Night and Day II

AMG Review of Night and Day II

Tim Griggs
All Music Guide

The first Night and Day album by Joe Jackson is an absolute pop music masterpiece. The "sequel," appropriately entitled Night and Day II, like the first, is an homage to New York City. The sequel musically quotes the lilting keyboard lines from Jackson's biggest hit, "Steppin' Out," several times, making one long to hear the original on Night and Day. Highlights included "Glamour and Pain" and "Happyland." Marianne Faithfull makes an interesting guest vocal appearance on "Love Got Lost." Jackson is still angry, but he's no longer a young man and as always his anger is tempered by a wry sense of humor. The songs on Night and Day II are not as easily accessible or memorable as the original, but this is still a great album and Joe Jackson is still the man.