All Time Favorite MusicJoe Jackson | Joe Jackson is a remarkably versatile British musician and songwriter known for his sharp wit and eclectic style. Spanning New Wave, pop, rock, jazz, and classical influences across decades, his intelligent compositions and distinctive voice have secured his place as a unique and enduring talent.
All Time Favorite Music
He burst onto the scene with minimalist, bass-driven arrangements and clever, observational lyrics that captured late-70s anxieties. His iconic debut hit, questioning the perplexing dynamics of modern romance with cynical humor, perfectly established his intelligent Power Pop and New Wave credentials, launching a long and varied career.
Originally released as a single in the UK in late 1978 and featured on the 1979 album Look Sharp!, "Is She Really Going Out with Him?" became Joe Jackson's breakthrough hit. Its sparse arrangement, built around that signature bassline, perfectly complemented the cynical yet catchy nature of this New Wave/Power Pop gem.
Driven by Jackson's incredulous vocal delivery and astute lyrical observations on mismatched couples, this 1978 track remains a defining song of the New Wave era. Its minimalist power pop structure and relatable theme of romantic bewilderment have ensured its enduring appeal for decades.
SONG MEANING: The song captures the singer's bewildered and slightly jealous observation of attractive women dating men deemed unattractive or unworthy ("Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street"). It repeatedly poses the title question, expressing disbelief and questioning the nature of attraction and relationship choices from an outsider's cynical perspective.
Released as the lead single from his acclaimed 1982 concept album Night and Day, "Steppin' Out" became a major international success and earned Grammy nominations. Its smooth blend of synth-pop, new wave, and sophisti-pop elements, driven by electronic percussion and Jackson's distinctive piano work, defined a mature, elegant sound.
This 1982 classic evokes the anticipation and excitement of a night on the town. With its atmospheric keyboards, smooth vocals, and sophisticated electropop production capturing the essence of early 80s sophisti-pop and new wave, "Steppin' Out" remains one of Jackson's most famous and elegant tracks.
SONG MEANING: The song captures the excitement and anticipation of preparing for and embarking on a sophisticated night out in the city ("We / So tired of all the darkness in our lives... We're moving out and qualified / To shine"). It reflects the desire to escape the mundane and embrace the glamour and possibility of urban nightlife.
