#36 Michael Jackson, 'Off the Wall' (1979)
Previously #68
The fifth solo record by Michael Jackson, is often considered his real solo debut. It was his first solo record released through Epic Records, having already released three records through Epic with The Jacksons since their departure from Motown, it was his first solo record on which he contributed to the songwriting and production, and it was his first solo record to be released as an adult (the album came out three weeks before his 21st birthday). Also, it was the first of three records to be produced by Quincy Jones. On this release, Jackson wanted to make a record unlike his previous ones that he’d made with his brothers. His intention was to completely establish himself as a solo artist. He didn’t want to be little Michael Jackson from the Jackson 5, he wanted to be Michael Jackson.
Opening with the iconic synth line and the lyrics “You know, I was/I was wondering, you know/If you could keep on/Because the force/It's got a lot of power/And it make me feel like ah/It make me feel like... oooh!” With that signature scream, Michael Jackson was reborn. The massive horns, the Coke bottle percussion (played by MJ and brother, Randy), the bassline. The song became his first #1 since ‘Ben,’ seven years earlier. The music world was about to be rocked in a way it could never imagine. Reinventing his image, MJ’s management put him in a tux, but MJ himself finished off the look with the socks that would become a part of his trademark look. The songs on this record are massive; ‘Rock With You,’ another #1 single from the album and the fourth biggest song of 1980, ‘Workin’ Day and Night,’ ‘Off The Wall’ and ‘She’s Out Of My Life.’ Jones had originally intended for ‘She’s Out Of My Life’ to be sung by Frank Sinatra, but decided to give it to MJ to help establish his sound as a more mature artist. Trying multiple times, MJ couldn’t complete the song without breaking down. Jones turned off the lights in the studio to help MJ sing it uninhibited. Ultimately they decided to keep the song with the crying on the record. Coming at the peak of disco, this record was classy and uncliched. It was a blueprint for Pop music to come. It was nominated for 2 Grammys, winning won and would go on to become the third biggest selling record of 1980. Eventually going on to sell in excess of 20 million copies, the record was so massive for MJ that it would be almost impossible to top, until...
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