The Makeover

Untitled

The Makeover is singer Jody Watley's ninth studio album. Watley recruited a diverse group of contemporary dance and electronica producers for the project, among them King Britt, 4hero and DJ Spinna. A concept release, the album's vintage aesthetic, which saw her take the old and remake it as new, was likely foretold in Watley's updating of her signature classic, "Looking for a New Love", in 2005. As per the title, The Makeover contained newly recorded (and remixed) versions of some of Watley's signature classics like "Don't You Want Me" and "Friends" (re-dubbed "Friendz"), as well as new material. Additionally, Watley paid tribute to musical influences like Diana Ross, Chic and Karen Carpenter on the covers "Love Hangover", "I Want Your Love" and a medley of the Carpenters' songs, respectively.

Themes

The Makeover, from its title to its photo media, was a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the ever-growing makeover culture now commonplace in contemporary society. Indeed, the album's photography (contained in the liner notes) showed Watley theatrically made-up to resemble a cosmetic surgery recipient. These photos caused a bit of a controversy, however, as they were apparently leaked, after which various online gossip columns (most notably the New York Post's "Page Six"), had falsely reported that Watley had undergone actual cosmetic surgery. Watley jokingly discussed the controversy in the September 11, 2006 issue of the National Enquirer .

Track listing

1. "Intro"
2. "Don't You Want Me" (King Britt Scuba Mix)
3. "Waiting in Vain"
4. "A Beautiful Life"
5. "Bed of Roses Featuring 4hero"
6. "I Want Your Love"
7. "Love Hangover"
8. "Borderline"
9. "Carpenters Medley"
10. "Friendz" featuring Voshaun Gotti
11. "The Makeover Superstar"
12. "Midnight Lounge" (Mark De Clive-Lowe Makeover Mix)
13. "A Beautiful Life (A Beautiful Dub)"

Singles

The first single to be released from The Makeover was a downtempo cover of "Borderline", written by Reggie Lucas and an originally a hit for Madonna in 1984.

The album's second single was "I Want Your Love", a cover of the Chic classic. The Watley cover was produced by DJ Spinna and featured Chic's own Nile Rodgers on guitar. Supported by dance mixes, the track peaked at #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for the week of June 16, 2007.

Personnel

• Jody Watley - Vocals
• Mark Boyce - Moog Synthesizer
• Chris Brann - Keyboardss, programming
• Marc Mac - Piano, Rhodes, Arp Synthesizer, Programming
• Luke Parkhouse - Drums, Percussion
• Brad Munn - Acoustic Guitars
• Andy Hammill - Double Bass
• Hillside Stings - Strings
• Nile Rodgers - Guitar
• DJ Spinna - Drum Programming
• Selan Lerner - Keyboards
• Ali Black - Assistant Engineer
• Rodney Lee - Programming, keyboards
• Mark De Clive-Lowe - Instruments, programming
• Voshaun Gotti - Flow

Production

• Producers: 4hero, King Britt, Mark De Clive-Lowe, DJ Spinna, Rodney Lee, Chris Brann, Milan "The Mad Scientist" Ross
• Executive Producer: Jody Watley
• Project Coordinator: Van Roy for VRC Entertainment
• Photography: Mike Ruiz
• Make-Up: Billy B.
• Hair: Ruth Roche
• Special Effects Makeup: Branan Edgans
• Art Direction: Jody Watley and Van Roy
• Design: David Stafford