SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOE JACKSON – HOPE AND FURY

JOE JACKSON
HOPE AND FURY
EARMUSIC

A new Joe Jackson album is always big news. Each album is different and with each release you get the idea that Joe Jackson’s main concern is whether he likes what he is doing. Luckily, many others agree with Jackson and look forward to any new music from him. His last album, 2023’s What A Racket, was a tribute to the English music halls of the very early 1900s. Not what people expected but it was brilliant and he did it so well that I am sure some people actually sought out Max Champion records. He has recorded classical and jazz albums. With Hope and Fury, Jackson returns to his rock roots. Not only has he returned to his music roots, but he returned to New York City to record some of this album.

Musically the album is not simply a rock album. As usual, Jackson employs many different styles and genres throughout one album, and it is rewarding. “See You In September” is a beautiful ballad, and a nice way to end the album. It isn’t sad, it is quite joyful. But it demonstrates his ability to write gentle and emotional tunes. With “The Face,” he incorporates a small amount of Celtic sentiment with some heavy Latin beats, which makes for fascinating music. “Do Do Do” pays a little homage to The Beatles’ “Twist And Shout,” while “Welcome To Burning-By-The-Sea” is alt-rock mixed with just straight rock, and features great vocals from Jackson.

Some may say that this is Jackson returning to form. This is nonsense, Hope And Fury is simply the album that Jackson wanted to make at this point. He has never lost his form. Whether it be jazz, or English Music Hall, it is all pure Jackson. Hope And Fury is Jackson using his voice and musical talents to express his thoughts and concerns on a world that seems to be completely out of control. And with strong melodies and brilliant lyrics it is a fantastic album, one that will be on my turntable for the foreseeable future.

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