DISCOGRAPHY
OFF THE WALL
By Michael Jackson
Released
REVIEW
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
| 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 | Sager/Foster | 3:48 |
| 10 | Burn This Disco Out | Temperton | 5:24 |
PERFORMERS
| Bass | Bobby Watson Louis Johnson |
| Clavinet | Greg Phillinganes |
| Drums | John "J.R." Robinson |
| Flugelhorn | Jerry Hey |
| Flute | Kim Hutchcroft Larry Williams |
| Guitar | David Williams Larry Carlton Marlo Henderson Phil Upchurch Wah Wah Watson |
| Horn | Kim Hutchcroft |
| Keyboards | David Wolinski "Hawk" George Duke Greg Phillinganes |
| Percussion | Michael Jackson Paulinho Da Costa Randy Jackson Richard Heath |
| Piano | David Wolinski "Hawk" Greg Phillinganes |
| Sax (Alto) | Larry Williams |
| Sax (Baritone) | Kim Hutchcroft |
| Sax (Tenor) | Kim Hutchcroft Larry Williams |
| Strings | Johnny Mandel |
| Synthesizer | David Foster Greg Phillinganes Michael Boddrick Steve Porcaro |
| Trombone | Bill Reichenbach Jr. William Reichenbach |
| Trumpet | Gary Grant Jerry Hey |
| Vocals | Augie Johnson Jim Gilstrap Michael Jackson Mortonette Jenkins Patti Austin Paulette McWilliams Zedric Williams |
| Vocals (Background) | Augie Johnson Jim Gilstrap Michael Jackson Mortonette Jenkins Paulette McWilliams Zedric Williams |
| Wind | Larry Williams |