La Toya Jackson is the 1980 debut album from American singer-songwriter La Toya Jackson. It was released in America and mainland Europe. The album is most known for "Night Time Lover", a track produced by La Toya's brother Michael Jackson, who provides background vocals on the refrain.
Album information
In order to distinguish herself from her famous brothers, The Jacksons, La Toya only wanted her first name on the album. "I begged just to have it 'La Toya'. But my father said, 'It's your last name. You got to use it.' But I wanted to see what I could do as an individual."[1] The album was re-issued on CD in Japan in 1992. A successful petition was gathered by her fans at ChurchofLaToya.com to persuade the label, Cherry Pop, to re-release her debut album on CD for the first time in the UK. It was re-released on May 22, 2006.
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [2] |
| Billboard | (favourable)[3] |
| The Evening Independent | (favorable)[4] |
Billboard noted that "the pretty younger sister of the singing Jacksons debuts here with a well-produced set of crossover pop soul. The mix of tempos complements Jackson's versatile style...her singing, especially on some of the subdued ballads, conveys much soul." [5]
Cashbox stated that "The Jackson's little sis' has gladly received the help of such L.A. area heavies as Stevie Wonder, Ray Parker, Patrice Rushen and brother Michael guide her through that crucial debut release. Via superb coaching and backing from some strong session players, La Toya's little girl voice should become a B/C radio staple. Lots of strong cuts on the disc, but the songs produced by Michael Jackson, "If You Feel The Funk" and "Night Time Lover" are the most infectious." [6]
In its review, The Evening Independent said that Jackson has "an attractive, pleasant voice that is mature and controlled."[4] Allmusic said Jackson "has an obvious enthusiasm for the songs that comes through consistently. That factor, along with the strong cast of musicians and some memorable tunes, makes this an overall enjoyable set."[7]
Charts
The album peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200,[8] #26 on the Billboard Top Black Albums chart,[9] and #178 in the UK. It spawned two singles: "If You Feel the Funk" and "Night Time Lover".
"If You Feel the Funk" performed modestly on the charts, narrowly missing out on the Billboard Hot 100 at #101. However, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart and #40 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also reached #42 in Germany and #18 in the Netherlands. "If You Feel the Funk" was also released as a 12" single in the United Kingdom where it failed to chart. The follow-up single, "Night Time Lover" failed to generate attention, despite brother Michael singing on the track (who was at the time generating critical and public acclaim for his album Off the Wall). It peaked at #59 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "If You Feel the Funk" | Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson | Ollie E. Brown | 5:01 |
| 2. | "Save Your Love" | Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow | Larry Farrow | 3:47 |
| 3. | "My Love Has Passed You By" | Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson | Ollie E. Brown | 4:10 |
| 4. | "Are You Ready?" | Billy Ocean, Ken Gold | Ollie E. Brown | 4:44 |
| 5. | "Night Time Lover" | La Toya Jackson, Michael Jackson | Michael Jackson | 3:44 |
| 6. | "A Taste of You (Is a Taste of Love)" | Ernie Smith, Greg Perry, Terry Harrison | Ollie E. Brown | 4:27 |
| 7. | "Lovely Is She" | Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson | Ollie E. Brown | 4:23 |
| 8. | "If I Ain't Got It" | Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow | Larry Farrow | 4:52 |
Personnel
- La Toya Jackson - lead vocals
- Michael Jackson - co-lead vocals
- Darren Carmichael, Bill Champlin, Lynn Davis, Marva Holcolm, Josie James, Deborah Thomas, Arnell Carmichael - backing vocals
- Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington, Nathan Watts, Rick Chudacoff, Kevin Brandon - bass
- Ollie E. Brown, James Gadson, Jeff Porcaro, Dorie Pride, Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Paulinho da Costa - drums, percussion
- David E. Williams, Greg Poree, Ray Parker Jr., Paul Jackson, Jr., Jay Graydon, Marlo Henderson - guitar
- Arnell Carmichael - hand clapping
- Stevie Wonder - harmonica
- George Bohanon, Oscar Brashear, Michael Davis, Mic Gillette, Gary Herbig, Alan Kaplan, John Kelson Jr., Doc Kupka, Arthur Maebe, Ollie Mitchell, Don Myrick, Billy Page, Lenny Pickett, Louis Satterfield, Henry Sigismonti, Maurice Spears, Tom Washington - horns
- Gene Page - string and horn arrangements
- Kim Bullard, Clarence McDonald, Sylvester Rivers, Patrice Rushen - keyboards
Charts
| Chart (1980) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 116 |
| US Billboard Top Black Albums | 26 |
| US Cash Box Top 200 [10] | 124 |
| US Cash Box Black Contemporary Top 75 [11] | 30 |
References
- ^ "Waiting for the day when she's not just 'his sister'". Spokane Daily Chronicle. 18 June 1985. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ La Toya Jackson at AllMusic Allmusic review
- ^ "Review: La Toya Jackson – La Toya Jackson" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 85, no. 39. 27 September 1980. p. 66. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 24 May 2020 – via American Radio History.
- ^ a b "La Toya Jackson (Polydor)". Evening Independent. pp. 10–B. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ "Top Album Picks" (PDF). Billboard Music Week. No. 27 September 1980. p. 66. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
- ^ "Album Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. No. 27 September 1980. p. 10. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
- ^ La Toya Jackson at AllMusic
- ^ "LaToya Jackson". Billboard.
- ^ "LaToya Jackson". Billboard.
- ^ "Cash Box Top Albums" (PDF). Cash Box. p. 45. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "Cash Box Black Contemporary Top 75 Albums" (PDF). Cash Box. p. 31. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
| Albums | |
|---|---|
| Extended plays | |
| Bibliography | |
| Singles |
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| Promotional singles | |
| Notable collaborations | |
| Related articles | |
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