Album: Randy Jackson's Music Club Volume One

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They say not to judge a book by its cover. One would expect the same for CDs. However, they also say that first impressions count. And in the case of the crappy cover on Randy Jackson's Music Club it’s hard not to be apprehensive. But this is a music review, not a design review, so let’s not dismiss it just yet.

For those not in the know, Randy Jackson is a bassist, singer, producer, and TV and radio personality. He is mostly known from his work as an American Idol judge that overuses phrases like "Whats up, dawg" and "You're da bomb". Regardless of this, his résumé of work is impressive, producing for artists such as Mariah Carey and playing bass for Madonna. There’s no disputing that he is qualified to be a judge on a TV show about music, especially if we’ve deemed Kyle Sandilands worthy. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean he should have an album, or at least have a less narcissistic cover. As you may notice, it's Randy himself, posing in the foreground with a dozen or so random models in the background. The models vary from a Scotsman in a kilt, a '70s looking chick with a fro, a cowboy, a tattooed corn-rowed Chico, and a priest, just to name a few. It's scattered and the music is too. The common thread is that Randy features somewhere on each track, whether it be playing bass, background vocals, or as a producer.

The first track and first single from the record is, not surprisingly, fellow American Idol judge, Paula Abdul with Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow. The song is average and doesn’t represent the rest of the album which is mainly collaborations featuring artists of different genres, doing some originals and some covers. It's a shame because the line-up is impressive. Artists include Joss Stone, Jason Mraz, Van Hunt, Mariah Carey and Angie Stone. There are also lesser known artists and of course, past American Idolers. The CD changes genre with basically every track, moving from dance to soul to country and even Hip Hop.

Stand out tracks include Joss Stone’s Walk on By which samples the Burt Bacharach song of the same title. This is done really well and Joss shines in her rendition. The other gems are Something to Believe In by Van Hunt, John McLaughlin and Jason Mraz and the gospel number, I Understand, by Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, BeBe Williams, Mariah Carey and a church choir. The other songs are nothing exceptional and the lack of a common theme or genre throughout the CD makes it feel inconsistent and even somewhat awkward. Maybe not judging a book by its cover doesn’t apply to CDs after all.

Available through Concord/Universal Records