| Volume 4 | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Joe Jackson Band |
| Cover: | JoeJacksonVolume4.jpg |
| Released: | 10 March 2003 |
| Genre: | Rock, pop |
| Length: | 44:06 |
| Label: | Rykodisc |
| Producer: | Joe Jackson |
| Prev Title: | Two Rainy Nights |
| Prev Year: | 2002 |
| Next Title: | Afterlife |
| Next Year: | 2004 |
Volume 4 is the 16th studio album by British musician Joe Jackson, released in 2003. It was the first album to feature the Joe Jackson Band since the 1980 release, Beat Crazy, and it was Jackson's first rock 'n' roll album since Laughter and Lust, which was released in 1991.[1] [2] As before, the Joe Jackson Band consisted of Jackson, Graham Maby, David Houghton and Gary Sanford.[3] Jackson said at the time that he expected the songs on the album to be "in the spirit of the first couple of albums, but with a bit of the greater maturity I'd like to think I've acquired. And I've still got a 32-inch waist — so I don't think it's going to be embarrassing".[4]
In another interview, Jackson explained the origins of the album's inception. He said,
It was released to moderately positive reviews. Rolling Stone rated it 3/5, stating that it was less visceral than his early-1980s music, but that "when it comes to edgy, sensitive-guy rock, he proves on Volume 4 that he still is the man." AllMusic rated it 3.5/5, stating that "Volume 4 isn't as lively or vital as his first five albums, but it's also more satisfying as a pop record than anything he's done since Body & Soul, which is more than enough to make it a worthy comeback." The album was followed by a lengthy tour.[3]
All songs written, arranged and produced by Joe Jackson.
A review at PopMatters stated: "All said, Volume 4 does not deliver the same type of music as Look Sharp!, but manages to provide a good pop record nonetheless. For fans of Joe Jackson, it’s a welcome arrival — easily his best CD in years, even if the acid stances seem a bit labored at times. He proves he still can master pop songs in a variety of styles, but now you need to invest a little more time to fully appreciate them."[6]