FLASHBACK REVIEW: JODY WATLEY SHOWS TENDER SIDE ON CLASSIC DEBUT BALLAD

JODY WATLEY
EVERYTHING
MCA RECORDS
WRITTEN BY GARDNER COLE & JAMES NEWTON HOWARD
PRODUCED BY ANDRE CYMONE
FROM ALBUM LARGER THAN LIFE
ORIGINALLY RELEASED OCTOBER 1989

In 1989, singer/songwriter/cheoragrapher Jody Watley had grown for becoming an solo artist to had to proof herself to an cultural and Icon. Her second album "Larger Than Life" was on it's way to platnium status, while her solo tour gained great reviews, thanks to the album's third single "Everything", which became a favorite of fans and a highlight during her concert tours. Known for recording Pop/Soul and Dance tunes, this was the first ballad that the Goddaughter of the late Jackie Wilson had recorded as a solo artist, and it showcase her tender side. Written by Gardner Cole and James Newton Howard, the song has a nice Pop/Soul and Latin feel courtesy of the lyrics about hurting a lover who treated you good, as well as keyboards by Cole, percusion by Paulina Da Costa, and saxophone solo by Larry Williams. It also showcased her ability to phrase while singing mid and high ranges, which makes the song sad, yet beautiful

I know I hurt you when I said goodbye
And I don't know the reason
I never stopped beleiving
I needed any one but you.
I was too blind to see
When you belong to me
You were my everything
(Yeah)
Now I give everything
To feel the love you bring
You were my everything
You were my life
You were my love.

This song brings back great memories for me. This was the first cassette single I brought that I used to play at night when I went to sleep and it's a great song with a message to appreciate the positive people in your life and not cut them off so quickly.