Private Party

by Ed Hogan Freddie Jackson was part of the sophisticated soul invasion of the 80s that included Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. But while Baker and Vandross followed platinum album with platinum album into the 90s, Jackson's own megahit streak which began with the Rock Me Tonight album didn't carry over into the next decade.He mades his Scotti Bros. debut with Private Party which included the Top 25 R&B hit single, "Rub Up Againist You," produced by Gerald Levert and Tony Nicholas. For the bulk of the production of the album, Jackson is reuinited with producer Barry J. Eastmond who played a significant role on his platinum debut. Most of the material falls in the "let's shower together" category. Though it must be pointed out that the content never goes into the overly graphic area of a lot of modern R&B music.The second single, "(I Want To) Thank You," is a nice change of pace with its simple sentiment of appreciation. "I Tried My Best," tells of a fading love affair:"i tried my best to be a good friend.....all of the kisses I used to know/suddenly they've all turned cold". On the next track, Jackson is still suffering through the pain on "No One Else,."But he's back on his feet with the midtempo "Lay Your Love On Me,." "Teach Me," has one of Jackson's best performances ever. Yasha Barjona produces the elegant ballad "Once In A While,,"an appropiate album closer. Freddie Jackson's romantic balladeering is for the most part,not the kind of songs you would find at the top of the charts these days. And that's a shame. But with Private Party, those of us who like real love songs can still enjoy them.