Night & Day
Having already come close to beatingGraham Parker,Elvis Costello, andLouis Jordanat their own games, Joe Jackson made a play for becoming theCole Porterof his generation with this 1982 collection. Actually that's a bit of a cheap shot, especially considering what a refreshingly innovative album this was. Jackson truly hit his stride with a memorable set that combines new technology and classic songwriting. From the infectious "Chinatown" to the hits "Stepping Out" and "Breaking Us in Two," the album is a showcase for killer hooks wrapped up in shiny keyboards and Latin-tinged percussion. Small wonder that Jackson waited two decades to attempt a sequel.--Bill Forman