This Is It!
Joe Jackson · 1997
156 min · 37 tracks · jazz
A vibrant mix of new wave energy and sharp lyrical wit, capturing the essence of late '70s and early '80s pop culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Is She Really Going Out With Him? Start here — This track captures Jackson's sharp observational humor and clever lyricism, encapsulating the essence of his style while addressing themes of love and social dynamics.
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Steppin’ Out — A quintessential Joe Jackson hit, this song combines a sophisticated arrangement with an infectious melody, reflecting his ability to fuse pop sensibilities with jazz influences.
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It's Different for Girls — This track stands out for its candid exploration of gender dynamics, featuring witty lyrics that challenge societal norms while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
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Breaking Us in Two — With its poignant narrative about relationship strains amidst external pressures, this song showcases Jackson’s storytelling prowess and emotional depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- sharp wit in lyrical content
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- dynamic journey across tracks
- for playful gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike longer listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Compiles key singles that established Jackson's reputation in pop and new wave.
- Themes
- late '70s nightlife· gender dynamics· social commentary· relationship strains
- Career context
- This Is It! marks a significant retrospective in Joe Jackson's career, released in 1997 as a compilation of his most notable tracks from 1979 to 1989. At this point, Jackson had already established himself as a versatile artist with hits across various genres, including new wave and jazz pop. The album serves as both a celebration of his early work and an introduction for new listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Costello· Squeeze· The Police
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Is She Really Going Out With Him? Start here 3:40
- 2 Fools in Love 4:31
- 3 One More Time 3:19
- 4 Sunday Papers 4:23
- 5 Look Sharp 3:26
- 6 Got the Time (live) 4:45
- 7 On Your Radio 4:04
- 8 It’s Different for Girls 3:45
- 9 Don’t Wanna Be Like That 3:45
- 10 Amateur Hour 4:10
- 11 I’m the Man 4:00
- 12 Tilt 2:48
- 13 Someone Up There 3:51
- 14 One to One 3:26
- 15 Beat Crazy 4:18
- 16 Biology 4:35
- 17 Jumpin’ Jive 2:43
- 18 What’s the Use of Getting Sober (When You’re Gonna Get Drunk Again) 3:48
- 19 Is She Really Going Out With Him? (A Cappella version) (live) 4:36
- 20 Another World 4:13
Disc 2
- 1 Breaking Us in Two 4:50
- 2 Chinatown 4:28
- 3 Real Men 4:05
- 4 Steppin’ Out 4:22
- 5 A Slow Song 7:00
- 6 You Can’t Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want) 4:55
- 7 Not Here, Not Now 5:30
- 8 Be My Number Two 4:24
- 9 Happy Ending 3:40
- 10 Wild West 4:35
- 11 Right and Wrong 4:37
- 12 Home Town 3:14
- 13 Precious Time 3:24
- 14 Me and You (Against the World) 3:52
- 15 Down to London 4:18
- 16 Nineteen Forever 5:45
- 17 The Human Touch 5:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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