The Makeover is the ninth studio album by American singer Jody Watley, released on Avitone Records. Watley recruited a diverse group[1] of contemporary dance and electronica producers for the project, among them King Britt, DJ Spinna and 4hero. 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.

The Makeover
Studio album by Jody Watley
Released	August 8, 2006 (2006-08-08) September 22, 2009 (re-issue)
Recorded	2005–2006 I.B.S. Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre	R&B deep house pop electronic soul
Length	58:20
Label	Avitone
Producer	King Britt Rodney Lee 4hero Chris Brann DJ Spinna
Jody Watley chronology
Midnight Lounge (2001) ''The Makeover'' (2006) Super Hits Live (2007)
Alternate cover
International edition
Singles from The Makeover
"Borderline" Released: August 8, 2006 "I Want Your Love" Released: March 27, 2007 "A Beautiful Life" Released: October 7, 2008

Background

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.[2]

Track listings

Singles

The first single to be released from The Makeover was a downtempo cover of "Borderline", written by Reggie Lucas and an originally a 1984 hit for Madonna. Upon the single's UK release in October 2009, Watley told noted R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning 'Blues & Soul': "'Borderline' is a song I've always liked. Because - even though the way it was originally recorded was very poppy - for me the song always had a melancholy side to it, which I think my version taps into."[3]

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

Production

• Producers – 4hero, King Britt, Mark De Clive-Lowe, DJ Spinna, Rodney Lee, Chris Brann, Milan "The Mad Scientist" Ross
• Executive Producer – Jody Watley
• Remixing producers – Bill Coleman, Vinny Troia
• 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, Van Roy
• Design – David Stafford

Charts

Singles

References

External links