Joe Jackson is a singer, songwriter, composer, and performer who has twisted and turned his career through numerous genres, and continues to release excellent albums forty years after his initial breakthrough success. For some he’s the ‘Angsty Young Man’, forever hitched to two hit singles; ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him?’, and ‘It’s Different For Girls’. Other memories may extend further to include the smooth pop gems of ‘Steppin’ Out’ and ‘Breaking Us In Two’ from the early 1980’s. By the 1990’s he had apparently faded from the spotlight.

Stardom has never seemed to be the Jackson’s central ambition; he’s been happier to follow his muse. There is more, so much more to this gifted musician, and this book covers every facet of a brilliant, unpredictable, and fearsomely independent recording career. From early ‘new wave’ successes, via unexpected ‘covers’ albums, film soundtracks, impressive conceptual works, to classical compositions. These are all interspersed with more great songs always written with intelligence and verve. Jackson is the constant musical explorer.
For those who have stayed the course this book charts his every port of call so far; if you are unfamiliar but want to know more, jump onboard. You won’t regret it.