When I was initially suggested Joe Jackson, I was actually given names of two albums to try, and this was the second one. Now, I'll admit, I didn't completely enjoy the first one, but I never turn down a suggested album! So, here we go.
Body and Soul is Joe's 7th studio album, and gives us a mix of pop and jazz standards and salsa. It's actually a lot of fun when it comes down to it. The tour, however, took a huge toll on Joe, and he swore he'd never tour again afterward.
And, well, that's it.
So, Joe Jackson, round 2, let's go.
"The Verdict" almost has got me thinking Cheers-esq music is what we're in for. Lots of horns, strong drum beats, but the recording sound like the good-ol'-boys for some reason. The song kind of drags on a little bit, and as he's yelling "waiting," you're kind of understanding in the wrong way.
And now we're into the salsa we were promised with "Cha Cha Loco" and up dancing a bit. The beat is unmistakably a part of this genre, and something you rarely hear in other realms. It's approached really well here, maintaining his interesting lyricism while playing around with a new style of portraying it.
"Not Hear, Not Now" has that slight slow salsa beat in the background, compliments of what I'm guessing are wooden blocks being hit just so. I've got to say though, his voice is driving me a little batty this time around. I don't think it's as noticeable in the faster numbers, but as he slows down, I can't stand how he's wrapping his voice around words and notes in a way that screams distortion to my ears.
And here's the track I've been waiting for, "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)" mostly because of this performance video:
Body and Soul is Joe's 7th studio album, and gives us a mix of pop and jazz standards and salsa. It's actually a lot of fun when it comes down to it. The tour, however, took a huge toll on Joe, and he swore he'd never tour again afterward.
And, well, that's it.
So, Joe Jackson, round 2, let's go.
"The Verdict" almost has got me thinking Cheers-esq music is what we're in for. Lots of horns, strong drum beats, but the recording sound like the good-ol'-boys for some reason. The song kind of drags on a little bit, and as he's yelling "waiting," you're kind of understanding in the wrong way.
And now we're into the salsa we were promised with "Cha Cha Loco" and up dancing a bit. The beat is unmistakably a part of this genre, and something you rarely hear in other realms. It's approached really well here, maintaining his interesting lyricism while playing around with a new style of portraying it.
"Not Hear, Not Now" has that slight slow salsa beat in the background, compliments of what I'm guessing are wooden blocks being hit just so. I've got to say though, his voice is driving me a little batty this time around. I don't think it's as noticeable in the faster numbers, but as he slows down, I can't stand how he's wrapping his voice around words and notes in a way that screams distortion to my ears.
And here's the track I've been waiting for, "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)" mostly because of this performance video:
That was just a lot of fun, along with being a pretty simple concept in lyrics. It's the truth, right? The song itself melds those horns and sweet bass bridge so well. Just love it all put together.
"Go For It." Well this is... um... cute. No, really, that's the only word I can sum this up with. I like the metaphors and references of American life, but it's so damn kitchy that something credibility-wise is lost on me here.
"Loisadia" is really a beautiful track, just done well musically. There are movements within it that are so not what the rest of the album's about. I love the flow of the whole thing, and it's experimental enough to remain appealing while having this wonderfully classiness to it that strikes a musical chord as a whole within a listener. Damn I'm getting good at this, lol. Kidding, kidding, I just like writing like this.
Elaine Caswell comes on board for the next track, "Happy Ending." We're back to where I think we were on the last album - interesting lyrics with awkward voices. Lyrically, this is a really good song. Musically, I would give anything for another melody.
I'm intrigued by "Be My Number Two" on title alone, mostly because it sounds like I'm about to get incredibly depressed. It actually turned out to be one of the sweetest songs on the album. I thought it was going to kind of be about being a runner-up to someone, but it's really about being a partner with them. It's musically and lyrics a gentle sweet song.
"Heart of Ice" is the final song we're given, and it actually strikes me as either an instrumental version of half of what was on this album, 80's romantic comedy background music, or elevator music - not that any of that's bad. It's a nicely put together piece that ends us on a relaxed note with very little vocals.
"Go For It." Well this is... um... cute. No, really, that's the only word I can sum this up with. I like the metaphors and references of American life, but it's so damn kitchy that something credibility-wise is lost on me here.
"Loisadia" is really a beautiful track, just done well musically. There are movements within it that are so not what the rest of the album's about. I love the flow of the whole thing, and it's experimental enough to remain appealing while having this wonderfully classiness to it that strikes a musical chord as a whole within a listener. Damn I'm getting good at this, lol. Kidding, kidding, I just like writing like this.
Elaine Caswell comes on board for the next track, "Happy Ending." We're back to where I think we were on the last album - interesting lyrics with awkward voices. Lyrically, this is a really good song. Musically, I would give anything for another melody.
I'm intrigued by "Be My Number Two" on title alone, mostly because it sounds like I'm about to get incredibly depressed. It actually turned out to be one of the sweetest songs on the album. I thought it was going to kind of be about being a runner-up to someone, but it's really about being a partner with them. It's musically and lyrics a gentle sweet song.
"Heart of Ice" is the final song we're given, and it actually strikes me as either an instrumental version of half of what was on this album, 80's romantic comedy background music, or elevator music - not that any of that's bad. It's a nicely put together piece that ends us on a relaxed note with very little vocals.
Stuff I wouldn't mind hearing again:
I most definitely liked this much more than the last album I listened to! I just enjoyed the overall sound a lot more, and was pleased with what was experimented with here. There were some new sounds that weren't too jarring, and the tracks that were particular gems were really very wonderful. I'm glad I got another go-around with this artist, and who knows - I may even check out more!
- "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)" - Spotify, YouTube
- "Loisadia" - Spotify, YouTube
- "Be My Number Two" - Spotify, YouTube
I most definitely liked this much more than the last album I listened to! I just enjoyed the overall sound a lot more, and was pleased with what was experimented with here. There were some new sounds that weren't too jarring, and the tracks that were particular gems were really very wonderful. I'm glad I got another go-around with this artist, and who knows - I may even check out more!
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