Jermaine Jackson’s 1984 solo album was his break away from Motown after being there for 13 years and a new beginning with Arista Records. The album was self-titled in the United States but internationally it was called Dynamite. “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good To Be True)” had the ambiance of fog at night time with slinky keyboards and a subtle woodblock building a groove. Jermaine’s vocals harmonized with Michael’s magic the two of them recreating the abstract reality of the dream state in the song. The radio airplay was strong even though “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good To Be True)” was not released as a single because of the conflict between Jermaine and Michael’s record companies. The Recording Academy nominated the song for Best R&B Performance for a Duo or Group with Vocals. The setlist from their 1984 Victory Tour included the song and outside of the album it was available as the b-side to Jermaine Jackson’s “Do What You Do.”  He also had a duet “Take Good Care Of My Heart” with Whitney Houston on this album. Jackson’s 10th studio album did well from a sales standpoint and has had three reissues with bonus tracks. 

Jermaine Jackson’s “Don’t Take It Personal” still stands as one of the nicest breakup songs ever. Jackson’s 12th studio album was also named after the song that was written and produced by David Conley and David Townsend of the R&B group Surface with Derrick Culler. It was an unusual sentiment to wish an ex-lover well in their future life but Jackson’s suave delivery added civility and hope to the sadness and disappointment. “Don’t Take It Personal” was infectious and went to number one on the R&B charts. The video was popular too because the song’s message was clearly represented by visuals that depicted Jackson and his girlfriend going through the process of separation. “Don’t Take It Personal” has lasted through the decades as a place of solace for some experiencing heartbreak and smooth but detached emotional shorthand for others.  Whether it was the audience to wholly embrace the song or those who thought it was a cold backhanded compliment both groups agreed that Jackson was a bona fide ballad singer. 

Jackson’s last album was I Wish You L.O.V.E. from 2012. He regularly tours the world with his brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons. They are scheduled to perform at Hard Rock and Seminole Casino venues in 2022.

 

[youtube id=”dd6kKhdd0Fw”] with his brothers Tito, Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons since 2015.