Search - Jody Watley :: Flower

A soulful collection

Jazysol79 | Germantown, MD USA | 12/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You know, I was very angry when after buying the "Off the Hook" CD single and eagerly awaiting "Flower," Atlantic cancelled its domestic release. But all Internet praises (in this case at least) go to the mother of hard-to-find-but-should-not-be stuff Web sites, eBay. After five years of searching high and low, I finally secured a copy of "Flower" I found in Sweden. This album is wonderful. At least three generations have grown up with Jody Watley. Some remember her as a high-kicking dancer with Jeffrey Daniel on Soul Train. Others remember her as the pretty teen idol in Shalamar, one of my favorite 80s groups. My first memories of her are from her solo career in the late 80s. Beginning with "Looking for a New Love," I have loved Jody. I love to grow up with an artist, and that is what many of us have done with Jody. Though her sales dipped, her artistic value shot up each time she crafted a new album. Enter "Flower," what would have been a perfect follow up to "Intimacy" (not that "Affection" wasn't good). A sexy, slow-burning collection of trendy yet mannered soul, "Flower" has not gotten the attention it deserved. Her voice is stronger now than ever. It's hard to believe this is the same girl you hear on old school jams like "Take That to the Bank" and "Right in the Socket." Whether in her bright upbeat mode, or darker mood, Jody uses her voice to great affect on this album. "If I'm Not In Love" is gorgeous Jody (though I'm not sure it was a good pick for a second single), while "Flower" is head-bobbing hip-hop soul. "Off the Hook" is a sexy, confident invitation to bask in the beauty of Jody's musical world. Her version of "16" is better than Beyonce's Stepchild's, too. I'm just glad I was able to get my hands on one of these. This cd is perfect for chilling out by candle light, either alone or with your boo. So pick up a copy if you get the chance, it will be worth the price."

Full bloom.

Jazysol79 | 04/10/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"it's a terrible shame that this album has suffered such limited release. as watley matures, and moves away from the dance diva she once was, it would appear that the music industry (from her label to djs) don't know what to do with her. however, given the success of other dance/pop divas turned r&b/adult contemporary chanteuses--vanessa williams, karyn white--it shouldn't be that hard to fathom. once perceived as the new donna summer, watley explores a radically new direction on _flower_. jody watley does not have the best voice in the world but, quite frankly, neither do madonna, janet or, even, vanessa. what watley does have is an indominable spirit and a unique life experience that adds a multi-dimensional depth to her songs. it's aparent in the subtle embellishments of "lifetime", as well as on the acustic ballad "16" (a veritable synthesis of "waterfalls", "a rose is still a rose" and "little jackie wants to be star"). watley's lyrics are mature and sophisticated in a way that very few of today's artists are; what's more, because of her years in the industry, they are more easily believed coming from her than they would be from the mouth of...say...monica, brandy, nicole, aaliyah, etc.. "off the hook", "i don't want you back" and "baby tonight" offer plenty of funk for those who hold fast to past incarnations of jody watley. if you're a fan of watley's, williams' or white's, try to get your hands on a copy of _flower_."

Jody Watley at her mature best!

C. M. Chileshe | UK | 09/10/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having read the reviews on Amazon.com, I couldn't help but feel for the many reviewers/fans who were .. well let's face it .. betrayed by the record companies by not releasing this album in the US. Based in Europe, I was completely oblivious to this.



I have always thought of Jody as somewhat "lightweight" albeit with the ability to really impress every now and again. There are some serious soul/funk/RnB artists whose work I would probably purchase without really needing to sample the album (depending on price!!), and if pushed for examples, would probably list the likes of Lillo Thomas and Howard Hewitt in this league. Unlike for this lot, I would probably insist on sampling Jody's work before making up my mind.



With the album "Flower", Jody clearly set out to put the doubters like me in our place - and I dare say, she did it! Here's how it happened for this reviewer..



I was looking around a clothes shop in the Bull ring shopping centre in Birmingham, UK, when "Flower" started to play over the shop's music system. I thought to myself "Hmm .. not bad". A little while later, "Off the Hook" followed, and this time, I simply had to stop and ask "Who is that?". The shop assistant disappeared - to wherever it is they go - and came back a little while later with the CD cover. At this point, I decided if I heard just one more good one, I might seriously consider getting me a copy. Half way through "Everything you do" and the clothes shop lost a potential customer as I made good my exit and made a beeline for a nearby specialist record shop.



This is no "lightweight" album and by my reckoning deserves to be rated amongst Jody's top 3 albums .. and I say that not knowing what the other two are. Jody is best known for tracks like "Don't you want me" which I would classify as dance. This album is more mid-tempo and leans more towards the artistic talent than the commercial. Having read the reviews here, I am now of the firm opinion that the fact it was not released in the US goes some way to explaining why this album is little-known. It deserved better; really did!



I hasten to add that my copy of the album has a "D-Dot" remix of "Off the hook" featuring Rakim as the last track (#13). I am generally more inclined to Soul than dance and so prefer the original (track #3)



Pros: Excellent compositions, catchy beats and well arranged vocals. "Off the hook" and "Everything you do" are highly recommended listening.



Cons: Pricey! The music might sound a little dated now, but not overly so. There are one or two tracks I would label "fillers" but might appeal to others.



Verdict: I like this album and heartly recommend "Off the Hook" and "Everything you do". "Baby tonight" might make worthwhile sampling for those more inclined to dance tracks and the D-Dot remix of "Off the hook" might appeal to those into Urban. The CD - as advertised at the time of writing ($45) - is over-priced, and for this reason, I would recommend the reader samples first and/or considers purchasing used.







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