Joe Jackson - Steppin' out, analysis of a pop classic

Joe Jackson is so underrated, good choice - always thought he was awesome.

Steppin is actually pretty much electronic song: drums are from Korg drum machine, bass is programmed on synth. Only piano and clockenspiel are acoustic.

Joe Jackson is a singular talent in pop music. No one is quite like him. I wasn’t aware of those live versions. I’m checking them out right now. Thank you so much! Subscribed!

That haunting bassline -unforgettable.

“Don’t underestimate the power of pop music.” You couldn’t be more right Mr. George. 😁

Thank you so much for posting this. Now I’ve listened not only to your brilliant elucidation but to all the links, as well. Made a perfect and beautiful end to my Thanksgiving day. I’m so grateful.

WOW! That was an awesome analysis and you are awesome too. I love Joe Jackson and he is timeless. I'm subscibing! THANKS!

Steppin' Out isn't his first hit. The two albums he released in 1979, Look Sharp! and I'm The Man, had several hits. "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" was his first single and first top 20 hit in the UK.

Holy cow! I was just learning this song on piano yesterday and now you have a video on it! Great job man! 😃 I appreciate your work

Great video! I saw him live the first time a month ago! His new record is absolutely beautiful too.

I love the song stepping out by Joe Jackson. I was just watching the song before watching your video. I love the tuxedos in the video. Makes me remember when I was a kid in the early 80’s. Thanks for posting 😊.

Thanks alot - He`s underrated indeed! Your video just got me listening to the "Night & Day" album ovr & over again. :D Btw, your improvisation of "Stepping Out" was tremendous that gave me goosebumps all the way!!!

Thanks for this. Steppin' Out is my favourite music track. I've listened to it umpteen times & still love it. Joe's a musical genius, no doubt about it.

Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him" is a masterpiece

I went to Joe Jackson's concert in the UK on Saturday night (yes, 2 days ago). He and his 3 other band members gave us an exceptional evening and an incredible performance, in a huge venue (Symphony Hall, Birmingham) but still quite awe inspiring and totally impressive. He is still a brilliant musician and singer and his band members were true professionals, and the whole show was greatly entertaining. His first hit was actually "Is She Really Going Out With Him" in 1979, and "Steppin' Out" was also a hit for him, but in 1982. He performed both of these songs (besides many others) in the show, but ended with "Steppin' Out" in its original "ballad" version, rather than the released "disco" version of 1982, and rather like your more elaborate performance here. Well done for recognising that distinction, demonstrating it so well and sharing it with us here. Many thanks and please keep up the good work ...

Thank you so much for this video. I grew up in the late 70's and through the 80's and Steppin' Out was one of my favorite songs of that era.

Hey Vaughn! Thank you so much for this as it not only brought it back but inspired me to have a go at the song myself. I'm a Martin Gore inspired songwriter and musician from Victoria Canada and really love this content! Cheers!

Love your videos!

Just watched all of the related link videos, too. Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo was the venue where I saw DM for the first time (Black Celebration tour). Lovely coincidence! Thanks for 'digging up this forgotten gem'. My friend who went to DM gig with me also went to see Joe Jackson gig. I guess I missed out...

I was about 10 when I first heard JJ. Been a fan since. Love his newer rearrangements too. Great video. 🙏