MUCH BETTER!| FIRST TIME HEARING Joe Jackson - Is She Really Going Out With Him REACTION

[@lisalovemc717]

That first line "pretty woman walking with gorillas down my street" is just one of the most hysterical lyrics in music.

[@surlechapeau]

agreed. Another one with some funny lyrics is "Kinda Kute".

[@lisalovemc717]

@@surlechapeau I'm not familiar with that one. I'll have to check it out.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

And when the song came out we all immediately identified with it, seen it in real life so many times!

[@CPny65]

Jinx 😆

[@19hobbes]

They say that looks don't count for much, if so there goes your proof. Just as good.

[@orcoastgal]

Amber, you mentioned he really sounds like the 90s... that just proves how much of a visionary Joe Jackson was... this song came out in 1979.

[@xiropigado]

Er no, it proves that Amber can't tell which songs come from which era.

[@soundhealer6043]

@@xiropigado Well aren't YOU all sunshine and roses.

[@andrewpetik2034]

​@soundhealer6043 Yep! You can tell we REALLY want that buzzkill at ALL of our parties. The author of 'How to make enemies and irritate people....' right there.

[@soundhealer6043]

@@andrewpetik2034 😄

[@RageBaby587]

Sugar Ray did a cover of this song back in the 90s.

[@doplinger1]

“I’m the Man” is a killer fast-paced song!

[@kraig7777]

I think this is the track to really get Jay.

[@martymar1964]

That and Got the Time

[@Reani71]

I'm the Man, Got the Time and On my Radio... all the same vibe, all possibly Jay's new favorites

[@jksgameshelf3378]

The entire "Look Sharp" album is fantastic and this song is part of Joe's punkier origin story but his staggering talent took him into other directions, all of it amazing. There are also some BANGERS in his catalog, including much of the first two albums (this song is one of the few slower songs) and Graham Maby, the bass player, is amazing on every track.

[@melprophet1936]

Yep. I like all his various albums, but those first two are still my favorites by him.

[@jameswhite7139]

Boy this brings back memories.

[@Docjonel]

Yes! His first two albums, Look Sharp! and I'm the Man, are classics in my collection. Fantastic stuff.

[@kellypedersen6590]

The entire band on his first 3 albums is tight, but Graham's Maby's bass work is amazing.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Hugely versatile

[@kpowers]

"Breaking Us In Two" is the next Joe Jackson song to check out.

[@peterandjunko]

Be my number two is a nice accompaniment to that.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Great song.

[@XFLexiconMatt]

Agreed, I learned to play the piano part to "Breaking Us In Two". Great tune.

[@amandagray3694]

Yassss...but also it's different for girls is a fave! ❤

[@dongiovanni6796]

moving forward in time to the album Body and Soul, and the impassioned duet "Happy Endings". Great jazz-pop.

[@abashal]

Bassist Graham Maby is one of the best out there! He really tears the bass lines in Jackson’s songs like “I’m the Man” and “Sunday Papers”!

[@wpollock1]

So true! He is a beast!

[@kraig7777]

Those are great songs!

[@ScottKornfeld]

Sunday Papers is a favorite bof mine but will they even know what those are (were)?

[@donlee1534]

The bass was the first thing that hooked me when I first heard Joe Jackson. My favorite Graham Maby bass line (among his many magnificent ones) was on “Fridays” from the “I’m The Man” album.

[@Xiroi87]

Just recommended I'm the Man before seeing your post.

[@CPny65]

Such a classic opening line. "Pretty women walking with Gorillas down my street". I've been waiting for this one. Thanks for the Smiles

[@rachelharrison7961]

Surpassed by “If looks don’t count for much, there goes your proof”

[@patprescott1818]

Funny how you hear a song you haven't heard in along time and all the words just come out of your mouth and start moving your head around 🎶 🎵 love it and your love of music . You always make my day better 💜✌🎵🎶🇨🇦

[@surlechapeau]

🎯💯

[@jeanstrickland2445]

That is so true, they always make me smile or even laugh 😆

[@ezpzeee]

Exactly!

[@keithrfield]

a long not along. Two words. :)

[@barblibrarian]

I am 66 years old and often comment that too much of my brain is taken up with lyrics.

[@DanMcClinton]

I think Stepping Out is one of the most romantic songs of that era, I definitely think it deserves a second listen. You Can’t Get What You Want is another to give a listen to.

[@robmontoya8618]

"You Can't Get What You Want(Until You Know What You Want)" from the "Body and Soul" album. Lot's of horns, upbeat tempo. One of his bests.

[@LoPet6225]

I knew that opening bass line was going to get Jay...lol...and the humor in the lyrics. Joe Jackson is an artist.

[@fizbiz115]

I’ve always loved this song. It has such a cool and different vibe.

[@suemcglone2151]

I suggested it last time so I'll give it another plug here - 'It's Different For Girls.' 1979 It's basically Joe playing around with male/ female stereotypes / relationship expectations and role reversal. Clever - and definitely a track that stood out for me back then as a 13/14yr old. It just had a very 'different' sound. And very moody! Different for Girls and Is She Really Going Out With Him are his best songs imo.

[@TopoGigio555]

I was thinking the very same thing. I love that song!

[@michelleb9808]

Aw I LOVE that song!!! Prob my JJ favorite

[@jameskneubuhl9115]

He's funny and witty - his wit keeps the song from drowning in sadness. I also like the line, "They say that looks don't count for much/ Well there goes your proof."

[@kolchak357]

My favorite Joe Jackson song. It’s very simple yet very smart at the same time. Love it! ♥️

[@allanbluzdude]

Agree!

[@donlee1534]

It’s deceptively simple. In many ways, it’s pretty complex and a very clever piece of songwriting.

[@PianoDentist]

@@donlee1534 Yes agreed. Both the chorus and particularly the bridge uses some interesting chords that all work real nice together in contrast with the basic verse progression.

[@84moondance]

This Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello's "Alison" were two of my all-time favorite songs I listened to toward the end of the 1970s. Many thanks for playing this song and I'm so glad you both enjoyed it. If you want to try another Joe Jackson song from the "Look Sharp!" album, try listening to "Fools In Love," I promise you both won't be disappointed. :)

[@chrisoakley5830]

Those two artists have always reminded me of one another, there's something about the two of them that is similar.

[@billherman7294]

​@@chrisoakley5830completely agree

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Nick Lowe factors into that equation for me as well. Predating it all, I’m digging out my records of Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers.

[@haydendegrow945]

I absolutely love this song! It is fun to sing along to, and has a strong beat to jam with. It never ceases to be classic rock!

[@BoricuaBox]

“Breaking Us In Two” is my favorite Joe Jackson song.

[@kpjmphotographs9903]

Glad you gave him another chance. 😁 He is an amazing composer and performer. Check out the song “You can’t get what you want, till you know what you want” 😀❤️🎶 Amazing beat and horns!!!!

[@paulcwalina7910]

Absolute classic from the 80's and it holds up so well. His live version is also very good.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Actually was 1979! But agree with you, it holds up really well.

[@paulcwalina7910]

@MikePhillips-pl6ov Good gravy. It was actually first released in 1978 and re-issued in 1979. I'm getting too old. I honestly thought it was 1980.

[@geoffreyfletcher9426]

1977 actually

[@rddav1]

Wow! So soon after "Steppin' Out"! I, for one, love Joe Jackson! His songs put me in a ritzy state of mind.

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

The thing about Joe Jackson is that he’s a consummate musician and never sticks with one thing. Albums are less important these days than they were back when he was releasing them but he will give you a solid adventure through songwriting and musicianship.

[@smd2169]

There is a live a capella version of this song that is stunning! Graham Maby is Joe’s bass player; he’s been with him over 40yrs and he’s an amazing musician. Joe is a big rabbit hole to venture down. Check out “Its Different For Girls”, “I’m the Man” or “Nineteen Forever”.

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you’ll love his “Look Sharp”, "Sunday Papers" and “I’m The Man”!!!! (the bass is Thumping on "I'm The Man" !!) edit- 1979, one of the great debut albums, in my top 10 all-time. Graham Maby on bass!!

[@Guildofarcanelore]

I was thinking Jay would like “I’m the man!”.

[@elcorado83]

I often wondered about the effect of Elvis Costello on Joe Jackson and vice versa-they both sometimes sounded similar...

[@elcorado83]

But the best, and the next song, no argument, MUST be "Different For Girls". No question!

[@MaryellenAzack]

100%

[@jethro1963]

As someone who has lost half his family young to cancer, somehow I like his song Cancer. "There's no cure there's no answer, everything gives you cancer"

[@markzalubas5793]

Again, I can't be objective. I love Joe Jackson so much. Listened to him from high school through college and beyond. He has a passion to his voice. It hits a nerve. So talented. It dawned on me that another thing that's difficult when you look back is that you don't experience the artists' development over time. Steppin' Out was a later song (5th album), but you listened to it first. The Look Sharp album was his 1st. We listened to him develop over time. I feel like I went on that journey with him. It was a blast. Saw him in concert not too long ago. Still amazing.

[@TheJohnnywbred]

He played my college senior week 1984 at University of Rhode Island. It’s when Steppin Out hit charts. I couldn’t believe we got him. Great show in a small venue of 3000.

[@markzalubas5793]

@@TheJohnnywbred LOL. We nicknamed him Patron Saint of Senior Week. He made his mark.

[@mauricecooper9594]

“You Can’t Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” is another jazzy banger for you guys! 🎧😁

[@brianm744]

What I like about Joe Jackson is his STORYTELLING. His stories are real, down to earth.... stories that are relatable. We all know from our neighborhood that there is some girl that we grew up with and we are totally astonished that THIS girl is taking THAT dude home. We're like "How COULD she go with THIS dude?" We all know a story like this. Relatable. THEN, JJ drops this cool, ORIGINAL bass beat to a timeless story. Pure genius. And the gorilla line... YUP, I KNOW that one.

[@tommyc6066]

You Can't Get What You Want (Until You Know What You Want) is probably Joe Jackson's biggest hit. He plays a great Saxophone 🎷 in that song too. Check out the live performance released by Vevo.

[@elebenty5709]

Great suggestion!

[@Wolverines77]

Good song, but not even close to his biggest hit, it was listed as his 6th biggest hit song...

[@mamamurray2]

One of my favorite videos on KZbin. I suggested it too. Maybe they'll do it!

[@jdw5678]

Wasn't his biggest, but definitely one of his best.

[@flares]

His three big hits in the UK were 'Is she really going out with him', 'Steppin Out' and 'It's different for girls'.

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

"Breaking Us In Two" is so good.

[@rusty9129]

Like others have suggested: "Sunday Papers" and "I'm the Man" Both of these have a kinda Reggae feel with really cool baselines. Both are more uptempo than what you've heard thus far.

[@laurievandewiele4065]

I'm so pleased that you listened to this song, and that you like it. This is a favorite of mine.

[@marvinpetty731]

Stepping out is my favorite song, im a 80s teen, we used to groove to this song sooo much

[@iloveseble]

The whole "Look Sharp" album is fantastic. Takes me back...

[@rayeckert242]

Yes! Give “Steppin’ Out” another chance. It’s a tune that physically increases my heartbeat when I hear it.

[@victorduffany7723]

No worries. Only very smart people like Joe Jackson.

[@alanburge2725]

Joe Jackson. This song. Real men. Stepping out. The man is s legend.

[@Quartermaster323]

Joe Jackson “Breaking Us in Two” A must-listen

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

One of the best albums of the era!

[@mypl510]

"I'm the man" is pretty fast and funny! And "Jet Set" is also very good. His catalog has some many good songs, you just can't miss!

[@kellypedersen6590]

This is from Joe Jackson's debut album, 1979's "Look Sharp!" It's not only considered the high point of early new wave, a lot of critics named it one of the best debut albums of the 70s (and the cover with those white shoes is iconic). It's amazing all the way through; the band is super-tight, and yes Jay, bassist Graham Maby kicks out some dizzying licks, especially in the reggae-ish "Sunday Papers" and the hyperactively fast "Got The Time".

[@Skeezer66]

You'll LOVE "You Can't Get What You Want"!! Funky bassline, amazing horns, and it can get you moving!!

[@dudeusmaximus6793]

Loved this tune back in the day. Always kicked into the slow horizontal head bob for the breakdown guitar part. It was still the late 70's but you could really see the music starting to transition to the 80's style arrangements and culture.

[@leeadler8401]

This is why 70's/80's music is the best....

[@stephenhamel9464]

I giggled when J said “this one is really giving me 90’s vibes”, I think this song came out in 1978.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Another slow song from him is "Breaking Us in Two"

[@bernerandgoldenmom7143]

And a very sweet one--you really feel this one because of Jackson's amazing gift for telling stories with his songs.

[@ks7343]

Great song, great musician, fantastic in concert!

[@Carnivalihq]

You’re missing the line- “Listen You! Take your hands off her head!!”. This song has so much depth that you’re not even noticing . I despair.

[@deeksquad4051]

"I'm The Man" is a real banger, with a great Bass Line.

[@sabrinapittsley2304]

“There’s Something About Mary” is what I think about every time I hear this song. Movie with Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, and Matt Dillion.

[@Oli3TB76]

lol! Absolutely

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

Please 🙏, do next from him, these other's super hits : "I'm the man", "Happy Ending", "You can't get what you want","Breaking US in two", "It's different for girls", "Nineteen Forever" & "Beat Crazy".

[@PjRjHj]

Joe's "You Can't Get Want You Want (Till You Know What You Want) has a bext level slap bassline

[@ssvr3dl1n38]

Great song, I remember playing it over many times on the tape deck in my panel van back in the late 80's 👍

[@robertjewell9727]

One of my very favorite songs by Joe Jackson is RIGHT AND WRONG on his BIG WORLD album from 1986.

[@alanbrown3963]

So many great lines in this song. So much fun. We have all had an ex that we thought traded down. "they say that looks don't count for much, so there goes your proof"!!!! What a great line. Love this song. glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheLonMead]

You'll want to listen to "You Can't Get What You Want ('Til You Know What You Want) for the bass alone, and the tight horns!

[@SMccrate01]

Joe Jackson is truly special. Man what a career, full of changes, explorations, experiments...and all of them he crushes it! A musician's musician.

[@gaylewilliams7572]

I am with you!

[@mamamurray2]

Now do the live version of "You Can't Get What You Want" on his Vevo channel. Absolutely amazing!

[@seanswinton6242]

Yes, definitely!

[@BatMan-iy1li]

Not yet save that for later ....let them go through look sharp album, and I'm the man album first

[@JohnSmith-nj1nx]

Ditto on You Can't Get What You Want..." Jake from OKC sends his best! Love your show! Hey, Try Constant Craving from KD Lang, too!

[@willfromyadkinville]

"You can't Get What You Want" is a great song by him! ( if you like horns)? get ready!

[@mamamurray2]

@@BatMan-iy1li nah, they need to go directly to You Can't Get What You Want...... Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. 🤣

[@sussexdel4310]

What a bop- always thought this was such a simple song but so funny 😊

[@markwarner1616]

Just wanted to drop this...Joe Jackson has an awesome jazz album called Jumpin' Jive. Anybody who likes big band, swing and/or Joe Jackson will like this album.

[@richardrodriguez2120]

Probably my fav by Joe by far. The mid 70s to mid 80s had some of the best and most diverse music

[@FlamesCagney]

That whole album is nothing but bangers. Can't go wrong with any of them, Sunday Papers, Got the Time, Look Sharp.

[@foxandscout]

When this album came out, I played it constantly . . and continued to follow JJ’s awesome development over the next 4+ decades. Saw him every time he came to NYC. There was a period where he wanted to stop writing lyrics, he got so serious about music composition. Glad he came back to, or stayed with, song writing because he’s very skilled at that. His piano playing is amazing. He’s so wonderful to experience live. I’ve seen him more often than most of my music loves. Got the Time is one of his more “punky” tunes. The band Anthrax did a great cover of it. Most people seem to point out the first two, sometimes three, albums. But JJ has had an illustrious career with many brilliant songs. For example ten years and ten albums after his first was Blaze of Glory. The title song, Evil Empire, Discipline … brilliant!! His album Big World has We Can’t Live Together, the amazing Right and Wrong and the beautiful and touching Home Town. I was fortunate to hear him sing this song live a few times. Each time brought tears to my eyes.

[@johnk.2508]

The year this came out I got this album, Boston's debut album, and Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell album for Christmas. My parents put out the word to my aunts and uncles of what to get for me and they came through big-time, getting me three albums that are now considered classics.

[@walterfleury3840]

Graham Maby has played bass for Joe Jackson almost his entire career. He is an amazing bass player. Joe has some great music and just loves performing.

[@tinahairston6383]

I love how it gives Jay a 90s vibe when this was from 1979, lol. I'm not always a huge fan of covers but Sugar Ray had a it with their cover in 2003. You want quirky, check out Mad At You!!

[@beatlefan64]

A classic, remember hearing this when it was first released. Love so many of Joe's songs.

[@mrhyak]

"I'm The Man" !!!!!!!! IT ROCKS in total 80s style.

[@JulieFreyHomeWebBiz]

Another one to experience for the first time is "Breaking Us In Two" (1982)

[@Deborahtunes]

90's? Try 1979. Joe Jackson was basically a two hit wonder. I preferred this tune over "Steppin Out". Especially his vocal delivery here...

[@howardhales6325]

Check out 3 or 4 more by him then go back and listen to "Stepping Out" again. It's really his masterpiece.

[@valerieumphenour3565]

This song is a story and that Bass…that’s just stroutin down the street.

[@jonstreng7850]

You have done so many songs which scream the 80s. This is a fantastic classic rock staple from the 70s. We hope you enjoy. Happy Father's Day Jordan.

[@waynecanning4122]

Jay will love the bass line in I’m the Man

[@fan123casual8]

He does a cover of Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” that is absolutely fantastic. It’s pretty much just piano and electric bass. It was recorded live.

[@michelleb9808]

Aw guys, lots more great Joe Jackson songs to hear!! Different for Girls, Breaking Us In Two, Im the Man, Look Sharp

[@OronOfMontreal]

I love Joe Jackson's sarcasm in this song. Although he started as a Punk Rocker, Joe is at heart a Kazz Musician. One of his most beautiful tracks is "Loisaida", a sax-lead instrumental of great passion.

[@TheZepp44]

Used to play a lot of Joe Jackson when we were on Exercise in the Army 🙂 Happy Ending and It’s different for girls, but Stepping Out which you have already reviewed was our Go to Song. 🤘😎🎸💀✊

[@suef.9310]

You mentioned the 90’s but this is actually 1979! Next try “I’m the Man” or “Different for Girls”.

[@suef.9310]

Or “Fools in Love”

[@peterjack840]

Joe Jackson was considered a part of the “Second British Invasion” of late seventies/early eighties synth-pop and a contemporary of artists like “Elvis Costello” and “Graham Parker”, and you can hear it in this song.

[@patdonnelly9392]

Great reaction! Glad you liked this one! Maybe try 'Sunday Papers' or 'Look Sharp' . He was one of those cool 80's guys who didn't really fit any one genre. Some would morph into punk or new wave or reggae or whatever. The Clash and Elvis Costello were great examples of that. No rules back then!

[@gooch0607]

Sunday papers is every day now.

[@tonyjohnson4519]

This was the top hit of the time but everything he did on the "look sharp" and "jump jive" albums shot him to fame. An all time favorite of mine 👍

[@ubilo]

There are many great Joe Jackson songs. Another unique British rocker who knocked it out of the park. The U.S. and Britian had an amazing rock and roll love fest. Wish you could have been there. You would have loved it. And it all started with the Blues.

[@dunringill1747]

“I’m The Man” - more Joe Jackson with Graham Maby standing out on that bass guitar

[@lourags4963]

Glad you gave him another chance! That’s an open mind. Thank you.

[@rickg3359]

Thanks J. “This is cool” was perfect

[@robbiezee5256]

Joe Jackson songs to listen to. Right and Wrong and You Can't Get What You Want Till You Know What You Want .

[@happymethehappyone8300]

A MUST HEAR classic,, Elvis Costello "Everyday I Write The Book"

[@Thejazzfan66]

Joe Jackson is an amazing musician and songwriter who has tried a lot of different styles of music

[@davewhitmore1958]

Joe is looking the sharpest of sharps!

[@RexFuturi]

"I'm the Man" is my favorite Joe Jackson song. I think it's more fun than "Steppin' Out" or "Is She Really Going Out With Him?".

[@martymar1964]

I have owned this album in every format since vinyl. Not a bad track on the whole record.

[@darikmatters8866]

I was lucky enough to see Joe on the 1979 Look Sharp tour at the Palladium in NYC... He is an absolute musical talent and the Palladium was the perfect venue for it.. It was an original Fox theater from the 20's and had great acoustics (and had comfy seats)...

[@helindove2237]

Thank you for revisiting Joe Jackson so quickly. The a capella version with a doo wop sound is the one they often play on the radio here. I think you will like "You Can't Get What You Want" too.

[@haydeeze]

Yay. Hlad to see you are giving Joe another chance.

[@anthonykolmus316]

Great to hear this song again and to see to two of you engage with it. Another great song of Joe's was Real Men

[@thedave2429]

"90's vibe" LOL, this came out in 1979, when I was in 9th grade. Great album throughout

[@gripp62]

"Fit" and "Happy Loving Couples" are a good next dive.

[@jesperry6314]

Bass player is Graham Maby - he's amazing! Joe Jackson is super eclectic - part punk, Brit pop, rock, his music is super hard to define but he's brilliant and amazing live. Hope you listen to more and glad you enjoyed this one - it's a classic. Think you'd like "It's Different for Girls," "I'm the Man," "Hit Single," "Stranger Than Fiction," "Sunday Papers," "Goin' Downtown," and ballads like "The Other Me," "Breaking us in Two," and "Drowning."

[@vrvaughn]

Joe used to live down the street from me in NYC… used to see him around the neighborhood. Talented guy, but never looked too friendly… He did a great album of Louis Jordan covers from the 1930’ calleds Jumpin Jive

[@HedwigvanWuijkhuijse]

So glad you gave him another listen! Next up, Breaking Us In Two, or Real Man...or Be My Number Two (which is my favourite).

[@neshobanakni]

"And if looks could kill, there's a man marked down as dead!"