FLASHBACK REVIEW: JACKSON 5IVE ASSISTANT VOCALIST CLASSIC

JERMAINE JACKSON
DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL
ARISTA RECORDS
ORIGINALLY RELEASED OCTOBER 1989

When Jermaine Jackson began a full-time solo career in 1976, many reviewers always comment of his songwriting and his production skills, but when it came for him to record his third solo album for Arista Records, he told Clive Davis that he didn't want to produce his album. Why the famous executive asked why, he explained to him how he wanted to be remembered and respected as a vocalist, so Davis and the A&R selected contacted members of the R&B/Quiet Storm group Surface to create some songs for the Jackson 5 bassist and vocalist, and not only did "Don't Take It Personal" become a hit, it became Jackson's second # 1 R&B solo hit, and it captured his ability to sing and harmonize smoothly without losing his soul roots.
In addition to Jermaine's vocals, the song has a nice smooth groove, and touching lyrics where one is telling his partner that the relationship has run it's course and that they should be able to move while being remaining friends, and that you're still a good person that has alot to other to the next person.

Don't be sad
Don't be blue
You've got your whole life ahead of you
Love was here.
Now it's gone
So it's time you keep moving on
Don't take it personal
Take the bitter with the sweet
Easy come Easy Go

This song really showcased Jermaine's vocal ability and it's a great song to listen to if you have to end a relationship.

UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL

1. This song was originally going to be recorded by Milli Vanilli for their debut album "Girl You Know It's True." In a interview in the Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm and Blues Singles, the songs producer David Conley said that when he was told that the group was going to record the song, their producer Frank Farrian wanted him to send the tapes to Germany, and Conley resisted. He insisted on flying to Germany to work with him, but Farrian refused, and after several debates, he decided to take the song back and give to Jermaine.

2. Jermaine didn't like the songs that he submitted at first, but when he learned that Conley was a member of the group Surface, he changed his mind. He was a fan of their music, and when it came time to record the album, he insisted on recording where the group recorded their now-classic album "2nd Wave" which was in the basement of Conley's home in New Jersey.

3. Conely was impressed with how prepared Jermaine was when he came to the studio. He already knew how he was going to record the song and the record sessions went smoothly.