Reissue of 1986 solo album for A&M by The Time's former guitarist, his second outing for the label & overall. Includes the chart hit 'Crazay' (featuring Sly Stone). 10 tracks.
Reissue of 1986 solo album for A&M by The Time's former guitarist, his second outing for the label & overall. Includes the chart hit 'Crazay' (featuring Sly Stone). 10 tracks.
CD Reviews
Jesse's Own Sound
Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 08/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jesse Johnson has always been a favorite Minneapolis artist of mine because he stays true to his own style of R & B sound. He has never gone to the deep end or extreme leaving his fans alienated. He has been compared too often to the likes of Prince.However, where Prince has gone to the edge and back and left listeners more confused than mesmerized at times, Johnson's main musical vein is truly funk/ R & B. His utilization of R & B retro-sounds and gifted guitar licks is astounding; At times, when you hear his guitar solos there's much jazz or blues influences to be admired here !Unlike his previous release, there is nothing cold or electronic on Shockadelica; It's all warm and organic !"
Jesse is just too bad!
John D. Washington | Los Angeles, CA USA | 05/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Jesse's best CD. He stretches himself more than any other (except for the much later 'Bare My Naked Soul'). Crazay with Sly Stone is a classic, as is "Being Black in America". Though "She" did well on the charts, I have always like "Do Yourself a Favor". This is a CD that does no disappoint!"
Make It Phunky!
Morado | cincinnati, ohio USA | 06/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! What a follow up! I feel as though this album is the apex of his career thus far. Once again, Mr. Johnson totally rocks the house. There's a plethora of thumpin' bass, screamin' guitar and that trademark Minneapolis synth sound that I love so much on Shockadelica, as well as catchy melodies and smooth vocals. He obviously gleaned a lot working with "The Master" himself Prince and it shows.Some of my favorites are: "Addiction," "Baby Let's Kiss," "Change Your Mind," "Crazay," and "Do Yourself A Favor."If you like old school Minneapolis funk, familiarize yourself with Jesse Johnson! Cheers..."
Hot...
Jenks | Chicago, IL | 04/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hot is not only a word that I use to personally describe one of my favorite artists-Jesse Johnson, but it is also a word I use to describe his sophomore effort Shockadelica (a title he came up with-NOT Prince, as was and probably still is believed). Mr. Johnson proves himself as a producer, song writer, arranger, musician, etc. on this album-even more so than on his first release. Even with this album, there was still the comparisions between he and Prince. And while some songs, in particular, "Addicttion" and "Burn You Up" sound like songs Prince would have composed, the vast majority of the album tends to veer away from this similarity. The song "Crazay" is an homage to old school funk-so it is very fitting that the legendary Sly Stone makes an appearance on this single. The song "A Better Way" is a blues-tinged track that showcases not only Mr. Johnson's guitar skills, but also his songwriting ability. It also gives a glimpse of the type of composition that would appear on his "Bare My Naked Soul"(1996)album. The acoustic "Black In America" is a well written reflection of the black experience in America. Other highlights include the hypnotic "Tonite", the danceable "She (I Can't Resist)", the reworked Pepe Willie song, "Do Yourself A Favor", "Baby Let's Kiss" and "Change Your Mind".
I believe with Shockadelica, Mr. Johnson was beginning his evolution as an artist. An evolution that would come to fruition on his 1996 "Bare My Naked Soul" release."
His best solo album, psychedelic, blusey pop.
E. D. Daniels | tampa, florida United States | 06/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is where Jesse found his sound between the plantive folk of "Black in America" to the slow blues numbers to the collaboration with Sly Stone on "Craazy" to the black pop of"Do Yourself a Favor" Johnson found his sound and his best songwriting and guitar playing album. Prince would do him one better with the groundbreaking "Sign O the Times" released 6 months later (Jesse's album came out in october 86)but put these albums together and what you see is a commitment to Black Music 's greatest traditions Musicianship and craft."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1