"Nineteen Forever" is a song by British singer-songwriter and musician Joe Jackson, which was released in 1989 as the lead single from his eighth studio album '' Blaze of Glory''. It was written and produced by Jackson. "Nineteen Forever" reached No. 4 on the US ''Billboard''

Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Airplay (formerly known as Modern Rock Tracks (1988–2009) and Alternative Songs (2009–2020)) is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in ''Billboard'' magazine since September 10, 1988. It ranks the 40 most-played ...

and No. 16 on ''Billboard''

Album Rock Tracks Mainstream Rock is a music chart in ''Billboard'' magazine that ranks the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations in the United States, a category that combines the formats of active rock and heritage rock. The chart was launched in Ma ...

charts. The song's music video was directed by Alex Proyas and was Jackson's first since 1982's " Steppin' Out". In line with the song's lyrics about aging rock stars, Jackson appeared in the video with a wig, make-up, prosthetic belly and lame jacket. Jackson performed the song on his 1989 tour with the same costume and would dedicate the song to "all those rock bands on tour this summer after having retired several times".

Critical reception

Upon release, ''

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'' described the song as "intelligent pop" and Jackson's "best bet for a hit" since "Steppin' Out". ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' considered the song a "straightforward, no-frills pop release". In a review of ''Blaze of Glory'', ''

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'' described the song as a "swinging pop anthem". Park Puterbaugh of '' Rolling Stone'' commented: "Another theme n ''Blaze of Glory''is the rise of rock & roll, its promises and failures. There sa sardonic song about the delusion of wanting to be "Nineteen Forever"." '' The Philadelphia Inquirer'' commented: "Nineteen Forever", his attempt at the big-backbeat Jersey sound, calls up a dreamy place, one that puts the sincerity of his vocal in question."

Stephen Thomas Erlewine Stephen Thomas Erlewine (; born June 18, 1973) is an American music critic and senior editor for the online music database AllMusic. He is the author of many artist biographies and record reviews for AllMusic, as well as a freelance writer, occ ...

of AllMusic noted "Nineteen Forever" as being a "brisk, stylish pop song".

Track listing

;7" single #"Nineteen Forever" - 4:43 #"Acropolis Now" (Instrumental) - 4:16 ;CD single #"Nineteen Forever" - 4:43 #"Acropolis Now" (Instrumental) - 4:16 ;CD single (US promo) #"Nineteen Forever" (Early Fade) - 4:34 #"Nineteen Forever" (LP Version) - 5:43

Personnel

* Joe Jackson - lead vocals, harmony vocals, chorus vocals * Tom Teeley - guitar, chorus vocals *

Vinnie Zummo Vinnie Zummo is a New York City session guitarist. He has also worked as a producer, writer, arranger, and sound designer. Zummo worked with Joe Jackson for seven years. He played on six Jackson albums and three world tours. He has also worked wi ...

- electric sitar * Ed Roynesdal - Hammond organ, syntheiser *

Graham Maby Graham Maby (born 1 September 1952), is an English bass guitar player. He has recorded and toured with Joe Jackson since his first album, appearing on most of Jackson's albums and tours. He has continued to record and tour with Jackson even w ...

- bass, chorus vocals * Gary Burke - drums * Chris Hunter - alto saxophone * Tony Aiello - tenor saxophone, soloist * Charles Gordon - trombone * Michael Morreale, Tony Barrero - trumpet * Drew Barfield, Joy Askew - chorus vocals Production * Joe Jackson - producer, arranger * Ed Roynesdal - associate producer * Joe Barbaria - engineer * Thom Cadley - assistant engineer * Bridget Daly - mixing assistant *

Bob Ludwig Robert C. Ludwig (born c. 1945) is an American mastering engineer. He has mastered recordings on all the major recording formats for all the major record labels, and on projects by more than 1,300 artists including Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, Qu ...

- mastering

Charts

References

{{authority control 1989 singles 1989 songs Joe Jackson (musician) songs Songs written by Joe Jackson (musician)