← Back

Night and Day

by Joe Jackson

Released: June 25, 1982

New wave, sophisti-pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Night and Day" is the fifth studio album by English musician Joe Jackson, released on June 25, 1982, through A&M Records. The album is notable for its tribute to the wit and style of Cole Porter, capturing the essence of New York City through its sophisticated and often urbane lyrics and melodies. "Night and Day" is celebrated for its blend of pop, jazz, and new wave influences, showcasing Joe Jackson's versatility as a songwriter and performer, and solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the music scene of the early 1980s.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Steppin' Out

Songs like "Steppin' Out" and "Breaking Us in Two" became standout tracks, with "Steppin' Out" earning Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

Breaking Us In Two

Songs like "Steppin' Out" and "Breaking Us in Two" became standout tracks, with "Steppin' Out" earning Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Joe Jackson - Night and Day

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top five in both the United Kingdom and the United States, which remains Jackson's only studio album to do so in either country. It has been certified gold in the UK and US, and platinum in Canada, selling over one million copies worldwide. The former reached number 6 on both the UK and US charts, while the latter peaked at number 18 in the US and number 59 in the UK.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Night and Day" is the fifth studio album by English musician Joe Jackson, released on June 25, 1982, through A&M Records. The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top five in both the United Kingdom and the United States, which remains Jackson's only studio album to do so in either country. It has been certified gold in the UK and US, and platinum in Canada, selling over one million copies worldwide.

The album is notable for its tribute to the wit and style of Cole Porter, capturing the essence of New York City through its sophisticated and often urbane lyrics and melodies. Songs like "Steppin' Out" and "Breaking Us in Two" became standout tracks, with "Steppin' Out" earning Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. The former reached number 6 on both the UK and US charts, while the latter peaked at number 18 in the US and number 59 in the UK.

"Night and Day" is celebrated for its blend of pop, jazz, and new wave influences, showcasing Joe Jackson's versatility as a songwriter and performer, and solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the music scene of the early 1980s.