Is she Really Going Out With Him? - Joe Jackson | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@aliwantizu]

I'm sorry but "Pretty women walkin' with gorillas down my street" and "They say that looks don't count for much, if so there goes your proof" are both great and hilarious lines. ~Be Blessed

[@peterwalsh2470]

Agree, I was waiting for their reaction to those lines, but it appears they both were zoned out by that stage and weren't paying attention to the lyrics, slightly disappointing reaction.

[@peterwalsh2470]

also, there are thousands of songs floating around in my head, but this is one of those memorable songs that I can recall ALL of the lyrics from start to finish. So that has to say SOMETHING about how important this song is.

[@jpmnewyork]

I'm embarrassed to admit that I've loved this song for 42 years, and I always thought the line was "They say that looks don't count for much and so they don't shampoo"... I'll crawl back under my rock now.

[@peterwalsh2470]

@@jpmnewyork good enough reason as any to stop shampoo'ing i suppose.

[@newdaydawning2357]

@@jpmnewyork lol

[@veritasrex66]

“They say that looks don’t count for much If so, there goes your proof” Always loved that line.

[@davidgoldstein1526]

The funny part for me was my girlfriend, whom I just started dating, and her name is Jeanne. I love this song and it makes me smile every time I hear it. ☺️

[@romeopuquir6803]

What does it mean?

[@paulmorris8762]

@@romeopuquir6803 it means that the guy isn't good looking so he proves looks don't count for much (other things like physique or money etc count more)

[@jlsage4059]

Boys, if you think adults don’t have immature feelings and thoughts…You’re in for a surprise.

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

I think Gen zers/ millenials are encouraged to have more emotional self-awareness than we Gen-Xs ever did :)

[@lindakessler8768]

Oh, absolutely. Just wait...😉

[@jlsage4059]

@@sopyleecrypt6899 Then awareness that getting dumped, at any age hurts, would be helpful. Not to mention the fact that many songs aren’t written from a first person perspective. The subject of this song is likely just a character of the artists imagination. Also begs the question…How is pain or confusion from getting jilted by a lover an immature subject…But Whole Lotta Rosie isn’t? Adults just aren’t as adult unfortunately, as you think they are when you’re young.

[@catherinelw9365]

@@sopyleecrypt6899 Too much focus on emotions these days. People need to learn to reason.

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

@@jlsage4059way. These guys can’t relate to the song not because they don’t understand heartbreak but because a man expressing possessive jealousy about a woman has fallen out of fashion compared with 1979.

[@hintzsch]

"Steppin' Out" should be on your list. If you also listen to "Breaking Us in Two", you'll hear a familiar chord progression/phrase resolution that is used in both songs. And, Sugar Ray had a top 40 cover of this song in 2003.

[@kevinbowen6182]

It's a great, great song. But it's a definite pop song. But I'd love to hear them do it.

[@joeyblowey123456]

Steppin' Out is my favorite song from Joe.

[@shanehenderson8756]

Yes I totally agree.

[@patrick3926]

Love both songs but they will hate the 80s synth

[@johnhughes3214]

"Steppin' Out" was Joe's biggest hit, a piece of jazz influenced pure pop perfection.

[@soundsvilleInt]

In America where they caught onto him late.

[@MamaNaeNae]

My fav of his!

[@bfan64]

I love Steppin' Out. Loved the video too!

[@TheRedWaltz24]

Much better song than this one.

[@MamaNaeNae]

TheRedWaltz24 agree 💯

[@mikek5958]

From Songfacts: A minimalist New Wave song recorded with his band, "Is She Really Going Out With Him" was Joe Jackson's amusing commentary on hot girls hooking up with butt-ugly dudes. Jackson makes this clear in the marvelous opening line, "Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street." In a Songfacts interview with Joe Jackson, he explained that the song was written with a humor that was lost on some listeners. Said Jackson: "That is just one of those songs that started with the title. I heard that phrase somewhere and I thought that could be a kind of funny song about gorgeous girls going out with monsters. It just started from there. It was just a funny song, or supposed to be funny. It was a great surprise to me when some people interpreted it as being angry."

[@TheMirolab]

Thanks! I love this clarification... Joe also says modestly in the song "I kid myself, I look real smooth" highlighting his confusion why "Is she really going out with him?"

[@mikek5958]

@@TheMirolab You're welcome Miro!

[@taradevine6026]

I was in 8th or 9th grade when it came out and sometimes felt like a goon, so I understand the feeling.. but I also understood the humor behind it. I didn't take it seriously.

[@tristramcoffin926]

When you learn that Joe Jackson is gay it's even more confusing of a song.

[@merlinsclaw]

Exactly. People don't have any sene of humor anymore.

[@sjw5797]

Joe Jackson's "Breaking Us in Two" is a slow, dreamy Heartbreaker of a song.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Great video, too.

[@mojoesixpack]

"Is she really going out with him?" is one of the most universally relatable sentiments for young men, yes even well into their 20s, I can think of. At least it was in 1979. The fact that you guys don't get that blows my mind.

[@sallybannister6224]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Exactly Mr Sixpack👍🏻

[@burmajones803]

Yep. They definitely blew my mind today with this reaction.

[@GoDrex]

These guys are such studs, they've never experienced that feeling 🤣

[@Spiklething]

I think there's a 'lost in translation' element to this too. Back then, in the UK, 'going out' didn't just mean going out on a date, it meant that you were in an exclusive and potentially serious and long term relationship.

[@joshuawebb6694]

I think they are simply acknowledging that it has a bit of a creep/incel factor to it. As if men are owed something from women.

[@TheDameduck]

Joe is a prolific musician, arranger, songwriter, and performer. He has had a career arc through multiple genres and is still touring. His early pop/new wave stuff was fun and catchy as hell. This is a classic of his that put him on the map, but several other songs of note to check out from the same era are: Look Sharp, I’m the Man, Got the Time, Sunday Papers, It’s Different For Girls, On the Radio, Fools in Love…whoops, that’s more than several! I saw him once back in 1982 and more recently in 2019…great shows both times, the dude just keeps on giving…😎

[@lovman]

Don't forget Everything Gives You Cancer.

[@kathleen109]

He also wrote a symphony which is way better than I had expected, even though I love Joe Jackson.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

@@lovman There's no cure. There's no answer. Love that song. From the same album, also, is Chinatown. Mesmerizing.

[@scarpad]

Jumpin jive, what's the use of getting sober

[@scarpad]

Right or wrong

[@thanksfernuthin]

I think you're underestimating the value of giving voice to our most petty, craven, human instincts. It allows us all to recognize it in ourselves and remember nobody is perfect.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I agree completely. The guys said it...we have ALL thought it....even if we never voiced it.

[@brettpeacock9116]

"They say that Looks don't count for much... and there goes your proof" Best line Joe ever wrote. Joe Jackson came from a working class English background, and it is reflected in the song. They still had massive housing "Projects" called council flats, where everyone was fairly similar in background although beginning to diversify more as the years passed.

[@dannydorko7075]

another good lyrics of his: And when love grows It grows like a flower or grows like a tumor Love shows that God has a sense of humor

[@dennisvincent94]

I have been listening to this song for decades and still love it. They should have read the lyrics to better appreciate the composition and imagery. “Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street. From my window I’m staring while my coffee goes cold.”

[@cshude]

That is one of my favorite lyrics EVER.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

@@dennisvincent94 I always loved that line, too. First album, first hit. I did not expect the huge amount of creative greatness to follow. But that was the first of his lyrics I heard, and the first thought was "Jeez, this guy is not singing 'baby baby baby' songs here. Turned out to be a hell of an understatement.

[@danmonges1539]

Such a great line and I was surprised they didn't even bat an eye.

[@Davey-Boyd]

You have to remember that 'going out with someone' in the UK means a committed boyfriend/girlfriend relationship and not just a date. And I'm nearly 56 and still have those wtf 'Is she really going out with him' moments'! This song was massive in the UK when I was 16. Great song, great band.

[@cindynau8068]

"Pretty women walkin' with gorillas down my street" - fantastic! (Gorillas is a British term for goofball, geek, etc) But yes, Steppin' Out is better.

[@richardctaylor79]

Gorillas is the British term for a Jock, a big American Football Quarterback for example.

[@mikephillips8810]

A gorilla is/was a term in the 1970s in Britain for a big ugly 'bloke' (man/guy). A gorilla, an ape, probably uneducated. That's the whole point of the song. How can a beautiful woman like that be going out with a dumb ugly ape like him? It has nothing to do with geeks (we didn't even have the term geek in the UK in the '70s, we imported it/absorbed it later from the US influence). Nor anything to do with (sporting) jocks.

[@cindynau8068]

@@richardctaylor79 My dad was British and he always called my brother a gorilla when he was acting like a fool. Actually, my brother was a big jock too!

[@moniphil]

Different. Yes. Better? No.

[@moniphil]

A rock star writing lyrics that are romantically immature? Have you ever met a rock star? Plus, most rock songs are likely written for teenage boys and young adult males with stunted maturity.

[@varsitycamplife]

I disagree. I think that is a universal sentiment. “She was mine, but now she’s with THAT guy?!” Yes, do Steppin’ Out, for sure! Joe Jackson is a guy to study. Very smart. Very talented. Very bold. Very cynical too…

[@FlamesCagney]

(If I may add) and a very deep catalog of bangers.

[@varsitycamplife]

@@FlamesCagney yessir!

[@stevenkaye7096]

Songs not about the singer it's about youth in general , maybe these 2 need a girlfriend

[@FlamesCagney]

@@stevenkaye7096 Already. Ask your mom. Drunk surfing again? I get it.

[@MrPooch1967]

I cant believe no one has mentioned "You can't get what you want (til you know what you want)!! Great catchy tune and the live performances are fantastic!!👍🏻✌🏼💯

[@burmajones803]

Great song. I mentiined it.

[@shrews12001]

That and Steppin Out are my favorites of his. Great songs.

[@aryehbarson]

Recommended that over the selections in the poll, but...

[@jeffgilbert9119]

His best song

[@allisonreed7682]

Love that song.

[@visaman]

Joe Jackson has said that this was meant as a funny song, but the humour went over people's heads.

[@heathermackinnon9527]

My friends and I got it immediately.

[@burmajones803]

Over dimwitted people's heads. The lyrics are subtle, but not THAT subtle.

[@burmajones803]

Jackson was artistically restless and widely explored musical styles. But was always a great songwriter with a topnotch ear for melodies. Other songs to check out: Look Sharp, One More Time, Steppin' Out, You Can't Get What You Want, and Breaking Us In Two.

[@rollomaughfling380]

Real Men. Epic.

[@burmajones803]

@@rollomaughfling380 after this, I don't think A&A get sarcasm, irony or self deprecation, so I am loathe to suggest anything except maudlin hits of the 70s. Feelings, perhaps? Or You Light Up My Life?

[@subsonic5393]

Also, "Throw it Away" and "I'm the Man" rock really hard!

[@subsonic5393]

And "Sunday Papers."

[@Databhoy]

Totally agree - especially given Joe Jackson is very openly gay.

[@Zetetic328]

Have you never had someone you were interested in, an ex involved with someone else or even a friend, and you thinking, "You picked that person? Seriously?" I thought everyone had been there at least once.

[@veritasrex66]

Yes, I have. And the reaction that this song describes transcends age group. Doesn’t matter if you’re a middle school, or middle age.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

Also applies to life in the Friend Zone. You're always the one she cries to, always the one she runs to, and the one she cuddles with during scary movies. And just when you're certain she wants you, she turns up with a new boyfriend who is no deeper than Matt Dillon's character in Little Darlings. And you think, again and again, "Is she really going out with HIM!?" I think that's a common scenario no matter what year it is.

[@cdcaleo]

Joe Jackson had a unique sound and a string of excellent hits in the early 80's. Soulful, melancholy and bittersweet characterize his sound. Jazz influenced. His 3 biggest hits really take me back to very specific times and places.

[@ftlpope]

Me too.

[@boboquisp]

Stop kicking puppies

[@TonyPucci11]

If you want a Joe Jackson “banger”, you have to do “I’m the Man”. But everything else mentioned here is great, I’ve been a big fan of his since day one (graduated high school in 1986).

[@patcoats]

makes the hoola hoop and the yo yo sound awesome huh? ha ha. love that song!

[@TheMirolab]

Also "Got the Time" or "Sunday Papers"

[@d2d2d28]

Oh yeah big fan since he first came out!

[@waynepruner2994]

I agree, i personally didnt think either of the 3 song choices are really down A&A's alley, although all are great songs...but they would appreciate the base driven rockers like I'm the Man, One More Time, Throw it Away, Sunday Papers, Pretty Girls (the earlier 2 albums, before the later stuff, which i also love but is obviously a different style)

[@vitchr]

Sunday papers. Everything gives you cancer. Joe J is the man

[@susanklasinski1805]

Smart, sharp, sophisticated though a little quirky, Joe earned a place in my heart the minute I heard this song. This was my introduction to new wave and thus began my preoccupation at the honorable age of thirteen. If you want to give your ears a workout, listen to “Friday” (his best song IMO), “Got the Time”, and “Look Sharp”. With these three you’ll also hear how fast, tight, and strong his band was. Graham Maby - such a fine bass player. Graham was basically the lead guitar player - on bass. Thanks!🔥

[@Shadowrider1872]

🥰

[@tallykev6608]

Agreed the bass in his songs were excellent and usually memorable. The album Look Sharp! is really really good. My favorite track is actually One More Time, but it never gets the love that this one gets (not that this one doesn't deserve love). My first brush with JJ was Steppin' Out... gorgeous repeating synth line in that one. It's also a major trigger for certain high school memories, but that's purely anecdotal lol

[@burmajones803]

The bass on this album is fire!

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@tallykev6608 I love just about everything from the first three albums, "One More Time" included. That song really is a slapper.

[@burmajones803]

Well, that was yet another disappointment. Do these guys understand irony or sarcasm or self deprecation? It appears not. 🙄

[@markallen2984]

It's probably hard for you guys to grasp how revolutionary this was in the late 70s. A time of disco with overdone arrangements with strings and horns and background singers. Or violent, noisy punk rock... the tuneful, melodic sparseness of this song was really a head-turner ( and actually pretty daring based on the context of the times) It was like a whisper in a crowded room

[@bradparnell614]

I'd say this is the third best Joe Jackson song of his three big hits I remember. I think "Steppin' Out" and "Breaking us in Two" are both better, musically anyway. The lyrics in this one are pretty good.

[@cdcaleo]

Agree completely. Steppin' Out and Breaking Us In Two are far better on every level and they should have hit either of those first.

[@Fuphyter]

I bought sheet music for Breaking Us In Two...loved playing it

[@Crazywater1976]

19 Forever is a great song. Not a big hit but still one of his best/

[@dalexkom]

i would say his four songs captured a vibe of the times instantly transported back when i hear. breaking us in two, stepping out, is she really going out with him and im the man.

[@Fuphyter]

I love Joe Jackson! A style all his own. "Different For Girls" is a great one. Before this started, I wrote in live comments that I thought you may not like it.

[@roykaplan]

Please do the song Look Sharp. This song slaps so hard you'll be drooling out the side of your mouth.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Agreed!

[@HeatherErin]

So fab!

[@hrpudgenstuff]

full on agree

[@GoldTopSlinger]

Ooo. Good one. You know the part where the drums just start slamming? I actually got so into that one time I bruised the pad of my hand from playing armchair drums too hard.

[@burmajones803]

@@GoldTopSlinger awesome. Made me 🙂

[@dwashington1333]

Joe Jackson- Steppin Out is pure listening pleasure. The whole album "Night and Day" is great, I consider it a classic.

[@karenbautista9236]

Music is subjective. I personally love this nostalgic tune. I also love all kinds of music. It doesn’t have to be a head banger to be good. These guys are taking time to react to all kinds of genres. Much respect.

[@nortonmalcontent8778]

Steppin' Out is not a banger, however it is for me the most interesting song of his. If you want a banger, try Look Sharp or Got the Time, which was later covered by Anthrax.

[@thorsluter7835]

Definitely NOT a banger, but a good song nonetheless.

[@rossrubino9080]

Sunday Paper 🗞️

[@thomasdimassimo4353]

Completely missed the point of being dumped by a girl you loved, than seeing her date someone else. Not middle school.

[@susanklasinski1805]

Maybe they've never been dumped?

[@sjw5797]

@@susanklasinski1805 Never trust a person who's never been dumped.

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@sjw5797 Truth!

[@dawnpatrol700]

1979 - honestly, after hearing nothing but disco on the radio for 3 years straight-any rock was appreciated " my sharona" " just what I needed" all stood out like a sore thumb. We were starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. Steppin Out is a completely different kind of music and attitude. It's more like a refined jazzy sound, and the musicianship is top notch

[@GoldTopSlinger]

That's exactly it. Good call. When new wave and punk arrived it was such a flippin' relief that guitar was back, because it was so de-emphasized in disco. I thought Joe Jackson represented some of the best of the new wave.

[@annewoodard6803]

Look Sharp was an album I played in college and it was one of those rare albums you can listen to the whole thing over and over and still love it. Full album deal. 😁

[@brianorzel1873]

One of the all time great opening song lines: "Pretty women out walking with gorillas, down my street"!

[@burmajones803]

Jim Croce sang a song about similar feelings but was way more maudlin about it (In fairness to Jim, he was being self deprecating as well, but A&A were filled with the tears, so they took it as maudlin). This one is funny. The singer is poking fun at himself as much as he is dissing the dudes Jeanie is with. I think these lyrics are too subtle for you.

[@originalhgc]

Thank you for saying what I thought. Joe is obviously being facetious, but is also surfacing feelings that adults still have even though they know it sounds juvenile to express it.

[@burmajones803]

Yeah, Croce is also being self deprecating in a diffrent way. But even the humor on that song was lost on them. They thought it was reason to cry, for Pere's sake!!?

[@susanklasinski1805]

One of the best things I read all week. Bravo Eric!

[@tallykev6608]

Wow... listening to that conversation I'm thinking "what the hell are you guys talking about??" ... nuance and irony are not being grasped here. You want maudlin, self deprecation? Nothing beats Morrissey.

[@tallykev6608]

btw... was checking out some Dream Syndicate and immediately recognized the song Medicine Show from Medicine Show. I don't remember where or when (probably decades ago), but i've definitely heard that one. Don't think I had heard anything else off that album

[@mikek5958]

"Look Sharp!" was his debut album and it's well worth diving in to if you continue to explore "New Wave" music as you are with Blondie, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Police, The Cars, etc. It's really a tremendous album; one of my favorites as far as New Wave is concerned.

[@foxandscout]

Yes, tremendous.

[@adambnyc4875]

Look for the a capella version of this one. And listen to "It's Different for Girls" and "Breaking Us in Two." I think time for some Squeeze.

[@susanaltman5134]

Squeeze!

[@kinksfan9781]

Yes, Squeeze!

[@notanotherenigma7759]

Tempted!!

[@teknikel]

@@notanotherenigma7759 Pulling Mussels From a Shell

[@gregsager2062]

@@notanotherenigma7759 "In Quintessence"!

[@jtf2dan]

"I'm The Man"...is the best rocking tune joe has...saw him in concert 2 years ago! Still rocking after all these years!

[@gigmond]

This is one of those songs that you like because it's catchy and you find yourself grooving to it. It's different when you're listening to it with a critique mindset.

[@awesome6486]

these guys are fools

[@hilarywaldron6360]

Joe Jackson “Breaking us in two” is one of my favorite 80’s song

[@SimonColey]

Yes❤

[@sentinelmortgagecorp4291]

Steppin’ Out will feel more accessible to you guys and it was a huge hit, too. But Joe Jackson is not everyone’s cup of tea but that’s ok - what makes music interesting is the artists that explore and try things out. One of my favorites by him is Real Men which was covered by Tori Amos, too.

[@David-iv6je]

Sunday Papers is a banger. Joe's band was super tight.

[@David-iv6je]

Also worth noting: the lyrics don't rhyme in this song. That's really unusual.

[@RockyMtnRebecca]

Oh Gawd I love Tori ♥

[@sentinelmortgagecorp4291]

@@RockyMtnRebecca Me too. Seen her live a few times and she’s great. Unbelievable talent.

[@joemachine4714]

I wonder how A & A would react to Tori Amos. If so, which song I wonder 🤔

[@richardmather1906]

You guys are not quite there. The narrator is positively stewing in his resentment of successful guys. He fully recognizes it for what it is. He knows its not right. But he still feels it.

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

These days it has just a hint of entitlement and Incel to it, which might be what is making them a bit uncomfortable. Some things just don’t age well 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@burmajones803]

A great pop gem. A singalong classic that may seem slight but still brings the goods.

[@fredhall6525]

Good jukebox song. They were psychoanalyzing it too much.

[@burmajones803]

@@fredhall6525 they don't get sarcasm, irony or self deprecation. Jim Croce sang about the same tpoic and they started bawling. Maudlin is more their style I guess.

[@susanklasinski1805]

My thoughts before watching their reaction and review was they weren’t going to think much of the song musically. The slight reggae beat, and it not having much variation. I never thought they’d be offended by these lyrics. Now I know.

[@burmajones803]

@@susanklasinski1805 I am getting the sense that they do not like or appreciate rock music in which the bass is the lead instrument instead of the guitar. I might be wrong, but that seems to be one of the main differences between a lot of new wave music and classic rock: the bass often plays the melody or is out front and the guitar is also used as a rhythm instrument as often as not. It's very danceable music, usually with a strong groove. I'm not sure these guys dance (funk music, anyone?) or appreciate good grooves. Either that or this format doesn't lend itself to music that's meant for dancing.

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@burmajones803 I think you’re right. I mistakenly thought maybe they’re ready to explore different sounds, but once again proven wrong. They’re perpetually stuck on the seventies. I was going to say seventies guitar-prominent rock, but they’re really digging the soft radio hits now as well. I don’t hate the seventies. I even don’t mind the pop hits sprinkled in here and there, as change is good, and those songs have their place too. But I figured they’d have moved on to different decades now, or at least different genres. I thought they’d be more forward-thinking at this point. I guess I really don’t know what I figured the purpose of their channel was. I originally thought they’d be interested to hear how sounds changed over the years, or hear the influence on today’s music, but I now know I’m wrong.

[@rodroller6634]

I love the fact that I can go several weeks without watching and then when I come back there’s multiple songs I want to see you review. Oh and your never to old to feel that way about watching someone you love walk away from you. Must be nice to always be loved.

[@harriotteworthington3147]

Steppin’ Out is superior to this song. But I did know a lot of guys in college who related to this song. Girls were going for shallow, preppy jocks instead of “regular joes” like them. As far as I know, no puppy kickers in my group… 🤣

[@danielgareau2836]

Steppin’ Out is absolutely superior to this song. Don't understand how it got fewer votes.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

@@danielgareau2836 Sometimes subjectivity can be so subjective.

[@rossgard]

"I'm the Man" is one of the greatest garage band albums of all time. Fantastic compositions with extremely simple, extremely tight instrumentation.

[@alexjbennett1017]

How can I give you extra stars, Ross? "I'm the Man" is worth a full album review

[@rossgard]

@@alexjbennett1017 So great to have a brilliant composer working with such a simple set of tools. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals, and, OK, occasionally a melodica. Minimal obvious overdubs. Rock and roll, but *smart* rock and roll. I played in a high school garage band in the '80s that covered "I'm the Man" and "Different for Girls."

[@alexjbennett1017]

@@rossgard totally agree re "smart rock and roll." I'm a sucker for it!

[@JabaLeeJones]

Joe Jackson - One More Time , the opener of that GREAT album. Sounds even a little iron maiden-esque

[@alexjbennett1017]

The most BANGER Joe Jackson song I know is "I'm the Man." I can't sit still when I hear it. It's quite fierce.

[@Timoeltejano]

"I'm The Man" another great Joe Jackson tune. It's fast and rocks

[@bradsimpson9396]

If you want a banger by Joe Jackson, check out ”I’m the Man” or ”Got the Time”. They’re more punk/rock vibes. Also, ”It’s Different for Girls” is my favourite song by him

[@garagepunkfan]

Agree completely.

[@alexjbennett1017]

"Different for Girls" is a total gem -- glad to hear others rank it their favorite too!

[@ScottKornfeld]

Check out "One More Time", "Sunday Papers", "Look Sharp", and "Fools in Love", all also from the same album as this one, as well as "Breaking Us in Two", "Cancer", and the often mentioned "Steppin' Out".

[@jtok3459]

Don't forget "Got The Time".

[@greghackenberg1209]

Look Sharp plays like a greatest hits

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Pretty women out walkin' with gorillas down my street - I haven't forgotten that line since '79! The whole song is a time warp, yet remains timeless.

[@susanklasinski1805]

1979, the height of new wave, two-tone ska, and post punk sound. In fact, 1978-1981 is the sweet spot for this music if you want to hear the best those genres have to offer. A smorgasbord of great songs/bands to choose from, way too many to list here. However, I really would like to mention the Jam. An amazing trio that made amazing music (another great bass player). You cannot go wrong with anything by the Jam. Two-toned ska was a big scene in the UK and several disbursed pockets in the US. Top three bands in this niche were the Beat (aka English Beat), Madness, and the Specials. Could be really cool to get to songs from all three. Then perhaps you could circle back to Joe Jackson and listen to “Beat Crazy” that gently mocks this movement in its exact style.

[@sj6546]

The Jam is a top fav. Anything Paul Weller. Town called Malice or Thats Entertainment are hits but also great songs. Love the Two-Tone stuff too!

[@burmajones803]

I'm in for the Jam. Style Council too.

[@jamesdwithrow]

Yeah, Joe Jackson is ok, but any of these are better uses of their time. And I don’t think I’ve seen them do any Bob Marley yet.

[@fredhall6525]

They're missing a lot from that time period. How about "Sex Beat" from Gun Club?

[@normanleroy1874]

It really was a great era in music, so much promise, so many interesting sounds. Punk had reset rock and suddenly everything was possible. Music was free back then and it seemed like musically you could try anything, from the wild post-punk of The Swell Maps to bubbly pop (which a lot of new wave was, and more fun for it). I really wish they'd do Eton Rifles by the Jam!

[@sean---the-other-one]

You’re right that the sentiment of the song is immature, and Joe is completely self-aware on how that is. If you explore the Joe rabbit hole you’ll find he’s extremely clever in his songwriting and this wasn’t just a petulant stab at girls who don’t like him. He is a highly talented musician and lyricist who took a sophisticated approach to the punk rock era that he was in, like Ian Dury and The Blockheads. And if you go further, whilst I’d say Steppin’ Out is worth listening to, the production is going to get on Alex’s nerves.

[@craigedwards2940]

You're also right in that he is a very credible musician and a very intelligent man. The Ian Dury comparison was a good one, although different styles, similar views.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@craigedwards2940 Look Sharp is a great debut album. Joe took the approach of ‘No Guitar Solos’ and pushed Graham Maby to take the front foot with a very dominant bass tone and role.

[@zebra3stripes]

"Kicking Puppies" was his other big song off that album.

[@patricialiedel5659]

I love that one! 😉

[@grega8586]

Say what?

[@ednicholson7839]

Attention: you have to watch all of A&A's comments above to get this joke

[@GoldTopSlinger]

The funny part is he was singing about civil rights on that one.

[@robd4376]

Gentlemen, I was in high school when this song came out and I believe he was singing to my generation. I thought of the song more than a few times during my dating back in the days.

[@flubblert]

Andy: "It wasn't a bad song..." Translation: he thought it was a bad song. lol!

[@kathleen109]

Yeah, his anti-80s bias is hard for him to abandon.

[@David-iv6je]

Pity. I really like Joe Jackson, though I don't listen to him often.

[@nightbird1314]

I always interpreted it as a humorous take on himself. He being thin and wirey, "watching all the gorillas waking down my street." Meaning, large, unintelligent Neanderthal types getting all the girls. An adolescent emotion for sure, but one that stays with you into adulthood as well. And since when do rock stars act their age anyways? Much love 💚 💚

[@andrewpetik2034]

I identified heavily with the concepts of this well into my twenties

[@mobanewman7139]

This rolled up on the "Random" radio station my daughter listens to in the car. She has it on her play list now. It is one of her favorites. She is 15. Enjoy. Just a fun song. Remember singing along with it in the car with my friends and laughing.

[@courtneywallace871]

Joe is one of five artists that I consider “geniuses,” the others being Todd Rundgren, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters and Pete Townshend. You can’t go wrong with Joe! You guys are taking this song too seriously. It’s tongue in cheek! I hope this doesn’t prevent you from checking out more of his stuff, especially his later stuff.

[@bkshields76]

I just relistened to Look Sharp and, if you’ve never heard it or it’s been a minute, go listen now. My favorite JJ track.

[@sgtBelson]

“Well, check your watch and wallet now, before I go and you’re too late (ha ha)”

[@Boatzilla2]

This was one of those songs where you couldn't help singing along. I was still enjoying it when I went to college in '81.The lyrics are true, they paint a vivid picture and they are easy to catch and remember. That's it. Not too deep. Everyone has had that feeling. I think it goes beyond "middle school" even if we don't care to admit it.

[@HeatherErin]

Joe Jackson is a total vibe! My number one recommendation for you two in particular would be Looks Sharp! And after that It's Different for Girls 🔥🧡

[@patrickoleary553]

1979 England: Post-Punk and early New Wave. Joe Jackson and others we’re combining the minimalism of punk with an easier, less aggressive sound. Early New Wavers also included humor to set themselves apart from the anger of punk and the seriousness of Led Zeplinesque Rockers.

[@zephead64]

Right. Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello are musical peers and both took a similar path at first and both are now recognized as prolific songwriters/performers of that generation.

[@Mark_McC]

I always thought the first line in this song is one of Joe’s best lines. ‘Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street.’

[@andrewpetik2034]

YES! Probably one of the truest, THE funniest lines ever.....and I mean it is the opening line of the song.... I love this whole song BECAUSE of that line!

[@saitoyuki]

This song was way cooler than I remember from hearing on the radio back in the day. I enjoyed it a lot more this time around than I thought I would. It definitely has that sort of New Wave vibe to it, like other songs of the day -- for some reason it kind of brings to mind "Cruel to Be Kind" and "My Sharona," even though those are both very different songs.

[@joemc1960]

It was a cool song in 1979, and fit in perfectly with the New Wave that was emerging. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that sometimes the singer is not the actual protagonist of the song, it's a character. And Stepping Out is 100x better.

[@richardryan5826]

Graham Maby is a very underrated bassist. His bass lines on this song are a perfect fit.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

There is a 1979 concert with this band on KZbin. From a BBC concert series called "Goes To College". So "Joe Jackson Goes To College." Some other great concerts with that format, too. Police, Tom Petty, etc. Anyway, you get to watch Graham playin' some perfect bass. And the show is very good in general.

[@johnnytd1128]

Even in the other songs his baselines were movable

[@terptek1]

Joe's early albums are outstanding. Beyond you over analyzing the lyrics, as a teen, you would have heard it differently. If you want a great world view opinion of the day that still applies, Right and Wrong is a good tune and lyrics.

[@susanklasinski1805]

Yeah, they majorly thought too hard on the lyrics

[@christianman73]

@@susanklasinski1805 They *moralized* the lyrics, and actually, became kind of preachy in their analysis! Heck, even if Joe *was* simply writing from his own experience, and saying, "Why does that woman want to be with that man, when she could be with me?"-- even mature adults *sometimes do have* those thoughts and feelings, lol! They're not exclusive to incels! :-)

[@susanklasinski1805]

@@christianman73 Preach! I left another comment somewhere that I think they've never been dumped. Otherwise they would understand how it feels to see the girl with another guy for the first time. And you are correct, this was not an autobiographical song. Joe wrote in the style of kitchen sink realism - the imagined perspective of another every day average Joe (a Joe other than himself).

[@susanriccardi4198]

Hey guys. Love you. When I listened to this on the radio so long ago when it came out; it brought delight. So funny and whimsical. It made me chuckle. Listen to the lyrics again. I will never forget them.

[@bigskyneal784]

If you want a banger - “I’m the Man”. But, “Steppin’ Out” is an excellent jazzy piece.

[@BerryBlossomCt]

Yes, I’m the man is the best pick for this channel

[@willfromyadkinville]

being born in the mid 60's and growing up during this era of music. unless you were there you wont understand it! it was simply the best ever!

[@Stormheart911]

You guys should review the ultimate "?" song, "96 Tears" by ? (Question Mark) & the Mysterians from 1966.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

A much better song from 1966 is Mr Dieingly Sad. by the Critters. The melody, the lyrics, very Beach Boys sound -a -like but better than most BB tunes. Stepping Out is Jackson's first song and best. Period.

[@SandrinesVoxServices]

Joe Jackson is a living legend!! Any era of his work is so good, he is an amazing pianist, singer, songwriter, saxophone player. Check out more of him, jazz, pop, else, he can do it all.

[@haroldskinner5914]

When you're dealing with late 70s/early 80s punk/new wave acts, usually the hits are more poppy while the real bangers are the deeper cuts on the albums. For instance Brass in Pocket by the Pretenders is not a banger, but Mystery Achievement is. This is also very true of Joe Jackson. My guess is you would be much more inclined to like a song like Got the Time or Throw It Away or Look Sharp or I'm the Man or Beat Crazy than this song or either of the other songs that were on the poll.

[@j_karma]

Or "One More Time", "Sunday Papers", etc... basically anything off of the Look Sharp! album except ISRGOWH...

[@mikecaetano]

Heh, I was thinking the same thing with The Pretenders as the example too!

[@ednicholson7839]

Yeah great point. The Clash is a good example of this too -- though more extreme.

[@foxandscout]

Exactly

[@IngotAU]

Great song suggestions. Beat Crazy for sure!

[@kmorri9]

This is one of those times where you guys need to chill the F out with analyzing the song, especially the lyrics. It's just a fun song...

[@alexjbennett1017]

Or the lesson might be to not suggest songs that don't stand up to analysis, cuz that's what A&A do. (I like their analysis.)

[@kmorri9]

@@alexjbennett1017 that would leave out a lot of fun, amazing songs if we go that route. I'm just saying, not everything is meant to be some prolific masterpiece and that's ok.

[@alexjbennett1017]

@@kmorri9 I agree with you about fun, amazing songs that are not masterpieces and it's ok. Sorry to sound like a snoot. FWIW there are many songs that are fun and amazing to me (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4fMiamZosl-eJY) that I would never suggest to A&A because of how they react to music -- the Oscars and People's Choice exist for different purposes, and it's all good. :)

[@Castironcarnivore]

Steppin’ Out and Breaking Us in Two are excellent songs

[@johanngustafsenn9779]

I must admit, I was looking forward to the two of you dissecting the music and instruments a bit more. This was part of "New Wave", maybe a off-shoot of punk, and was a different style than soft/hard/acid rock. Instead, I was informed that this song had sixth-grade lyrics by someone who seems to have never been dumped, and could not see the humor in it. Wow. Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised to see the two of you "get it" with a particular song, but the rails went a different direction than you went. :) Maybe this wasn't the best JJ song to start with, after all... I do enjoy your channel, and have a great day and a great life... :D

[@obear3000]

So well said 👏👏👏

[@VidiotSavante]

"I heard that phrase somewhere and I thought that could be a kind of funny song about gorgeous girls going out with monsters. It just started from there. It was just a funny song, or supposed to be funny. It was a great surprise to me when some people interpreted it as being angry." - Joe Jackson, Songfacts, 2012

[@jimflores9098]

Check out "Right or Wrong" and "I'm the Man", also " It's Different for Girls" by JJ. Great stuff...

[@BillPenny]

Gentleman...I clocked out on my break just to tell you how much of a banger Steppin' Out is. It was least and hidden in my brain for like 20 years until a friend unlocked it for me. Impeccable vocal melodies.

[@joekuul8769]

There was a little bit of a cottage industry with these sort of songs around that time. "My Best Friend's Girl" from The Cars, followed by "Is She Really Going Out With Him?", then "Jessie's Girl" from Rick Springfield.

[@samson9535]

The age of Mtv did not help his career because he was not telegenic. Actually, it hurt him. Same for Christopher Cross.

[@gunhedd5375]

Video really DID kill the radio star. (So prescient.) 😎

[@anmana7]

right...they didn't have the pretty boy looks. Look Sharp was a great album though.

[@catherinelw9365]

Similar thing happened to silent movie stars. Some didn’t have the voice for talking movies.

[@centuryrox]

Funny how Andy said it felt like a middle school song, because to me it was, as I was in middle school when this song came out! I still love the song for nostalgic reasons!

[@doplinger1]

I personally like Joe’s earlier stuff like this and anything from “I’m the Man” - the title track may be more to your liking.

[@kimbercole2657]

I always thought the line “is she really going out with him…” had a little heartbreak in it and that line in particular he was referring to maybe a break up where he’s having to look at his ex, who he may still be hung up on, dating other guys.

[@garyschill7923]

A&A thought about the meaning too much. It was written to get airplay, and it certainly did, but it nis no where near musically the best Joe has to offer. His bass player, Graham Maby, is amazing and songs like "On Your Radio" and "Friday" are upbeat rockers that feature him. Dig deeper guys! Joe Jackson has a lot more to offer than this radio friendly tune.

[@steveullrich7737]

Exactly, just written with the perspective of a younger guy and nothing wrong with that.

[@dickiebobradio1304]

I love the way Joe Jackson combines pared-down arrangements with lush jazzy harmonies. Top notch playing from his drummer and bassist too. And the vocal harmonies on the chorus are fantastic.

[@technoforever888]

It is the age-old pretty girl always dates the beefy, stupid, yet good looking guys..(still, even after high-school) and guys like me (not beefy or good looking) still sit in unbelief and alone. lol Still a good song that stood out amongst the 'rock' scene and helps define the era with some versatility and fun.

[@jeanwatson189]

What do you think happens to the girls who aren't so pretty?

[@rfostore]

Hi guys. This album is loaded with gems. Sunday Papers, One more time, Throw it away, Fools in love, Look Sharp. I wore the grooves off this album in college. Definitely worth a deeper dive.

[@tallykev6608]

Finally some kick ass, cool music from Joe Jackson. When everyone was getting sick of the same 'ol classic arena rock blah blah blah of the late 70s, Punk dropped radio-friendly New Wave. I understand your lukewarm-to-negative reactions to New Wave and the post Punk bands of the 80s. A lot of people (many on this channel I'll wager) who cherish the 60s flower power and 70s classic aor formats didn't take kindly to it either. It's a totally different vibe. A different sound. A different way of transmitting meaning through lyrics. I would just suggest keeping an open mind and ear when/if you explore the 80s further. And really, if you ever want to understand the evolution of Rock n Roll, the 80s is an essential (for me, THE essential) link in the chain.

[@mikecaetano]

A&A hear the 80's in this because it set the mark for the 80's.

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

He, arguably, helped save rock in the late 70's/80's. You guys need to hear more of his tunes.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

"Steppin' Out" is still on heavy rotation in my household. Always liked the "They say that looks don't count for much If so, there goes your proof..." swipe. lol

[@MrMike4017]

OK guys back in the day " are you going with her/him or are you going out with her/him was standard language. This is a great song by JJ. I guess you just had to be around in that time.

[@lmb41]

I saw Joe J in concert in the 80a and it was great! I love lots of his songs, especially Everything Gives you Cancer.

[@Yikes5824]

You guys are interpreting the song as if the singer is earnest. It was supposed to be cynical, satirical. In context other great songs on the album in a similar vein were Sunday Papers, Look Sharp, Got the Time, etc. Joe’s serious/earnest songs were It’s Different For Girls, Stepping Out, Slow Song. He tended to toggle back and forth between both voices.

[@dandylin63]

One of my favorite songs of all time. He's genius.

[@scottdehart7716]

Steppin’ Out and Breaking us in two were higher on the charts especially here in the US, both reaching top 20 status.

[@ronbecker7939]

“I’m the man” is the Joe Jackson song to listen to!

[@otisdylan9532]

You might like "Steppin' Out". It's a completely different record both musically and lyrically. My thoughts when ISRGOWH came out were that it sounded like Elvis Costello except not as good, but I liked Costello so much that I thought that a slightly lesser version of him was still pretty good music, better than most of what was on the radio at the time. And Jackson managed to have a US top 40 hit with this, which Costello wasn't able to achieve until later.

[@mrgmusicclass]

I thought this was Elvis for years.

[@painless465]

Elvis Costello to me sounded like Graham Parker to me when he came out. Those 3 artists are all similar to me,you can put Nick Lowe in there as well. I like all of them!

[@otisdylan9532]

@@painless465 I didn't hear Parker for the 1st time until the '80s. I think there was some mutual influence between him and Costello: when Costello came out, he sounded a bit like Parker, and then Parker came to sound more like Costello. I like all of these artists too. Lowe more than Jackson, Parker and Costello more than Lowe.

[@GoldTopSlinger]

@@otisdylan9532 I bought my first Nick Lowe album without hearing him. Bought it solely because of the album title. Pure Pop For Now People. I mean that did it. Nice bonus that every song was great. Gotta go. Gonna see The Rollers.

[@dennisoconnor4767]

Impressed with the diversity of the music you present, dudes. This from a seventy year old semi-pro guitarist/singer. Thanks for what you do. You re-energized my interest in the old stuff.

[@todvball]

...and yes you'll love 'Stepping Out'...!! it's about getting ready for night life and more. The video with it is so good!!

[@GoldTopSlinger]

One of the sauciest songs they could choose.

[@Mike-rk8px]

If you really want to hear a Joe Jackson song where the honesty of the lyrics is so brutal it hits you right between the eyes, listen to “Real Men” from his huge 1982 album “Night And Day”. It was so controversial that many radio stations refused to play it.