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 Michael JacksonOff the Wall Release Date: 1979 Running Time: 42:34 Label: Epic Rating:  |
Michael Jackson had recorded solo prior to the release of Off the Wall in 1979, but this was his breakthrough, the album that established him as an artist of astonishing talent and a bright star in his own right. This was a visionary album, a record that found a way to break disco wide open into a new world where the beat was undeniable, but not the primary focus -- it was part of a colorful tapestry of lush ballads and strings, smooth soul and pop, soft rock, and alluring funk. Its roots hearken back to the Jacksons' huge mid-'70s hit "Dancing Machine," but this is an enormously fresh record, one that remains vibrant and giddily exciting years after its release. This is certainly due to Jackson's emergence as a blindingly gifted vocalist, equally skilled with overwrought ballads as "She's Out of My Life" as driving dancefloor shakers as "Working Day and Night" and "Get on the Floor," where his asides are as gripping as his delivery on the verses. It's also due to the brilliant songwriting, an intoxicating blend of strong melodies, rhythmic hooks, and indelible construction. Most of all, its success is due to the sound constructed by Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, a dazzling array of disco beats, funk guitars, clean mainstream pop, and unashamed (and therefore affecting) schmaltz that is utterly thrilling in its utter joy. This is highly professional, highly crafted music, and its details are evident, but the overall effect is nothing but pure pleasure. Jackson and Jones expanded this approach on the blockbuster Thriller, often with equally stunning results, but they never bettered it. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Tracks:
| Title | Composer | Time | |
| 1 | Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough | Jackson | 6:05 |
| 2 | Rock with You | Temperton | 3:40 |
| 3 | Working Day and Night | Jackson | 5:14 |
| 4 | Get on the Floor | Jackson, Johnson | 4:39 |
| 5 | Off the Wall | Temperton | 4:06 |
| 6 | Girlfriend | McCartney | 3:05 |
| 7 | She's Out of My Life | Bahler | 3:38 |
| 8 | I Can't Help It | Wonder, Greene | 6:06 |
| 9 | It's the Falling in Love | Foster, Sager | 3:48 |
| 10 | Burn This Disco Out | Temperton | 5:24 |
Other Releases:
| Off the Wall [Bonus Tracks] Release Date: 1979 Label: Sony Music Distribution |
Member Comments On This Album.
| 1 - 2 of 2 | 2 Comments | |
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unique_chic  23 |
Fri Aug 14 2009 13:05:26 |
| Some people say the Thriller album is the greatest but i think this album was. Rock with you, PYT and I can't help it are some of my favorite songs off this album. I grew up with dangerous MJ so to discover off the wall MJ is just beautiful. To see him so young and natural is refreshing. And to see the talent and generosity he owned at such a young age is inspiring. He was truely one of a kind and has inspired me to be a better person. Never maet him or went to any of his concerts but he had a huge influence on me. The media makes him out to be a beast but his fans and family know the truth he was and forever will be heaven sent. He always aid he'll be there and made me rock to his music. He gave me a Thriller with his vids and told me to beat the violence. He made sure we knew he was bad but told us to heal the world. Told us to just smile through all the pain and sadly is gone too soon. -unique | ||
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