200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS. Today: #81. Continues tomorrow.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#81

NIGHT AND DAY: JOE JACKSON

 

 [1982] 

As the 1970s came to an end, Joe Jackson hinted that he was more than just a new wave/ punk artist. His 2 previous albums explored new musical terrains such as swing and ska. 'Night And Day' saw Jackson soak up the influence of New York City. He penned songs in the Tin Pan Alley tradition. While some songs miss the mark, it's the ones that succeed that make this album special. "Real Men" deals with gender roles and masculinity. "Breaking Us In Two" tackles relationships. "A Slow Song" is a definite highlight, in the Elton John and Billy Joel tradition. The album's big hit was "Steppin' Out", the track most inspired by NYC. "Target" and "Cancer" are helped by their Latin feel. This remains Jackson's best work.

Highlight tracks: Real Men; Breaking Us in Two; A Slow Song & Steppin' Out.