Flower

Jody Watley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wea Corp
• ASIN: B000002JFH
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,251 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A soulful collection, December 31, 2002

By 

Jazysol79 (Germantown, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flower (Audio CD)

You know, I was very angry when after buying the "Off the Hook" CD single and eagerly awaiting "Flower," Atlantic cancelled its domestic release. But all Internet praises (in this case at least) go to the mother of hard-to-find-but-should-not-be stuff Web sites, eBay. After five years of searching high and low, I finally secured a copy of "Flower" I found in Sweden. This album is wonderful. At least three generations have grown up with Jody Watley. Some remember her as a high-kicking dancer with Jeffrey Daniel on Soul Train. Others remember her as the pretty teen idol in Shalamar, one of my favorite 80s groups. My first memories of her are from her solo career in the late 80s. Beginning with "Looking for a New Love," I have loved Jody. I love to grow up with an artist, and that is what many of us have done with Jody. Though her sales dipped, her artistic value shot up each time she crafted a new album. Enter "Flower," what would have been a perfect follow up to "Intimacy" (not that "Affection" wasn't good). A sexy, slow-burning collection of trendy yet mannered soul, "Flower" has not gotten the attention it deserved. Her voice is stronger now than ever. It's hard to believe this is the same girl you hear on old school jams like "Take That to the Bank" and "Right in the Socket." Whether in her bright upbeat mode, or darker mood, Jody uses her voice to great affect on this album. "If I'm Not In Love" is gorgeous Jody (though I'm not sure it was a good pick for a second single), while "Flower" is head-bobbing hip-hop soul. "Off the Hook" is a sexy, confident invitation to bask in the beauty of Jody's musical world. Her version of "16" is better than Beyonce's Stepchild's, too. I'm just glad I was able to get my hands on one of these. This cd is perfect for chilling out by candle light, either alone or with your boo. So pick up a copy if you get the chance, it will be worth the price.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars full bloom., April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Flower (Audio CD)

it's a terrible shame that this album has suffered such limited release. as watley matures, and moves away from the dance diva she once was, it would appear that the music industry (from her label to djs) don't know what to do with her. however, given the success of other dance/pop divas turned r&b/adult contemporary chanteuses--vanessa williams, karyn white--it shouldn't be that hard to fathom. once perceived as the new donna summer, watley explores a radically new direction on _flower_. jody watley does not have the best voice in the world but, quite frankly, neither do madonna, janet or, even, vanessa. what watley does have is an indominable spirit and a unique life experience that adds a multi-dimensional depth to her songs. it's aparent in the subtle embellishments of "lifetime", as well as on the acustic ballad "16" (a veritable synthesis of "waterfalls", "a rose is still a rose" and "little jackie wants to be star"). watley's lyrics are mature and sophisticated in a way that very few of today's artists are; what's more, because of her years in the industry, they are more easily believed coming from her than they would be from the mouth of...say...monica, brandy, nicole, aaliyah, etc.. "off the hook", "i don't want you back" and "baby tonight" offer plenty of funk for those who hold fast to past incarnations of jody watley. if you're a fan of watley's, williams' or white's, try to get your hands on a copy of _flower_.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jody Blossomed With This Album, September 6, 2005

By 

M. Edwards "grenadines" (Buckinghamshire United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flower (Audio CD)

Flower was the album that saw Jody Watley return to a major record label after her entrepreneurial venture (on her Avitone label) with her previous "Affection" album. This album had the potential to become a HUGE hit domestically in America. Quite why Atlantic Records refused to release such a quality album in the US remains one of life's minor mysteries to this day.

Flower showcased a more mature, reflective chanteuse. There are killer dance tracks that should appease her long time fans that came on board during her Shalamar days, and her early MCA period; there are also a few lovely ballads that allowed Jody to display her nuanced delivery to full effect. Jody's soft, pleasant voice makes a refreshing change from some of screaming from some of the other divas around.

Jody collaborated with a formidable ensemble of producers, namely Dwayne Wiggins, Malik Pendlteton, Derrick B. Edmondson plus others. The result is an album that comes close to the supremacy of "Intimacy".

The album kicks off the infectious, mid tempo grooves of "Lovin' You So" - Jody puts in a good vocal performance here.

"Flower", the title track is another pleasant mid-tempo track with a strong guitar-led rhythm. We then come to one of the BEST Jody Watley dance songs of all time:

"Off The Hook" is one sassy, funky track with all those catchy hooks that we've come to love over the years. This track raced to #1 on the US Billboard dance charts, and it just hovered outside the UK top 40 pop charts. The video also proved that Jody still knew how to strut her stuff.

"Everything You Do", co-written by Jody, has a cool, laid back old school groove and a playful cat-and-mouse vocal performance. It's one of my favourites on the album.

We then come to three lovely ballads: "Just One More Time", the stunning "If I'm Not In Love" and "A Lifetime". Jody sounds great here.

"No More Tears" is a lightweight mid-tempo track that's missing that X factor. Never mind, as the funky "You'll Never Find A Love", the jazzy funk of "I Don't Want You Back" and the vintage feel of "Baby Tonight" will delight Watley's fans.

"16", co-written by Jody, is a lovely folk song that was later covered by Destiny's Child.

Jody hooked with Rakim again for the D-Dot remix of "Off The Hook" - this could have been massive.

"Flower" is an album that stands up to any one of Jody's MCA albums. Don't expect "Looking For A New Love" part 10, as Jody never stands still. It'll make a welcome addition to your Watley collection.