The Very Best of Joe Jackson

I always remember the three hit singles Joe Jackson had - It's Different For Girls, Is She Really Going Out With Him? and Steppin' Out. When I first bought this compilation album I became familiar with the song Breaking Us In Two and realised this was the forth big single he had, so in buying this album, I cherished the notion of having that forth great song.

For me, Joe Jackson's best work was from 'Look Sharp', through 'I'm the Man', to 'Night and Day'. This collection tries to be a balance through the years, so contains a lot of later work, which simply isn't as good as his earlier music. If you want Joe Jackson's best, buy the three albums mentioned and, possibly, 'Jumpin'Jive', but don't waste your time on this.

Yet another Joe Jackson compilation but this time including some post A&M songs. In addition to the usual hits, Is She really Going Out With Him? It's Different For Girls & Stepping Out, plus the pick of classic album tracks, the compilation also includes Stranger Than Fiction, from the 1991 album Laughter & Lust (Virgin America) and 2 songs from the 2003 album Volume 4 (Ryko Disc), recorded with the original Joe Jackson Band line-up. Worth checking out, if you just want a Best Of Joe Jackson and especially if it is at the bargain price i bought it for!

Great item good value fast delivery

Great cd had forgotten what a great songwriter and performer JJ is.

Happy memories from a great artist. I just love this album.

Since Joe Jackson first tasted album and singles success in 1979, it might be assumed that with more recent releases of `best of' packages, such as this 2007 album, improved judgement over time would have led to better coverage of the artist's oeuvre and a more judicious selection of key tracks. In this case, beware!Unfortunately, when you've been in the music business as long as the likes of Joe Jackson a certain disease seems to afflict the artist (or, more probably, their record company; trying to chisel a few more pence out of the contract): each new album of original material seems to inspire a further `best of' package, even if the recently released original material contained no new hits. Such seems to be the position with this album, `The Very Best Of'. Fortunately, though, with more than 10 other greatest hits packages available there is plenty of alternative choice.The distinguishing tracks on this album are the last three: `Stranger than Fiction', `Awkward Age' and `Love at First Light.' The first is from 1991's `Laughter and Lust' and the latter 2 are drawn from the 2003 album, `Volume 4'. I like each one of the tracks - don't get me wrong - but aside from that material the track listing is near identical to `Steppin' Out: The Very Best of' or `The Collection'. The clincher in favour of these 2 albums is that each is 50% or more cheaper than `The Very Best Of.' My recommendation: treat yourself to `The Collection' and also buy the `Volume 4 - Limited Edition' package and `Laughter and Lust'. It'll cost you £1 more in total for the goods - yes, `The Very Best Of' album really does offer such limited value for money - and you'll still have a good greatest hits package, 2 excellent albums of original material, and some bonus live tracks that go with the `Limited Edition' CD.

This CD album encompasses most of Jackson's more familiar work from the 1970s onwards and despite the listing, also includes 'Real Men' at track 11, which was a pleasant surprise as it's my favourite track.