Davy Jones Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Believe it or not, this is an excellent CD. Jones has written the material himself and hence he called this album Just Me (as a take off of the Monkees' 1996 release, Justus). It is obvious that Jones has been working on this for quite some time, as some of the songs were first heard on the Monkees' Justus CD ("It's Not Too Late" and "What a Night") and other arrangements date back to his 1999 Just for the Record, Vol. 4. But here the songs are produced and arranged beautifully and have new life breathed into them. Strong melodies are present throughout and his backup band is not only tight but utilize instruments not heard in 2001 (such as the mellotron and sitar). The arrangements are also fascinating. A song like "I Ain't Gonna Love You No More" begins as a beautiful ballad, but ends as a grunge rocker; it has same tune and melody, but he is able to move the song from melancholy to anger in about two minutes. It all mixes well to produce an easy listening CD with an edge. Jones has learned from Nesmith, as the production borrows from him, but that is an extreme plus. Also, Jones' voice has not sounded this strong in years. Emotion throughout, but he also knows when to pull back and let his backup singers fill out the sound (especially on "Whata Night"). He also uses his voice to full effect on such songs as "So Goes Love," where he sounds almost sinister at times. Brilliant stuff. It is amazing that after so many years of performing, Jones was not afraid to take some chances and mix many different sounds to a very positive effect. This is by far his best release, and one that deserves to be heard. ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
'It's Christmas Time Again'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 11
Label Hercules
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Sings the Monkees and More'
Release Date 1/1/1988
Tracks 13
Label Hercules
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Davy Jones has never been shy to use his Monkees fame to maintain a career. On several occassions Jones has toured performing Monkeeshits as well as a few of his solo songs. This recording is a document from one such tour, although due to lack of information available with this release, it is not known which tour. In fact, the backing musicians do not receive any credit. However, the music has survived and fans will no doubt enjoy hearing his take on famous hits, such as "I'm A Believer," "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Steppin' Stone," songs which featured Mickey Dolenz on lead vocals in their original Monkees formation. He does them well but does not alter the original arrangements. In fact there is nothing wrong with the music, and he seems to be having a good time reliving past glories. The problem is that these versions do not differ from The Monkees' own versions so there is no reason for one to listen to this instead of the original versions.But it does serve its purpose of being a souvenir of a tour. The "More" section(as noted in the title) amounts to two solo songs, "It's Now" and "How Do You Know." Both songs are average and pleasant but are not outstanding and very little to the original versions. It is odd and disappointing that he did not choose any solo hits such as "Rainy Jane." ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One year after the Monkees called it quits (for the first time), Davy Jones surfaced with his second solo outing (1965's pre-Monkees album David Jones was his debut). Jones has often said that he never viewed himself as a musician, but rather as an entertainer. This is evident with this album. Instead of trying to write a masterpiece, he relied on producer Jackie Mills to assemble a number of pop/rock songs and a tight band to go along with them. To that end, it is a success. The playing is more than adequate and this is a collection of pop songs. Jones has a pleasing voice, and the songs themselves are short enough so that none of them can become truly irritating. The music is very similar to the Monkees' 1970 album, Changes. Some of the songs are filler (such as "Take My Love"), while others are examples of great pop songs (such as the Top 40 single "Rainy Jane"). Jones did not set out to change the world with this album, but he did set out to put together a pleasing product. To that end, he succeeded. Monkees fans will love this album. ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
