Jumpin' Jive
Joe Jackson · 1980
42 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of swing, jazz, and pop that revitalizes classic standards with a contemporary twist.
Top tracks — play these first
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Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby — This track stands out with its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm, showcasing Jackson's knack for reinvigorating classic material while adding his unique flair.
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Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and engaging melodies, encapsulating Jackson's inventive approach to jazz standards.
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Five Guys Named Moe — This lively number highlights Jackson's skill in blending storytelling with a catchy tune, bringing a sense of fun and nostalgia to the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album revitalizes jazz standards with energetic arrangements but lacks strong cohesion across its diverse tracks.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a lively tempo, with several songs incorporating call-and-response vocals between the band and the lead singer.
- The final track ends on a sustained note, creating a sense of closure while leaving some thematic elements unresolved.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- playful arrangements for lively gatherings
- short tracks for quick listens
- dynamic rhythmical journey through moods
- invigorating energy for dance parties
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective listening
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Marked a stylistic shift to jazz influences, differing from earlier pop sound.
- Themes
- swing revival· big band nostalgia· playful storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1980, Jumpin' Jive was Joe Jackson's fifth studio album, following his breakthrough work Look Sharp! (1979). This album marked a stylistic shift for Jackson, as he embraced jazz influences and big band arrangements, showcasing his versatility beyond new wave and punk rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Costello· Squeeze· The Police
Tracklist
- 1 Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid Start here 2:44
- 2 Jack, You’re Dead 2:50
- 3 Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby 4:58
- 4 We the Cats (Shall Hep Ya) 3:18
- 5 San Francisco Fan 4:28
- 6 Five Guys Named Moe 2:32
- 7 Jumpin’ Jive 2:41
- 8 You Run Your Mouth (And I’ll Run My Business) 2:32
- 9 What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You’re Gonna Get Drunk Again) 3:47
- 10 You’re My Meat 2:56
- 11 Tuxedo Junction 5:19
- 12 How Long Must I Wait for You 4:05
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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