La Toya Jackson (album)

In order to distinguish herself from her famous brothers, The Jacksons, La Toya only wanted her first name on the album. "I begged just to have it 'La Toya'. But my father said, 'It's your last name. You got to use it.' But I wanted to see what I could do as an individual."{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vq8SAAAAIBAJ&pg=3355,373664&dq=latoya-jackson|title=Waiting for the day when she's not just 'his sister'|date=18 June 1985|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle|access-date=22 December 2011}} The album was re-issued on CD in Japan in 1992. A successful petition was gathered by her fans at ChurchofLaToya.com to persuade the label, Cherry Pop, to re-release her debut album on CD for the first time in the UK. It was re-released on May 22, 2006.

{{Music ratings

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r41466|pure_url=no}} Allmusic review

| rev2 = Billboard

| rev2Score = (favourable){{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-09-27.pdf|title=Review: La Toya Jackson – La Toya Jackson|magazine=Billboard|date=27 September 1980|access-date=24 May 2020|volume=85|number=39|page=66|via=American Radio History|issn=0006-2510}}

| rev3 = The Evening Independent

| rev3score = (favorable)

}}

Billboard noted that "the pretty younger sister of the singing Jacksons debuts here with a well-produced set of crossover pop soul. The mix of tempos complements Jackson's versatile style...her singing, especially on some of the subdued ballads, conveys much soul."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1980/BB-1980-09-27.pdf|magazine=Billboard Music Week|title=Top Album Picks|issue=27 September 1980 |page=66 |access-date=July 2, 2024}}

Cashbox stated that "The Jackson's little sis' has gladly received the help of such L.A. area heavies as Stevie Wonder, Ray Parker, Patrice Rushen and brother Michael guide her through that crucial debut release. Via superb coaching and backing from some strong session players, La Toya's little girl voice should become a B/C radio staple. Lots of strong cuts on the disc, but the songs produced by Michael Jackson, "If You Feel The Funk" and "Night Time Lover" are the most infectious."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1980/CB-1980-09-27.pdf|magazine=Cash Box|title=Album Reviews|issue=27 September 1980 |page=10 |access-date=July 2, 2024}}

In its review, The Evening Independent said that Jackson has "an attractive, pleasant voice that is mature and controlled."{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19801003&id=ZmBQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5489,81305|title=La Toya Jackson (Polydor)|work=Evening Independent|pages=10–B|access-date=22 December 2011}} Allmusic said Jackson "has an obvious enthusiasm for the songs that comes through consistently. That factor, along with the strong cast of musicians and some memorable tunes, makes this an overall enjoyable set."{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r41466|pure_url=no}}

The album peaked at #116 on the Billboard 200,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/latoya-jackson/chart-history/tlp/|title = LaToya Jackson|magazine = Billboard}} #26 on the Billboard Top Black Albums chart,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/latoya-jackson/chart-history/blp/|title = LaToya Jackson|magazine = Billboard}} and #178 in the UK.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} It spawned two singles: "If You Feel the Funk" and "Night Time Lover".

"If You Feel the Funk" performed modestly on the charts, narrowly missing out on the Billboard Hot 100 at #101. However, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart and #40 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also reached #42 in Germany and #18 in the Netherlands. "If You Feel the Funk" was also released as a 12" single in the United Kingdom where it failed to chart. The follow-up single, "Night Time Lover" failed to generate attention, despite brother Michael singing on the track (who was at the time generating critical and public acclaim for his album Off the Wall). It peaked at #59 on the Billboard R&B chart.

{{Track listing

| headline =

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length =

| title1 = If You Feel the Funk

| writer1 = Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson

| extra1 = Ollie E. Brown

| length1 = 5:01

| title2 = Save Your Love

| writer2 = Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow

| extra2 = Larry Farrow

| length2 = 3:47

| title3 = My Love Has Passed You By

| writer3 = Dorie Pride, Kamau Peterson

| extra3 = Ollie E. Brown

| length3 = 4:10

| title4 = Are You Ready?

| writer4 = Billy Ocean, Ken Gold

| extra4 = Ollie E. Brown

| length4 = 4:44

| title5 = Night Time Lover

| writer5 = La Toya Jackson, Michael Jackson

| extra5 = Michael Jackson

| length5 = 3:44

| title6 = A Taste of You (Is a Taste of Love)

| writer6 = Ernie Smith, Greg Perry, Terry Harrison

| extra6 = Ollie E. Brown

| length6 = 4:27

| title7 = Lovely Is She

| writer7 = Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson

| extra7 = Ollie E. Brown

| length7 = 4:23

| title8 = If I Ain't Got It

| writer8 = Carolyn Johns, Larry Farrow

| extra8 = Larry Farrow

| length8 = 4:52

}}

• La Toya Jackson – lead vocals
• Michael Jackson – co-lead vocals
• Darren Carmichael, Bill Champlin, Lynn Davis, Marva Holcolm, Josie James, Deborah Thomas, Arnell Carmichael – backing vocals
• Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington, Nathan Watts, Rick Chudacoff, Kevin Brandon – bass
• Ollie E. Brown, James Gadson, Jeff Porcaro, Dorie Pride, Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Paulinho da Costa – drums, percussion
• David E. Williams, Greg Poree, Ray Parker Jr., Paul Jackson, Jr., Jay Graydon, Marlo Henderson – guitar
• Arnell Carmichael – hand clapping
• Stevie Wonder – harmonica
• George Bohanon, Oscar Brashear, Michael Davis, Mic Gillette, Gary Herbig, Alan Kaplan, John Kelson Jr., Doc Kupka, Arthur Maebe, Ollie Mitchell, Don Myrick, Billy Page, Lenny Pickett, Louis Satterfield, Henry Sigismonti, Maurice Spears, Tom Washington – horns
• Gene Page – string and horn arrangements
• Kim Bullard, Clarence McDonald, Sylvester Rivers, Patrice Rushen – keyboards

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{{La Toya Jackson}}

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Category:1980 debut albums

Category:La Toya Jackson albums

Category:Polydor Records albums

Category:Albums arranged by Gene Page

Category:Albums produced by Michael Jackson

Category:Disco albums by American artists