Category Archives: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Overview
Michael Jackson, who came be known as the “King of Pop,” is the best selling artist of all time. He also has the best selling album of all time with “Thriller.” It is estimated that Jackson’s sales as a solo artist are over 750 million albums worldwide. Before launching his solo career, he got his start with his brothers in the popular Motown group— The Jackson 5. Michael released his first 4 solo albums between 1972 and 1975, but they were really just side projects of the Jackson 5 that Motown used to bring more attention Michael and the Jackson 5 group. Michael Jackson eventually left Motown, and signed to Epic records, at which time his popularity really took off, starting with his 1979 release “Off the Wall,” which showed Michael Jackson for the first time as an adult performer. He followed “Off The Wall,” with “Thriller” in 1982, “Bad” in 1987, “Dangerous” in 1991, “History” in 1995, and then finally “Invincible” in 2005. All these albums were immensely popular and they further cemented his reputation as the “King of Pop.” Michael Jackson died an untimely death in 2009, but his contribution to pop music continues to influence pop performers, and his sales figures will stand as the true measure of pop music success.

Styles and Genres
Pop, R&B

Band Members
Solo Artist: Michael Jackson

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Michael Jackson Off The Wall- 1979
RMR Album Rating- 4

Although many people think “Off The Wall” is Michael Jackson’s first solo album, it is actually his fifth, but it is the album where he finally broke away from Motown Records, the Jackson 5, and his child-like image.

“Off The Wall” is also Michael’s first collaboration with Quincy Jones, who was instrumental in helping Jackson find his signature sound. Jackson and Quincy Jones intentionally wanted to create an album that would not sound like a Motown record; however, they didn’t completely succeed because most of the songs on “Off the Wall” still sound like Motown songs.

Michael’s vocals are undoubtedly excellent on every song, but of the 10 songs on the album, only “Don’t Stop ‘till You Get Enough,” “Rock with You,” and “Off the Wall” really stand out. “Don’t Stop ‘till You Get Enough” is the true highlight of the album. It is also the only song on the album that gives us a glimpse of what Michael’s future albums would sound like.

“Rock With You” and “Off The Wall” are both great dance songs, and they both clearly demonstrate Michael’s amazing range of vocal diversity as he alternates between several different vocal tones in each song.

Click here to listen to Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Click her to listen to Rock With You
Click here to listen to Off The Wall

“Working Day and Night” and “Get on the Floor” are not bad songs, but they really just sound like classic Motown songs with a modern twist and some added Jackson flair. As for the other songs, I will give some credit to “She’s Out of My Life.” It is the album’s main ballad, and Jackson’s voice certainly sounds fantastic. However, to me, the song could have fit in on any of Jackson’s previous solo efforts or any Jackson 5 album for that matter. Then, you have “Girlfriend,” which was written by Paul McCartney. In theory, a McCartney written song performed by Michael Jackson should be a slam-dunk, but it is my least favorite song on the record.

Ultimately, I think this album is severely overrated. There is no doubt that Michael Jackson would go on to create some of the most innovative and timeless pop songs ever recorded, but I don’t think his legacy starts with “Off the Wall.”

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