Jody Watley’s Larger Than Life Album Photography by Steven Meisel
Discover editorial packaging and hits making the 1989 R&B landmark a platinum success now!
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Jody Watley first broke out as a member of the dance-pop group Shalamar before launching a solo career in 1987. Her self-titled debut earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1988 and spawned the hit “Looking for a New Love.” She followed that landmark with her second album, Larger Than Life, carving out a new chapter in R&B history.
On This Day: Chart Peak
On May 20, 1989, Larger Than Life climbed to number 16 on the Billboard 200. The platinum-certified set cemented Watley’s reputation not only as a dynamic vocalist but also as a savvy songwriter—she co-wrote nine of the ten tracks—and an artistic visionary unafraid to blur genre lines.
Editorial-style Packaging
Watley enlisted legendary Vogue Italia photographer Steven Meisel to create packaging that felt more like a high-fashion editorial than a standard record sleeve. In a dedicated Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ5Pwe4S8Ze/), she celebrated the “fashion editorial” look and noted, “none of the pop R&B girls were serving this until she did—it’s truly ICONIC.” A related archival share (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4gLjfJ7if/) further credits graphic designer Lynn Robb and producer Andre Cymone for realizing her concept.
Meisel’s images gave Watley an elevated visual identity—stylish, confident and ahead of the pack. The collaboration anticipated today’s seamless crossover between music, style and brand partnership.
Musical Highlights
Larger Than Life yielded three major singles that dominated charts and dance floors:
• “Real Love” – Certified Gold; peaked at #2 on the Hot 100, #1 R&B, #1 Dance Club Songs.
• “Friends” (ft. Eric B. & Rakim) – A pioneering R&B/hip-hop team-up reaching #9 Hot 100, #3 R&B, #7 Dance.
• “Everything” – A velvet-smooth ballad that hit #4 Hot 100, #3 R&B, #11 Adult Contemporary.
Beyond those tracks, Watley explored themes of empowerment and romance across a diverse tracklist. Her willingness to collaborate—whether with hip-hop legends or top studio producers—mirrored the album’s broader mission to expand R&B’s sonic palette.
Preview Of Tracklist
Real Love
Friends (ft. Eric B & Rakim)
Everything
What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me
L.O.V.E.R
For Love’s Sake
Lifestyle
Precious Love
Something New
Once You Leave
Come Into My Life
Only You
Real Love (Extended Version)
Lasting Legacy
More than 30 years on, Larger Than Life endures as a blueprint for artists seeking to marry sonic innovation with bold visuals. Its editorial packaging influenced a generation of musicians who now routinely team with fashion houses and top photographers. Watley’s Instagram feed remains a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes glimpses, proving the album’s cover art still resonates.
On streaming platforms, newcomers frequently discover “Real Love” and “Friends” alongside Watley’s debut hits, while vinyl collectors hunt down original pressings for Meisel’s iconic photographs. Larger Than Life stands as proof that ambitious artistry—when paired with chart-smashing music—creates a cultural milestone worthy of celebration.
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