Johnny Hates Jazz – Turn Back the Clock

Review

In the vast archive of late-eighties pop, "Turn Back the Clock" stands as a pristine specimen of sophisti-pop engineering. While the band name Johnny Hates Jazz might suggest a rebellious streak, the trio of Clark Datchler, Calvin Hayes, and Mike Nocito approached this 1988 debut with serious craftsmanship, delivering a record that balances glossy synthesis with surprisingly heavy themes. The album pivots on a fascinating tension between upbeat, polished arrangements and lyrics that dwell on the fracture of relationships, a duality best exemplified by the ubiquitous "Shattered Dreams." Datchler’s smooth vocals glide over Nocito’s programmed rhythms, creating a sleek vessel for stories about love’s inevitable decay. It serves as an intriguing snapshot of a specific moment in music history when studio perfection was the ultimate artistic statement.

Digging deeper into the tracklist reveals that this record offers more than just radio fodder; cuts like "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" and "Listen" possess a genuine emotional gravity that anchors the lighter moments. The title track, "Turn Back the Clock," is particularly notable for the inclusion of Kim Wilde on backing vocals, adding a layer of vocal richness that elevates the song’s nostalgic plea. Even reflective pieces such as "What Other Reason" and "Different Seasons" maintain that delicate equilibrium between melancholy and melody. Whether you are revisiting the extended 12-inch mixes that recall the club culture of the time or simply absorbing the original sequence, the album remains an infectious artifact. It is slick, undeniably catchy, and carries a sentimental weight that resonates well beyond the decade that spawned it. - Ellis