'Not for Church Folk!'
What The Critics Say
Fans of Millie Jackson's sassy raps, deep soul singing, and other-woman songs will kick this to the curb so hard they'll scuff their shoes. Not a bad effort, it just isn't R&B or urban, but Country with a capital C. A production by Betty Wright ("Lies That We Live," a haunting, uptown floater) is the sole exception. Bright spots are Wright's tune "You Ain't Killing Me the Way I Want to Die," an upbeat stomper with biting lyrics, "Breaking Up Somebody's Home," an upbeat grinder, and the album's best ballad, "I Don't Want to Be Your Friend." A strong backing vocal trio consisting of two-thirds of Ray, Goodman & Brown -- Al Goodman and Billy Brown -- and Keisha Jackson (Millie's daughter) is indistinguishable on this plodding set. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
'Young Man, Older Woman: Cast Album'
'Young Man, Older Woman'
What The Critics Say
Millie Jackson made a bid to return to the spirited blend of angry-woman narratives and country/soul ballads that made her a star in the '70s and '80s with this album. The songs ranged from good to mundane, but her vocals were more charged than ever. But the early '90s weren't a time when much attention was focused on this kind of music anywhere, except for traditional soul outposts like the South. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The original album title for the last really successful Millie Jackson album. She had several charts hits, including a pair of Top 10 singles, and sounded more vibrant, inspired, and humorous than she had in years. Although Jackson didn't sustain the momentum, it was great to hear her back on top one more time. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'I Got to Try It One Time'
What The Critics Say
The follow-up to Caught Up came hot on its heels (the same year, in fact), offering a few more songs from the same mold -- Jackson's tough performances of songs charting the vagaries of modern love. There wasn't much of a concept at work here, despite a set of situation songs that would've fit well, including "One Night Stand," "How Do You Feel the Morning After," and best of all, a pair of classic Don Covay compositions ("Watch the One Who Brings You the News" and "A Letter Full of Tears"). Producer Brad Shapiro went for more of a blaxploitation feel on this record, which fit in well with the dominant emotion (mistrust) as well as Jackson's raw delivery. Other highlights include the outré "My Love Is So Fly" and her self-penned "I Got to Try It One Time," which became an R&B hit. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
'E.S.P. (Extra Sexual Persuasion)'
What The Critics Say
Hilariously racy monologues were a hallmark of Millie Jackson's concerts, as the title of Live and Uncensored implies. Beyond the foul-mouthed hijinks on this 1979 release, though, Jackson created witty narratives that covered everything from sexual foibles to soap operas, and in the process dressed down both sexes; hypocritically coy women are directed to "Give It Up," while in "The Rap" and "Be a Sweetheart," bumbling and sexually rabid men get roundly manipulated. Jackson turns TV critic on "The Soaps" to blast the inanity of daytime television, and on "Logs and Thangs" offers up some well-worn yet sophisticated sexual innuendo. And, yes, there is music here as well. Jackson delivers fine examples of her Bobby Womack/Stax-inspired brand of soul on "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right," "Just When I Needed You Most," and "What Am I Waiting For," and prefigures hip-hop diva Mary J. Blige with her slightly hoarse yet honeyed vocal delivery on "I Still Love You (You Still Love Me)" -- replete with some fine breakbeats. Womack gets his due as Jackson's medley of Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and Womack's own "Put Something Down on It" reveals the Brit's debt to the great soul writer/producer. Aside from a few forgettable moments like a classical music parody and some weak disco, Live and Uncensored is a strong document of Millie Jackson in her element. [This two-disc CD reissue of Live and Uncensored includes Jackson's 1982 follow-up album, Live and Outrageous, as a bonus.] ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
