Jermaine Jackson's sole LaFace release,
You Said, is most known for the controversy (or hype) surrounding the supposed lyrical attack on his brother
Michael on the album's second single, "Word to the Badd." But taken on its own merit,
You Said was one of
Jackson's better post-Motown albums. Produced by the LaFace family --
L.A. Reid & Babyface, Kayo, and Darryl Simmons -- the credits also listed longtime
Jackson collaborator
John Barnes (
Rebbie Jackson's gold single "Centipede,"
Janet Jackson's "You Don't Stand Another Chance," and
the Jacksons' "Torture" and "Body"). Like Janet declared her independence on "Control,"
Jermaine does so on "Rebel (With a Cause)" while
Living Colour guitarist
Vernon Reid supplies burning power chords and lighting fast solos. "I Dream, I Dream" sounds a lot like the original version of Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step I Take." "A Lovers Holiday" and "Treat You Right" (with vocals by Babyface) are done in the style of "Tender Lover." The ballad "True Lovers" softly lurches along like "Whip Appeal." Opening with swirling harps, "Don't You Deserve Someone" comes closest in fire and spirit to his emotive, classic ballads (
the Jackson 5's "I Found That Girl," his own "My Touch of Madness" from My Name Is Jermaine). Though at times,
You Said sounds derivative of
LA Reid & Babyface's previous productions, it's a joy to hear
Jermaine's vocals upfront, unlike many of his post-Motown albums where they were buried under a mountain of production and effects. ~ Ed Hogan