Turn Back the Clock

by Johnny Hates Jazz

Overview

With their dapper attire, clean-cut image, and glossy production, Johnny Hates Jazz were too slick to receive any respect. Consequently, the group's debut album Turn Back the Clock was unjustly thrashed in the press. Best known for its bittersweet hit single "Shattered Dreams," Turn Back the Clock is actually a well-crafted LP. On "Shattered Dreams," vocalist Clark Datchler sings of a breakup over a finger-snapping, synthesized groove. The success of the song is no mystery; it is unbelievably catchy. However, there are actually better ones on the album. The sentimental lyrics and shimmering keyboards of the title track express heartfelt feelings of nostalgia. The music on Turn Back the Clock is generally upbeat synth pop, but the words are often sad. Although Johnny Hates Jazz offer no profound revelations about failed relationships or lost love, there is genuine emotion beneath the studio luster of "What Other Reason," "Different Seasons," "Don't Let It End This Way," and "Foolish Heart." On "Heart of Gold," Datchler illustrates the plight of a prostitute without sounding preachy, and the funky "I Don't Want to Be a Hero" is a surprisingly effective anti-war song. Turn Back the Clock is a true guilty pleasure; an LP that takes absolutely no artistic risks yet it's too hummable to ignore. ~ Michael Sutton

Product Details

Release Date:	05/05/2008
Label:	Virgin
UPC:	5099921466823

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Johnny Hates Jazz   Primary Artist
Kim Wilde   Guest Artist,Vocals (Background)
Chris Newman   Keyboards,Synthesizer,Fairlight
J.J. Belle   Guitar
Neil Hubbard   Guitar
Miriam Stockley   Vocals (Background)
Mike Nocito   Bass
Martin Drover   Horn
Molly Duncan   Horn
Frank Ricotti   Percussion
Stevie Lange   Vocals (Background)
Calvin Hayes   Keyboards
Neil Sidewell   Horn
Malcolm Duncan   Horn
Clark Datchler   Vocals
Peter Vitessi   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Bob Kraushaar   Engineer
Kevin Metcalfe   Mastering
Julian Mendelsohn   Engineer
Phil Thornalley   Composer,Engineer,Producer
Mike Nocito   Composer,Engineer,Producer
Anne Dudley   Arranger
Ian McDonald   Composer
Roy Spong   Assistant Engineer
Calvin Hayes   Composer,Producer
Tim Weider   Assistant Engineer
Terry Irwin   Assistant Engineer
Clark Datchler   Composer
Matt Barry   Assistant Engineer
Gregg Jackmann   Engineer
Richard Edwards   Assistant Engineer
Simon Fowler   Photography