Night And Day

Trading in his New Wave threads for an uptown entertainer\'s tuxedo, Joe Jackson fully embraced his love for sophisticated pop on 1982\'s *Night and Day*. True, his version of pop-rock had always shown more refinement than that of his British punk peers. But *Night and Day* went a step further, masterfully invoking the era of Porter and Gershwin with wry-yet-romantic lyrics and lush melodies. The result is a musical champagne cocktail, bubbling with high spirits and subtle Latin flavors. Jackson\'s piano virtuosity provides the album\'s focus. \"Real Men\" and \"T.V. Age\" take a jaundiced look at modern sexual roles and media obsessions. \"Breaking Us in Two\" matches yearning words to a smoothly-contoured tune. The album\'s centerpiece, \"Steppin\' Out,\" is a breezy celebration of Manhattan nightlife sung by Jackson with elegant urgency. First track to last, *Night and Day* is a work of real class and genuine inspiration.