I picked it 2day from the "wrecka stow" hehe and I really liked it. I'm not too crazy about Jody's solo work but this one is vey impressive, it actualy showcased her as a damn good vocalist. Roy Ayers contribution in "I Love to Love" wasn't bad either!

4 Those Who Want A Detailed Review, check this from amazon:

*-Watley turns down the blinds for a night of chillout, April 21, 2003 Reviewer: Jason Roberts (see more about me) from Rochester, NY United States-

What's an artist to do when formulated records begin topping the charts and established acts are released from their contracts? Go deep and get independent, and that's just what this girl has done. Jody Watley has weathered the good and the bad. Working independently and fusing deep house with late-night chill, her new LP "Midnight Lounge" finds Watley sipping vodka & seven in the corner, pulsing to a sophisticated rhythm.

"Midnight Lounge" grooves to the after-hours vibe, with the opening title track setting the tone. The jazz-infused cadence beckons the listener to begin the weekend, even if press play is on a Tuesday. The mantra of the song is captured in Watley's lyrics: "all I wanna do is just dance / all I wanna do is just dance..."

Recruiting deep house legend Dave Warrin for "Whenever" and "Photographs," Watley knows a thing or two about balancing the weight between the microphone; a savvy vocalist is as good as her producer. The tracks shine and sound just as good on the floor as they do in the lounge. Resisting circuit-style yearnings, Watley's approach is swanky. In fact, producers of the album have a résumé any dance fan can appreciate (given work with Janet Jackson, Ultra Naté, Kim English, Funky Green Dogs).

Originally released as a Japanese import, "Saturday Night Experience" plugs into ambient house with a jazz piano and a thump in tow. "I Love to Love," a throwback to the '70s, captures everything that was good about disco.

Sensual and hypnotic, the trip-hop jams of "Skin Deep" and "More" balance out the dance fare on the album.

The most revealing track on the collection wasn't penned by Watley. "Don't Give Up," a Peter Gabriel remake, allows Watley to find out how fleeting success can be. The lush production and hushed urgency conjures up the same feeling as the signature melancholy of Everything But the Girl. The manifesto of the track resonates. "Don't give up / You're not beaten yet / Don't give up / 'cause somewhere there's a place where we belong."

Sequencing aside, "Midnight Lounge" is a stellar release. Reflective and relevant, Watley has successfully found the deeper rhythm of nightlife. Released on the indie label Avitone, the album, spared from being run through a corporate filter, glimmers with just the right amount of energy for a mellow but groovable evening. Let's hope the release finds the audience it deserves; the careless whisper in Watley's voice resounds with that familiar feeling of survival. "Don't give up / I know you can make it."

And like Vinny said earlier,,she sounds alot like Aaliyah in the LP.

I bought it 2 days ago and you are right! It's great.

G R E A T cd, everyone should listen, bought it about two years ago.

jthad1129 said:

Do you own "Saturday Night Experience" as well? How does it compare?

I'm listening to it right now. The song that really sounds like Aaliyah is "More"! I wish Aaliyah would have sang something this jazzy and hot!
[This message was edited Sat May 3 11:21:30 PDT 2003 by VinnyM27]