, however, as their next album, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, would prove.
