Search - Jody Watley :: Midnight Lounge

ATTENTION PLEASE: Miss Jody Watley is back!

J. Taylor | United Kingdom | 11/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tracklist: 1>Midnight lounge -4:03 2>Whenever... -5:43 3>Photographs -4:57 4>I love to love -3:39 5>Skin deep -3:34 6>More -4:50 7>Saturday night experience (Ron Trent Remix) -8:29 8>Clouds -3:59 9>Don't give up -5:15 10>Midnight lounge (reprise) 1:40 11>Photographs (Remix) -6:18.Step back ladies and gentlemen, the legendary Diva, Miss Jody Watley is back for more! Singers come and go but true Stars never fade and "Midnight Lounge" heralds a powerful return for one of pop music's greatest. "Saturday Night Experience Volume 1" was like Jody's "Ray of light"; a set of trend-setting tracks that blended her unique soul music and heartfelt lyrics with fresh, futuristic sounds and upfront dance beats. Frustratingly, "SNE" was only released in Japan and the rest of us had to discover it through the internet and word of mouth. "Midnight Lounge" could have been called "SNE Volume 2" because it continues in the same vein and even includes a classy new US remix of "Saturday night experience" by Ron Trent. However the title does correctly indicate that this album is not full of peak-time dance anthems and "Ray of light" commercial pop jams; this is for late-night listening and chilled out pleasure. That's not to say that this set doesn't have it's peak-time and commercial moments! Far from it. "Photographs" is a truly special, funk-injected flashback to the late 80's, and Jody's high times, that allows the Pop Queen to really get down and let herself go >> "I'm thinking about the good times". The dance remix at the end is fine but doesn't improve on the original version -and criminally only uses 2 lines of vocals! Of course, the brightest track -and sadly one of the shortest!- is the now classic and formerly very-hard-to-find "I love to love". Smoothly produced by Masters At Work and featuring Roy Ayers, "Love" is another brillant showcase for Jody's strong vocals and the woman has never sounded so sweet, so happy. "Whenever..." is another uplifting dance moment with chunky house beats and deep bass lines. This track and a lot of the work on "Midnight" brings back the sweet soul and positive energy from the "Intimacy" days. The drum and bass beats on "More" continue the progressive expression shown on "SNE". The rest of the album is more laid back and it closes with a strong, smooth cover of Peter Gabriel's haunting hit "Don't give up". As always, the lyrics on this album are positive and straight from the heart; reflecting the true survivor inside and inspiring the fans they reach >> "Sunshine and the rain..in time dark clouds will fade away...". It feels so good to support an artist with such musical and personal integrity. A new album from Miss Watley is always a celebration and "Midnight Lounge" does not disappoint. It's just unfair that Japan get to keep her!
Die-hard fans like me are going to be on their knees but this album is also pure listening joy for any lover of contemporary soul and dance. Buy now, hear for yourselves and love this as much as I do! ...."

Are you looking for one of the best Diva albums of the year?

mr m a martin | West Sussex United Kingdom | 12/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any fan will rate an album from thier favourite artist as five stars which upon seeing I would think that they are being biased. However, please take my advice and buy this album as you won't be dissapointed. I've always been a fan of Jodys - loved the Affection and Intimacy albums, but this is a real jem. Tracks like Photographs,Clouds, Whenever, Midnight lounge and I Love to Love will either get you on your feet, or relax you gently. Even the cover version of Don't give up will surprise you as it seems Jodys vocals take a brisk walk over the melody, in the right direction.It's about time this lady got the attention she deserves and moves up the ranks, past other "divas" who are just commercially sussessful with only minimal talent. (If you've seen this lady live you will know what i mean)"

Jody Watley's Terrific "Lounge" Act

milo bosh | Chicago, IL USA | 09/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Midnight Lounge" Jody Watley unleashes an unmistakably hip and irresistibly funky tour de force that's certain to add merriment to social gatherings in homes and nightclubs alike. From the futuristic funk of the title track to a healthy cover of Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" the music assembled on "Lounge" has tireless groove power. Those who haven't kept track of Watley since her chart-ridden years in the late eighties/early nineties should know that the artist has produced a sonic tapestry with a sharply modern (albeit underground) and mature sensibility; but at the same time the relaxed, good-time vibe doesn't exclude serious-minded intentions. (On "Clouds" Watley preaches the importance of not allowing others to set your personal limits.) But the girl does want to have fun, as evidenced by the title track and Ron Trent's remix of "Saturday Night Experience." The closest Watley comes to being "retro" is "Photographs," a reminiscent romp which feels like a throwback to disco music group Chic with its tickled guitar licks, simple lyrics and sassy background vocals. (The bass-heavy remix at the end of the CD is an added delight.) A definitive blend of sound and personality, "Midnight Lounge" is music for all hours and proves - once and for all - that Jody Watley is the Queen of Cool. [Note: CD contains booklet with liner notes written in Japanese by Shuichi Iketani. Song lyrics and production credits in English and Japanese. Production by Jody Watley, Rodney Lee, Masters At Work, and Ron Trent. Total playing time, 52 minutes, 28 seconds.]"