Recorded March–June, 1980 Length 39:09 | Genre R&B
Disco
Soul
Pop Label Polydor
Cherry Pop | |
Released June 24, 1980 (1980-06-24) Producer Michael Jackson
Larry Farrow
Ollie E. Brown | ||
La Toya Jackson is the 1980 self–titled debut album from American singer La Toya Jackson. It was released on June 24, 1980 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. The album peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200, #26 on the Billboard R&B charts, and #178 in the UK. It spawned two singles: "If You Feel the Funk" and "Night Time Lover".
Contents
Album information
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." 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.
Reception
In its review, The Evening Independent said that Jackson has "an attractive, pleasant voice that is mature and controlled." 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."
"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.