Who exactly is Joe Jackson? Beatnik, New Wave punk, classical musician, nightclub crooner, jazz cool kat? He’s been all of those, and more in his five-decade career. He has a diverse pallet of musical tastes and is very much the consummate stylist.
Joe Jackson was one of those loud, angry young Brits who burst onto the scene in the last 1970s. Jackson, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Paul Weller were the leaders of this wave of young songwriters with a lot to say. They may have used the post-punk energy to get noticed, but their initial success was only the beginning of long accomplished careers as songwriters.
“Is She Really Goin’ Out With Him?” (1979) Look Sharp! A top forty hit and got Jackson noticed. Critics didn’t know what to think of this guy, his music sounded different. Labeled “New Wave” in part because of Jackson’s energy and the lyrics of his early songs. It’s written that this song was mistaken for being angry, when Jackson said he was being sarcastic. This is one of Jackson’s best known songs.
“Beat Crazy (1980) Beat Crazy While Beat Crazy was not a very successful album, Jackson admitted it lacked focus and they didn’t get out and tour behind it, it did yield several really good songs including “Beat Crazy.” Jackson, like many other U.K. bands of the era, incorporated reggae, Ska and other different beats in their music, which was popular in clubs. Sadly, this song joined several other Jackson singles that did not chart.
“Steppin’ Out” (1982) Night and Day was another genre change, this was a stylish and sophisticated album of pulsating rhythms, night clubs, uptown melodic stylings, and high society. From the
This album brought Jackson much acclaim, big sales and a bigger audience. It reached the top five on the chart and was certified platinum in the U.S.
“You Can’t Get What You Want” (1984) Body and Soul was a shift toward smooth jazz with some fine horn work. Sultry, with an R&B hook, Jackson showed that his soulfulness wasn’t tied to just one musical genre. The album itself contains a Latin feel, highlighting different percussion instruments in the arrangements.
This song peaked at number 15 on the Billboard chart, and the album was equally as successful. While Jackson is known for his vocals and piano playing, he was also skilled on the sax, which he played on some of his albums.
“Right and Wrong” (1986) Big World was recorded live, original songs, straight to tape. That was a big chance, to not perfect it in the comfort of the studio, so the band had to be on the mark. Jackson and band recorded the album on January 22-25 at the Roundabout Theatre in NYC. The album thematically as songs written about global life after the Second World War.
“Right and Wrong” was released as a single but didn’t chart very high. The song reminds me of Steely Dan, a loose jazz-rock groove. This not a set of snappy, upbeat, and whip-smart stylings – Jackson is trying for a broader, deeper messaging with Big World.
I’ve lost track of Mr. Jackson through the years, although he still writes, records and tours. Speaking of which, he will release a new album next spring and launch a world tour. Tickets on sale now!
Ticket 2 Ride 
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