Joe Jackson I'm The Man CD

Additional Tracks

Personnel: Joe Jackson (vocals, harmonica, melodica, piano); Gary Sanford (guitar); Graham Maby (bass, background vocals); Dave Houghton (drums,
background vocals).
Reissue producer: Mike Ragogna.
Recorded at TW Studios, Fulham, London. Includes liner notes by Scott Schinder.
Digitally remastered by Erick Labson at Universal Mastering Studios-West,
North Hollywood, California.
Personnel: Joe Jackson (vocals, harmonica, melodica, piano); Dave Houghton (vocals, drums); Graham Maby (vocals); Gary Sanford (guitar).
Audio Mixer: Aldo Bocca.
Liner Note Author: Scott Schinder.
Recording information: The Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood, CA; TW Studios, London, England.
Photographer: Sheila Rock.
Arrangers: Dave Houghton; Graham Maby; Gary Sanford; Joe Jackson.
Despite Jackson's anxious demeanor and shaky pop/rock presence, I'm the Man holds together quite well as his second attempt. Reaching number 12 in the U.K. and a respectable number 22 in the U.S., the album managed to net him a number five hit in his homeland with the insightful "It's Different for Girls," which revealed Jackson's adeptness at philosophizing and his perception of examining the sexes, a trait which would follow him throughout his career. While this song represents his skill at crafting an effective ballad, the frantic "I'm the Man" showcases Jackson at his most frenzied, as a freight train's worth of lyrics pile haphazardly into one another alongside a wonderfully hysteric rhythm. Not only does the track show off Jackson's free-range ability, but his sense of humor arises once again, following in the footsteps of Look Sharp!'s "Is She Really Going Out With Him." Jackson's new wave tendencies are toned down for I'm the Man, but that doesn't restrain his talent, as songs like "Kinda Kute," "Amateur Hour," and "Geraldine and John" make for catchy side servings of attractive pop. It wasn't until Jackson's next album, Beat Crazy, that he began to expand his musical latitudes into reggae, soul, and later on into jazz and other styles. I'm the Man exposes Jackson in his early stages, but it's evident that his wit and peculiar brand of pop charm is already building up its strength. ~ Mike DeGagne
Jackson wasted little time following up his successful '79 debut. I'M THE MAN was released later that same year. Perhaps consequently, the overall sonic approach is much the same. Unerringly tuneful pop-rock (once upon a time they called it "New Wave") delivered with plenty of British attitude over spare but energetic guitar-bass-drums backing. As a songwriter, Jackson developed a bit more here. Musically, "Amateur Hour" and the transcendent "It's Different For Girls" cover new balladic ground. The lyrics are more penetrating as well; "Geraldine and John" is a biting portrait of two adulterous lovers, and confusion over the battle of the sexes has never been so eloquently expressed as in the aforementioned "It's Different For Girls." I'M THE MAN is fully as arresting as--and ultimately even more engrossing than--LOOK SHARP.
Despite Joe Jackson's anxious demeanor and shaky pop/rock presence, I'm the Man holds together quite well as his second attempt. Reaching number 12 in the U.K. and a respectable number 22 in the U.S., the album managed to net him a number five hit in his homeland with the insightful "It's Different for Girls," which revealed Jackson's adeptness at philosophizing and his perception of examining the sexes, a trait that would follow him throughout his career. While this song represents his skill at crafting an effective ballad, the frantic "I'm the Man" showcases Jackson at his most frenzied, as a freight train's worth of lyrics pile haphazardly into one another alongside a wonderfully hysterical rhythm. Not only does the track show off Jackson's free-range ability, but his sense of humor arises once again, following in the footsteps of Look Sharp!'s "Is She Really Going Out With Him." Jackson's new wave tenSpin (p.102) - "More high-strung than his debut..."