Search - Joe Jackson :: I'm the Man

Excellent album from an underrated talent

John Alapick | Wilkes-Barre, PA United States | 01/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm The Man is Joe Jackson's second album and the followup to his debut Look Sharp! which spawned the excellent hit single "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" At the time, Jackson was part of an increasing new wave songwriter movement that also included Elvis Costello. But while Costello's career has been revered for continuously challenging himself musically, Jackson's career has become almost completely forgotten despite following a similar path.



This is a shame because Joe Jackson has produced some outstanding music over the years. I'm The Man continues the power pop of his debut and showcase Jackson's knack for writing great songs with memorable melodies and thoughtful and often personal lyrics. The album starts out strong with Jackson blaring his harmonica on the rocking "On The Radio." The tracks "Don't Wanna Be Like That" and "Friday" continue in the same vein as does the excellent title track. "Kinda Kute" and "Get That Girl" are great catchy pop songs while "Amateur Hour" and "The Band Wore Blue Shirts" are more introspective tracks that also work very well. But while all these songs are great, the best tracks here are the relationship songs, the should have been hit single "It's Different For Girls" and the reggae of "Geraldine And John." The musicianship of the Joe Jackson Band is very solid, particularly bassist Graham Maby who truly shines on "Friday", "Geraldine And John", and "Amateur Hour." This is a great album that has aged very well. Highly recommended to not only fans of new wave but also fans who just like good pop music."

No sophomore slump in music or remastering

doublehighc | California | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album came out 9 months after Joe's debut with "Look Sharp!" It covers the same basic musical territory, but with perhaps an even better collection of songs. They are both way, way up on my list of all-time favorites.As with Look Sharp!, this is everything you could ask for in a CD remaster: dramatically improved sound, a killer live version of a Chuck Berry song as a bonus track, expanded album art, full lyrics, new liner notes, and a mid-range price..."

Not Your Average Joe

G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 01/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes an artist puts out a super debut recording and stumbles with the follow up release. This is definitely not the case with Joe Jackson's I'm The Man. Not to knock his solid debut, Look Sharp but the songs on I'm The Man are catchier and somewhat more diverse. On Your Radio, I'm The Man, and Don't Want To Be Like That are spunky rockers but It's Different For Girls and Amateur Hour show a tender side to the man. The drum rhythms on songs like Friday and The Band Wore Blue Shirts are ear catching as well.I am not familiar with the bonus track so I cannot pass judgement on it. However the original ten songs from my lp are excellent. Therefore the verdict is a two thumbs up. Way Up!!!!"