Customer Reviews

Flower

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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_.

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.

Having read the reviews on Amazon.com, I couldn't help but feel for the many reviewers/fans who were .. well let's face it .. betrayed by the record companies by not releasing this album in the US. Based in Europe, I was completely oblivious to this.

I have always thought of Jody as somewhat "lightweight" albeit with the ability to really impress every now and again. There are some serious soul/funk/RnB artists whose work I would probably purchase without really needing to sample the album (depending on price!!), and if pushed for examples, would probably list the likes of Lillo Thomas and Howard Hewitt in this league. Unlike for this lot, I would probably insist on sampling Jody's work before making up my mind.

With the album "Flower", Jody clearly set out to put the doubters like me in our place - and I dare say, she did it! Here's how it happened for this reviewer..

I was looking around a clothes shop in the Bull ring shopping centre in Birmingham, UK, when "Flower" started to play over the shop's music system. I thought to myself "Hmm .. not bad". A little while later, "Off the Hook" followed, and this time, I simply had to stop and ask "Who is that?". The shop assistant disappeared - to wherever it is they go - and came back a little while later with the CD cover. At this point, I decided if I heard just one more good one, I might seriously consider getting me a copy. Half way through "Everything you do" and the clothes shop lost a potential customer as I made good my exit and made a beeline for a nearby specialist record shop.

This is no "lightweight" album and by my reckoning deserves to be rated amongst Jody's top 3 albums .. and I say that not knowing what the other two are. Jody is best known for tracks like "Don't you want me" which I would classify as dance. This album is more mid-tempo and leans more towards the artistic talent than the commercial. Having read the reviews here, I am now of the firm opinion that the fact it was not released in the US goes some way to explaining why this album is little-known. It deserved better; really did!

I hasten to add that my copy of the album has a "D-Dot" remix of "Off the hook" featuring Rakim as the last track (#13). I am generally more inclined to Soul than dance and so prefer the original (track #3)

Pros: Excellent compositions, catchy beats and well arranged vocals. "Off the hook" and "Everything you do" are highly recommended listening.

Cons: Pricey! The music might sound a little dated now, but not overly so. There are one or two tracks I would label "fillers" but might appeal to others.

Verdict: I like this album and heartly recommend "Off the Hook" and "Everything you do". "Baby tonight" might make worthwhile sampling for those more inclined to dance tracks and the D-Dot remix of "Off the hook" might appeal to those into Urban. The CD - as advertised at the time of writing ($45) - is over-priced, and for this reason, I would recommend the reader samples first and/or considers purchasing used.

I received my purchased as promised in the confirmation email and as described in the advertisement. Great condition as it is an extremely difficult purchase to locate. The seller wanted to make sure I was 100% pleased, I am. Thank you!! I recommend this seller to anyone that located an item offered.

Jody Watley's 1998 album FLOWER was not released in the US, but luckily I was able to find it here in Canada. The album is classic Jody, some great uptempo songs, and some really beautiful ballads. The first five songs really set the pace for the album, and are among my favorites on the album. I really like the ballad If I'm Not In Love, its a really sweet and tender ballad which she handles gracefully. Faith Hill later redid it on her 1999 album BREATHE. Same goes for Destiny's Child, they redid 16 with some new lines, calling it Sweet Sixteen on their WRITINGS ON THE WALL CD, but I prefer Jody's version to theirs. Off The Hook is classic Jody, and there is also a bonus track of a remix of Off The Hook. Other highlights on FLOWER include No More Tears, Baby Tonight, and more. Overall a nice album overall.

WOW!!!NOT RELEASED HERE,NOT RELEASED THERE...JODY DO NOT DESERVE THIS TREATMENT FROM HER LABEL.I LOVE HER SINCE I HEARD THE EARLY SHALAMAR HITS AND I'M VERY SURPRISED WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING 20 YEARS LATER.BY THE WAY,"IF I'M NOT IN LOVE" IS THE ONE AND ONLY.

Unfortunatly this CD has not yet been released in the USA. The albums first release "Off The Hook" is indeed clasic Jody Watley. The song has a nice midtempo groove to it. Miss Watley demostrates great style and finesse on her vocals. Hopefully soon we will all be able to enjoy the grammy award wining artist once again. Miss Watley is truly one of our "Divas"

It seems this Cd won't be released here . What a shame ! Jody really put her heart into this album ,the way it is pruduced and sung is a treat to all of her fans . The girl shows class and inteligence in every track . Music with such high quality should really be given a chance !

This is a great CD! Unfortuantely, I had to travel to London to pick it up since it is not available in the U.S. Sixteen and I Don't Want You Back are my favorite tracks.