It's fair to say that songs like the sunny 'Dave,' the shimmering 'Strange Land' and the album's final send-off, the alluring 'Alchemy,' recall the best of Jackson's cosmopolitan style, and each succeeds exceptionally well as a result. No fooling, 'Fool' ranks among the best works of Jackson's judicious career. (9 / 10)
— Glide (US), 16 Jan. 2019
Even if Joe Jackson is no longer the mega-star of the '80s, it's clear from the consistently innovative, often challenging 'Fool' that he is far from a faded has-been. On the contrary, it's good enough to suggest his best might still be ahead of him. (4 / 5)
— American Songwriter (US), 16 Jan. 2019
Much of 'Fool' bristles with the post-punk energy and appetite that has sustained him for 40 years now. [...]
He and his band sound focused and spry over eight beautifully-arranged tracks. (4 / 5)
— Mojo (UK), Feb. 2019
He chose to take his band into a studio the day after their summer tour finished, and the energy and momentum show.
They're notable in clamorous opener 'Big Black Cloud' [...] and careering class anthem 'Fabulously Absolute'. (7 / 10)
— Uncut (UK), Feb. 2019
The collection of eight songs is fresh, unpretentious and honest. [...] Brilliant. (4.5 / 5)
— Audio (DE), Feb. 2019
Again Jackson mixes supposedly incompatible ingredients into an amalgam, especially brilliantly in the title track,
rousing, drum-driven Rockismo and Latin rhythms with a North African melody. (4 / 5)
— Rolling Stone (DE), Jan. 2019
The album has two reassuring strong points: Joe's voice, which despite his age of 64 has not faded, and his piano playing. (7.5 / 10)
— Corriere della Sera (IT), 3 Jan. 2019
If songs like the clattery title track are a little less likeable, there's still no mistaking a remarkably undimmed talent. (3 / 5)
— The Mail on Sunday (UK), 13 Jan. 2019
Further reviews:
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