Monkey Island Songs Ranked
Monkey Island is the seventh studio album by American rock band The J. Geils Band, though it is credited with the shortened band name of “Geils”, the only album in their catalog that this was done. The album was released on June 9, 1977, by Atlantic Records. The album did not perform well in the marketplace, and would be the J. Geils Band’s last original album for Atlantic Records after almost eight years with the label. It was, however, the band’s first album on which they did not use an outside producer, as well as their first project with recording engineer David Thoener, with whom they later collaborated on their best-selling albums Love Stinks and Freeze Frame. The album contains the studio version of “I Do,” a live recording of which (from the album Showtime!) would be the J. Geils Band’s last hit single in 1982. Here are all of Monkey Island songs ranked.
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9. Wreckage
“Wreckage” takes a prophetic look at their contemporaries who would lose it all, and is even more significant when one considers that on the next three albums (and do let us forget 1984’s You’re Getting Even While I’m Getting Odd, shall we?) the band would always close with a silly, embarrassing “boys-will-be-boys” rave-up.”
8. I’m Not Rough
“I’m Not Rough” does something really unique. J. Geils trademark harmonica style jams with a ragtime piano jam! This is a fantastic instrumental and a really cool idea. For some reason the last ten seconds sounds especially odd with the harmonica playing, haha.”
7. I’m Falling
“While some may quibble that Monkey Island is excessively sprawling and shizoid, I would contend this album shows J Geils at the height of their powers, literally a band that could take on any genre or song idea and come up aces.”
See more: The J. Geils Band Albums Ranked
6. I Do
“I do” did become a hit in a later live version, and is one of this album’s more upbeat moments. The arrangements are ambitious and so well thought out that the total impact of the album, if you listen to it carefully all the way through, is nothing short of stunning.”
5. Surrender
“Surrender” might remind you of the Stones “Hot Stuff”. At least in the beat. There’s only one J. Geils Band, and here’s a great introduction to their forgotten classic style. The female vocals are appropriate and compliment J. Geil’s voice perfectly.”
4. You’re the Only One
“You’re the Only One” begins with a Stevie Wonder impression in the harmonica playing, and this song is a serious question mark! A very dated and sugary late 70’s ballad. However the song’s certainly melodic and on *some* level I can still enjoy it, but J. Geils shouldn’t be playing Air Supply-like music.”
See more: The J Geils Band Songs Ranked
3. Somebody
“Alright “Somebody” is a pretty awesome song. The harmonica, the funky upbeat rhythm, the “somebody, somebody!” chorus. Trying to even up the score indeed- it’s the second best song on the album in my opinion.”
2. Monkey Island
“Anyway J. Geils has done better and most of us know this, but Monkey Island is pretty awesome at any rate. The truth is there is enough variety to keep me satisfied but, you know, J. Geils is capable of better. He’s proven it with Bloodshot, which is a classic.”
1. So Good
“The shorter songs are all pretty awesome. “So Good” has an uplifting verse melody “I had a feeling the first time we met, there’s something about you gonna be hard to forget”. The vibes are really exciting and powerful here. I could do without a little line about the proof being in the pudding however, haha!”