La Toya Jackson

Not bad, it's ok, I liked it more than I thought I would.

It's not great, but it's not awful either. It's somewhere inbetween.Undoubtedly the least sucessful of the Jackson family, LaToya is probably known better for her controversial book and posing for Playboy in the 1980s. Her music is often forgotten, but she has made some decent records. The evidence is here.Her debut is probably the best of LaToya's albums. She hasn't made many, but some of the later ones were not up to the standard shown here. There are some real gems on this album.'If You Feel the Funk' is one of them. It has a great bassline, and is really catchy, mixing 70's disco with the electro sound of the 1980s. It's a standout track, maybe the best of the album.'Night Time Lover' is another superb track, written, produced and with backing vocals by Michael Jackson. The song itself is nice, and LaToya's vocals here are some of the best she's ever done.'Save Your Love' and 'Lovely is She' are both other standouts, but there isn't really a bad tune here.However... (here's the bad part)... LaToya's vocals are not exactly up to the standard people expect from the Jackson family. Don't get me wrong, her voice isn't awful, it does have a nice quality about it, but it tends to be weak on a few tracks when she tries to reach the higher notes. You wouldn't notice this if it weren't for the ultra strong vocals of her older sister Rebbie and her brothers. I think her voice improved with age, she sounded slightly better on her second album, but the songs weren't as strong I think.Very 80's pop, and not a bad debut, but my taste would opt more towards her sister Rebbie's music.

La Toya Jackson is one of the most criminally underappreciated artists in the history of music. The reason for this is an eternal mystery to Toy Soldiers around the globe: La Toya has the looks, attitude and stunning vocal ability to match it with anyone in the business. However, through some sad twist of fate La Toya's albums have mostly faded into obscurity - until now!"La Toya Jackson" is the timely re-release of La Toya's magnificent debut album, which was greeted with much enthusiasm by critics and fans upon its original 1980 release. The album includes contributions from a long list of RnB luminaries and represents a compelling mix of RnB funk, disco beats and luscious ballads. This album is a triumph for La Toya and holds up wonderfully 26 years later.The album begins with La Toya's much loved "If You Feel The Funk". This was a minor hit on the RnB chart and remains a fan favourite. I guarantee that you won't be the same after feeling La Toya's funk! The next track, "Save Your Love" is a personal favourite. This is disco Toy at her funkiest, pleading with her man to save his love while she's on the road. "Are You Ready" is another great example of an RnB groove, 80s style. Next comes "Night Time Lover", La Toya's infamous duet with her brother, Michael. If you can overcome the slightly disturbing imagery of siblings singing about touching each in the dark, then this is a winner. Toy proves herself to be more than Michael's equal with her erotically charged performance."A Taste Of You (Is A Taste Of Love)" is the album's first ballad and showcases La Toya's tremendous vocal range. This is followed by "Lovely Is She", one of Toy's most appealing mid-tempo ballads. The lyrics could not describe La Toya more perfectly - "lovely is she, beautiful and charming". The album closes with the deep groove of "If I Ain't Got It". This song is full of attitude and contains an unforgettable baseline that will have you hooked from the first listen."La Toya Jackson" is a great album, from beginning to end. It is a great starting point for people who have yet to fall under La Toya's irresistible spell, while for Toy's millions of devoted fans, this re-release will more than help to fill the void until the release of "Startin' Over", La Toya's much anticipated new album.

Latoya's first album is not bad at all. I don't think it's her best. If You Feel The Funk is a great song with a hot guitar solo from Ray Parker Jr. The first single, Night Time Lover was written and produced by Michael and has background vocals from him as well. This should have been massive. But it wasn't. I think it's one of his best. Lovely Is She is another Jackson collaboration, this time with Janet. She co-wrote this one and given her age at the time, not half bad. Other notable songs are Are You Ready which is a nice upbeat song. My Love Has Passed You By has a Stevie Wonder harmonica solo (big deal) and is the only ballad on the album. Also not a bad song. As for the rest, well in my opinion, not bad but really not great. Here is hoping the rest of her catalog comes out soon on CD, as well as her new album.

Some people may be hesitant to buy a La Toya Jackson due to the scandals surrounded around her in the past. Never having what can be considered to be a 'hit' in the music industry she is considered the most untalanted Jackson. An unfair and fundamently false statement.The album is dance, old school style, back in the days when real instruments were used on a record. Instrumentalisation is good with La Toya's unique voice providing a sound easy on the ears. Highlights are 'If You Feel The Funk', 'Night time Lover' and 'Save Your Love'.I would recommend giving La Toya a try, you will be suprised.

Toy soldiers now's your chance!I have to say this is a brilliant albumI have been listening to this on vinyl for so long and now i am definately buying this for the CD quality.Latoya has soulAnd Latoya is a great singer.She puts her heart and soul and more important some 'personality' into the vocals.Best track in my opinion is Nightime Lover but they are all great. I hope this CD does well because more of her back catalogue will be released.And dont forget the new album that is due out sometime soon.This is a classy release. Enjoy