Is Blaze of Glory a good place to start with Joe Jackson?

Yes, Blaze of Glory is recommended as a starting point for new Joe Jackson listeners. A vibrant blend of rock and jazz-infused pop, showcasing Joe Jackson's sharp wit and musical versatility. Released in 1989, Blaze of Glory was Joe Jackson's ninth studio album, coming after the eclectic Body and Soul (1984) and marking his return to a more mainstream sound. This album represents a phase where Jackson was refining his songwriting prowess while exploring various genres, solidifying his place in the music landscape of the late '80s.

Who is Blaze of Glory for?

Blaze of Glory works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, thoughtful exploration of disillusionment and vibrant melodies for daily commutes.

How many songs are on Blaze of Glory?

Blaze of Glory has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Blaze of Glory

Joe Jackson · 1989

57 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of rock and jazz-infused pop, showcasing Joe Jackson's sharp wit and musical versatility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tomorrow’s World Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Blaze of Glory — The title track serves as an anthem reflecting themes of ambition and youthful defiance, encapsulating the album's spirit with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics.
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Sentimental Thing — This song stands out for its intricate arrangement and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Jackson's ability to blend emotional depth with sophisticated pop sensibilities.
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Nineteen Forever — With its nostalgic yet critical perspective on youth, this track exemplifies Jackson's lyrical wit and resonates well with the album’s overarching themes of time and change.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and rock effectively, but its appeal may not extend beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with prominent brass sections, while the second half shifts to more introspective melodies and softer instrumentation.
Several tracks incorporate syncopated rhythms and jazz chords, blending rock elements with traditional jazz structures.
The title track features a distinct call-and-response vocal arrangement that contrasts with the predominantly instrumental nature of the other songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
thoughtful exploration of disillusionment
vibrant melodies for daily commutes
engaging narratives throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a return to mainstream sound and wider recognition after previous eclectic works.
Themes: nostalgic critique· ambition in the '80s
Career context: Released in 1989, Blaze of Glory was Joe Jackson's ninth studio album, coming after the eclectic Body and Soul (1984) and marking his return to a more mainstream sound. This album represents a phase where Jackson was refining his songwriting prowess while exploring various genres, solidifying his place in the music landscape of the late '80s.
Stylistic neighbors: Elvis Costello· Squeeze· The Police