After fillin' the sucssesfull '60 & '70 years with soul Aretha entered the early '80's with a new dimension. "Jump to it" is the top, a sample of Funk & Soul together with upcoming artists like Luther Vandross (also produced this album), Fonzi Thornton (The Leader '83), Marcus Miller, The Brothers Johnson (Louis Johnson plays bass on "Just my Daydream"), Levi Stubbs (The Four Tops, duet on "I Wanna make it up to you") and George Duke (Shine on '82). A unique combination, as these artists including Aretha know how to deal with it. From delicious uptempo's to silky soul ballads, the whole album is wonderful. Nevertheless, all these productions from the '80's set the pace. Meant what this decade was all about, you can find it also back in these songs. Eventhough this album is nearly 20 years old, the music can last forever. Wondering why there aren't more great artists of this era, maybe because there very rare. And I think Aretha is.... But on top of it all, listen to it, buy the album. You won't regret it. At least I didn't.

Another reviewer referred to Aretha's "mellow voice" on this album, and I have to admit that is the Aretha I have come to prefer. It's hard to ignore the fact that in recent years (and there were signs even in the 80s) that vocal wear and tear (and those Kool cigarettes too, I guess) had taken their toll. I thought such 80s tracks as "Jumpin' Jack Flash" suffered from vocal overkill--and vocal strain. So I was surprised to pick up on this 80s release and discover that, when she chose to keep in "mellow," she was in excellent voice.

There are doubtless Aretha fans who don't like to see the "Queen of Soul" in the "Disco Diva" mold we find her in on several tracks here, including the title tune. But Aretha sounds so relaxed and playful on these tracks, scatting away on "Jump to It" like she's Ella reincarnate, it's hard not to fall in love with them. The urban soul stylings of the slower tempo numbers are also pretty yummy, although in terms of tunefulness, there's nothing quite as compelling as, say, "Until You Come Back to Me," to cite an example of a mellow track from an earlier era.

Still it's great to see that she was in good voice in the 80s after all. That's the thing about singers--you should never writer them off because of one or two performances that you thought were weak. They nearly always come back to surprise you. And Aretha Franklin has always been a singer who is full of surprises.

In 1982, Ms Franklin hooked up with Mr Soul himself, Luther Vandross, for a 2 album deal, the first instalment being "Jump to It". With legendary bassist Marcus Miller providing the rhythm section, Luther's Midas touch as producer, and Aretha on form vocally, the result was an awesome album that has stood the test of time.

The album kicks off with the catchy title track - just listen to those vocals! It doesn't get better than this. Aretha sounds alive!

Luther's vocal intro to "Love Me Right" (a low-down, funky ditty) is great and it blends well with Aretha's. The middle tracks are easy, but the outstanding cut has to be "It's Your Thing". Can Marcus play a sweet bass line or what? Listening to Aretha here puts chills down my spine - the track opens and closes in spectacular style.

There's not a duff track here, just 8 gems. This is an entertaining album and proof that the Queen of Soul hadn't lost her touch.

After 20 years, this album is still a smoldering Aretha favorite ! The sound is pure urban soul with a hot splash of dance and r&b slickly produced by Luther Vandross (King of Soul ?). Between her followup Who's Zoomin Who (which had more of a pop element) and Jump to It, I prefer this one. From the opening jam of a title track to the beautifully lush suite of My Daydream, there is not a single miss or throw away track. Aretha's voice is strong yet soothing without going over or under! For the younger generation or crowd wanting to know what they missed years ago from Aretha during the early 80's...well, here it is folks !

This album is produced by Luther Vandross and is a polished but soulful collection of R&B/jazz cuts, spiced up by Aretha's 80's voice.

By this time, countless Kool cigarettes and experience exchanged some of her upper register for more low range. It works to great effect on this album. The obvious hit "Jump To It" is a classic. But you'll love Smokey Robinson's "Just My Daydream" as well as her duet with Levi Stubbs on "Wanna Make It Up To You."

"If She Don't Want Your Lovin'" has Aretha reunited with former Sweet Inspiration Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) and Aretha even chooses to give us a few squalls.

Jump To It is a great mellow and quiet Aretha album - yet soulful in every way. Aretha may be known for hollering but this set proves that her interpretive and more subtle musical talents go far beyond that.