Don't Take It Personal
Jermaine Jackson · 1989
46 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A smooth blend of R&B grooves and pop melodies that showcase Jermaine's soulful vocal delivery and heartfelt lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Don't Take It Personal — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its catchy hook and relatable lyrics about heartache and resilience, becoming a standout hit.
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Rise to the Occasion — With its uplifting message and infectious beat, this track showcases Jermaine's ability to blend motivational themes with danceable R&B rhythms.
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Two Ships (In the Night) — This song features poignant storytelling about fleeting connections, highlighting Jermaine's lyrical depth against a backdrop of smooth melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends R&B and pop effectively but lacks standout compositions or production that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove across its tracks, with rhythmic bass lines and smooth synths that create a laid-back atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate layered backing vocals that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, especially in 'Make It Easy on Love' and 'Rise to the Occasion'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 melodic journey throughout
- inviting romantic atmosphere
- smooth grooves for relaxation
- for intimate evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1989, Jermaine Jackson was transitioning from being primarily known as a member of the Jackson family to establishing his own solo career. 'Don't Take It Personal' marked his fourth studio album, following 'Jermaine Jackson' in 1986, and it represented a significant move towards a more mature sound aimed at mainstream pop audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marvin Gaye· Teddy Pendergrass· Lionel Richie
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Climb Out 4:39
- 2 Don't Take It Personal 4:31
- 3 Make It Easy on Love 4:16
- 4 So Right 5:03
- 5 I'd Like to Get to Know You 4:40
- 6 Two Ships (In the Night) 5:10
- 7 Rise to the Occasion 4:46
- 8 C'Mon Feel the Need 4:36
- 9 Next to You 4:02
- 10 Don't Make Me Wait 4:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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