This Is It! cover

This Is It!

Joe Jackson · 1997

156 min · 37 tracks · jazz · new wave · punk

An eclectic mix of new wave energy and pop sophistication, brimming with sharp wit and catchy melodies.

Why this album works

'This Is It!' holds significance as it compiles some of Joe Jackson's most recognizable tracks, solidifying his influence on the new wave and power pop movements. The album received positive critical reception and helped introduce Jackson's catalog to new audiences, reinforcing his status as a versatile artist.
Best for
wave-like pacing with peaks sharp wit in lyrical content catchy melodies for sing-alongs
Context
By the time 'This Is It!' was released in 1997, Joe Jackson had already established himself as a prominent figure in music since his debut in 1979. This album serves as a retrospective collection showcasing his evolution through various styles, from punk to jazz-inflected pop, encapsulating key moments from his first decade of work.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Is She Really Going Out With Him? Standout 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 Standout 4:50
  • 2 Chinatown 4:28
  • 3 Real Men 4:05
  • 4 Steppin’ Out Standout 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata