Joe Jackson I'M THE MAN

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.
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.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock