Though her voice isn't particularly strong,
Jackson makes up for what she lacks in power with an energetic, uninhibited approach to the music. Benefiting from solid R&B-funk arrangements and the well-rounded production of
Ollie E. Brown, her sophomore album is a flavorful mixture of lively uptempo romps and smooth-sailing slow jams.
Jackson isn't quite up to task on the emotive ballad "I Don't Want You to Go," but her performances otherwise are contagious. There's an unmistakeable chemistry between her and the backing musicians and vocalists on the potent, highly danceable "Stay the Night" and "Fill You Up." And her enthusiasm on the downtempo "Camp Kuchi Kaiai" (co-written with sister
Janet Jackson) and "Summertime with You" is delightful. Without question, this is the defining album of
Jackson's career. ~ Justin M. Kantor