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| Released | 1980 | |||
| Length | 39:09 | |||
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La Toya Jackson is the 1980 debut album from American singer-songwriter La Toya Jackson. It was released in America and mainland Europe. The album is most known for "Night Time Lover", a track produced by La Toya's brother Michael Jackson, who provides background vocals on the refrain.
In order to distinguish herself from her famous brothers, The Jacksons, La Toya only wanted her first name on the album. "I begged just to have it 'La Toya'. But my father said, 'It's your last name. You got to use it.' But I wanted to see what I could do as an individual." [1] The album was re-issued on CD in Japan in 1992. A successful petition was gathered by her fans at ChurchofLaToya.com to persuade the label, Cherry Pop, to re-release her debut album on CD for the first time in the UK. It was re-released on May 22, 2006.
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [2] |
| Billboard | (favourable) [3] |
| The Evening Independent | (favorable) [4] |
Billboard noted that "the pretty younger sister of the singing Jacksons debuts here with a well-produced set of crossover pop soul. The mix of tempos complements Jackson's versatile style...her singing, especially on some of the subdued ballads, conveys much soul." [5]
Cashbox stated that "The Jackson's little sis' has gladly received the help of such L.A. area heavies as Stevie Wonder, Ray Parker, Patrice Rushen and brother Michael guide her through that crucial debut release. Via superb coaching and backing from some strong session players, La Toya's little girl voice should become a B/C radio staple. Lots of strong cuts on the disc, but the songs produced by Michael Jackson, "If You Feel The Funk" and "Night Time Lover" are the most infectious." [6]
In its review, The Evening Independent said that Jackson has "an attractive, pleasant voice that is mature and controlled." [4] Allmusic said Jackson "has an obvious enthusiasm for the songs that comes through consistently. That factor, along with the strong cast of musicians and some memorable tunes, makes this an overall enjoyable set." [7]
The album peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200, [8] #26 on the Billboard Top Black Albums chart, [9] and #178 in the UK.[ citation needed ] It spawned two singles: "If You Feel the Funk" and "Night Time Lover".
"If You Feel the Funk" performed modestly on the charts, narrowly missing out on the Billboard Hot 100 at #101. However, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart and #40 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also reached #42 in Germany and #18 in the Netherlands. "If You Feel the Funk" was also released as a 12" single in the United Kingdom where it failed to chart. The follow-up single, "Night Time Lover" failed to generate attention, despite brother Michael singing on the track (who was at the time generating critical and public acclaim for his album Off the Wall ). It peaked at #59 on the Billboard R&B chart.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "If You Feel the Funk" | Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson | Ollie E. Brown | 5:01 |
| 2. | "Save Your Love" | Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow | Larry Farrow | 3:47 |
| 3. | "My Love Has Passed You By" | Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson | Ollie E. Brown | 4:10 |
| 4. | "Are You Ready?" | Billy Ocean, Ken Gold | Ollie E. Brown | 4:44 |
| 5. | "Night Time Lover" | La Toya Jackson, Michael Jackson | Michael Jackson | 3:44 |
| 6. | "A Taste of You (Is a Taste of Love)" | Ernie Smith, Greg Perry, Terry Harrison | Ollie E. Brown | 4:27 |
| 7. | "Lovely Is She" | Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson | Ollie E. Brown | 4:23 |
| 8. | "If I Ain't Got It" | Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow | Larry Farrow | 4:52 |
| Chart (1980) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 116 |
| US Billboard Top Black Albums | 26 |
| US Cash Box Top 200 [10] | 124 |
| US Cash Box Black Contemporary Top 75 [11] | 30 |
La Toya Yvonne Jackson is an American singer and television personality. The fifth child and middle daughter of the Jackson family, Jackson first gained recognition on the family's variety television series, The Jacksons, on CBS between 1976 and 1977. Thereafter, she saw success as a solo recording artist under multiple record labels in the 1980s and 1990s, including Polydor, Sony Music and RCA, where she released nine studio albums over the course of 15 years. Her most successful releases in the United States were her self-titled debut album (1980) and the 1984 single "Heart Don't Lie". Jackson's other songs include "If You Feel the Funk", "Bet'cha Gonna Need My Lovin'", "Hot Potato", "You're Gonna Get Rocked!", and "Sexbox". Another one of Jackson's songs, "Just Say No" from her fifth album was composed for US first lady Nancy Reagan and Reagan administration's anti-drug campaign.
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My Special Love is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter La Toya Jackson. Released in 1981, the album peaked at #175 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Imagination is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter La Toya Jackson. The album was released on by Private-I Records.
"If You Feel the Funk" is a song by American singer La Toya Jackson, released as the first single from her eponymous debut album (1980). It was released in three versions, with "Are You Ready?", "Lovely Is She" and "Night Time Lover" on the B-side.
"Night Time Lover" is a song by American singer La Toya Jackson, released as the second single from her eponymous debut album (1980).
"Heart Don't Lie" is a song by American singer La Toya Jackson. The song is the second single from her album Heart Don't Lie. It is a duet with singer Howard Hewett, although he does not appear in the music video. Musical Youth and Janet Jackson provide background vocals for the track. The single peaked at number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Jackson's highest charting song ever in the US. It also peaked at number 29 on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
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