Jody's Back & Larger Than Life!
Fresh Magazine
1989

Jody Watley delivered a platinum-plus, self-titled debut album with four smash singles in 1988. To top it off, the former Soul Train dancer won the Best New Artist Grammy Award in 1988. So, what do you do, if you're Jody Watley, for a follow-up LP? Simple! You release Larger Than Life, chocked full of hits! "I was so looking forward to doing new music that I went for an album that had much more variety than the first," the exotic beauty reveals. "Sometimes, when you've had a little success, you tend to water things down. I think this album is far more aggressive and a step forward for me, artistically." And artistic is important to this special lady, who wrote 11 of the 12 tunes on her current LP, as is maintaining creative control. This includes day-to-day involvement in every aspect of the recording process.

"I'm involved in not only the musical side, but in creating all visuals-videos, photographs, etc," Jody explains. "What you get is the real Jody Watley." Born in Chicago, Jody and her family constantly were on the move throughout the good, old U.S. of A., settling in Los Angeles when she was 15. Her childhood influences included the glamour of Diana Ross- a lady Jody often is compared to as the "Diana" of this generation. She does have Diana's flair for sparking the imagination of all who see her. And, like Diana, she's a trendsetter- someone everyone tries to copy while being an original, herself. Again, like Diana, she was in a group (Shalamar), broke free and hasn't looked back yet.

Along with the release of the new album, Jody's looking forward to her first headlining tour. "This will be another step for me," she admits freely. "It's one thing to do albums and have hits and to produce great videos, but to go out there and be able to deliver the material live...that's where you get the true respect of the people. There is no substitute for the real thing. I want to give people what I feel is missing today - a charismatic, high-energy, female performer, combining the elements of dance, glamour, surprise and the distinctive ability to really give something special. "Jody Watley (the debut LP) was a dance party from beginning to end. With Larger Than Life, I really hope people listen... and dance!" Well, Jody's back, and maybe she is larger than life!