Joe Jackson - Greatest Hits
Early in his career Joe Jackson came on at times even angrier and more cynical than Elvis Costello. His first hits, "Is She Really Going out with Him?," "Sunday Papers," and "I'm The Man," were virtual tirades. Initially fusing punk rock's angst and sneer with new wave's melodicism, Jackson would later mature in his artistic expression, exploring everything from reggae to big band jazz.Greatest Hitschronicles this development nicely. The urban sophistication of "Steppin' Out," and even "Breaking Us in Two," had Jackson entering Cole Porter territory. His adroit ability to turn a phrase, casting his keen eye toward the ironies of relationships and entanglements often made him seem like a new wave Noel Coward.  While his later material hasn't always had the same commercial success, "You Can't Get What You Want" and "Hometown," it found Jackson receiving some of the most fawning critical praise of his career. --Steve Gdula