Off The Wall

When I was a kid Michael Jackson was ubiquitous. Just an absolute cultural juggernaut. I had a cassette tape of "thriller" and remember checking out books from the library about michael jackson and the jackson 5. I definitely can't separate his music from nostalgic childhood feelings. This album is where he truly established himself as an independent solo artist and where he found the perfect producer in Quincy Jones. I feel like this album and Thriller set a new template for pop music that is still being used to this day. Man this album starts so strong! The production is so clean and balanced. So busy and layered but not cluttered or overwhelming. Flows so smoothly. Got some of the best session musicians of the era on this album which I am acquainted with to an odd degree because of their association with yacht rock, (which this album has some crossover with). I can definitely appreciate some immaculate pop production, particularly from this era. Side 1 is a fucking ripper but I feel like the album loses a bit of steam on side 2 around the wings cover "girlfriend" and the ballad "She's out if my life" but I do like the Stevie Wonder penned "I can't help it" very much and "it's the falling in love" is yacht rock gem. More of a fan of "thriller" but this is still a very impressive album with some incredible songs.

I accept that Thriller had to be part of the 1001. I get it. But this bad boy? C'mon. Give your head a shake.

Funky funk funk funk. This is a disco masterpiece, obviously. It’s got R&B, Disco, Pop, a whole bunch of stuff. The bass playing and production is what really stood out to me. I don’t think I can really state the impact that this album made on popular music going forward. Favorite song: Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough Least favorite song: Girlfriend

Bona fide classic, and the first album we've reviewed that I have on vinyl! [insert joke here about me saying "I have that on vinyl"] Technically not a debut album, but in a way it kind of is. He started in the Jackson 5 and released a few solo albums in the early '70s, which mostly sounded like the Jackson 1. On "Forever, Michael" in 1975, his voice suddenly dropped to the range we recognize as Michael Jackson, but that album still sounds like a Jackson 1 project. With help from Quincy Jones, MJ pivoted to funky, disco pop, setting the stage for his growth into the most dominant force in pop music. The album's terrific--it opens with probably my favorite song he's ever made (first heard via Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2 - "Ch'mon, Lee!"), and it's great all the way through. Also: there's a deluxe release with a couple demos, and the original demo for "Workin' Day and Night" is awesome. I like it better than the album version and think it's one of MJ's best tracks period. Check it out! Favorite tracks: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Workin' Day and Night, Rock With You. Album art: Iconic. Totally looks like a debut. Painfully '70s, in a good way. Michael doesn't look comfortable at all, like he's worried people with think he's a poser. At that time I guess he was a poser, going from Motown soul to groovy disco overnight, but it's like a guy at party who gets up "off the wall" to storm the dance floor and show everyone up. This is my favorite cover of all MJ albums. 5/5

Various ballads and dance numbers addressed to anonymous women, but the real love affair is between Jackson and Quincy Jones. The comingling of their vocabulary of sighs, squeals, squeaks, grunts, groans, classical strings, fairydust synths and, of course, mesmeric drums is as essential to the music of the last 40 years as James Brown. Most ironic title: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. There is no 'enough'.

The first half of this album is very good but the last 4-5 songs weren't doing much for me. He's just so damn talented. Clearly not his best album but still a great listen.

Not his best album. A few good songs, though. Some really bad ones. 3.5/5

How many times have I listened to this album in my life? Too many to count. I love this album, and I am convinced that this is the greatest disco/funk album ever made. How can something sound so 70's but at the same time be so timeless? Everyone who listens to this, no matter who, when or where will be grooving to this album, it's energy is infectious. The synths, the bass, the vocal delivery of MJ and lyrical composition is top notch. The songs are all the perfect length that don't overstay their welcome, which is something that disco and funk usually have a problem with. Every song on this album is iconic, along with the album art. This album feels like its at the crossroads between MJ's child career and future adult career that we all know and love, blending the best of each. This is my personal favorite Michael Jackson album, it may not have the more iconic hits that people think of when they think of MJ, but it makes me happy, its such a pure joy to listen to. Favorite track: Rock With You Least Favorite Track: She's Out of My Life

I e joyed this album and would play it again!

Fuck dude, how do you rank an album like this? It's so hard to isolate this album from everything that came out afterwards about Michael Jackson. There's no question that Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson were an absolute force when recording together. The first song is incredible; the album starts out at a sprint. The second song is a classic as well. From there it has a very consistent feel without being repetitive. A classic party album. It feels weird giving a known pedophile 5 stars, but here we are 5/5

great album - scum of a person

Phenomenal mix of funk, soul, disco and pop from the greatest performer of all time.

The groove on this one is so immense that I wanna put on platform shoes, flared skinny-fit jeans and a silk shirt, and boogie all night. Coming from a white, Scandinavian middle school teacher in his early forties, that is quite an achievement.

Great disco album, so many good groovy songs. To be played in a social setting to get people dancing

This is the only MJ album I owned. It's so great! MJ and Q at their best! Such great songs and performances by MJ, with the tightest production ever. It's perfection. I can't stop smiling. OK, second side is not as much fun. But it's still great, I Can't Help It had me swaying in my chair. The keyboard changes are so beautiful! Oh, and in 1979, digital technology was in it's infancy. THESE ARE REAL INSTRUMENTS PLAYING. I've not heard it in ages, what a treat! Can I give 10 stars? Note to the persons rating the person, not the music: Great music needs to be acknowledge even if the performer is flawed. He was 20 here, before all the weirdness. He was wonderful then.

Young king of pop, fun album, gets you in a good mood

Michael Jackson’s best album, the funk, the groove, is truly incredible. Set the tone for music going forward.

Mmmm this was good. Rock with You is also my favorite Michael song so extra points here. And before you all bring it up, no, Michael Jackson was NOT a pedo, he just happened to like spending time with young children and having sleepovers with them. I’d ask all of you to take a good long look in the mirror and truly answer this question: don’t we all?

good album by and evil guy

I don’t support this pedo

Well produced and fun dance grooved! He was the King of Pop but it’s more of a product of Quincy Jones.

Own

Genre: Disco 5/5 I mean, good grief. Imagine 1979: a DJ slaps the new MJ record on, and spins it in its entirety for a packed dance floor. The people must’ve lost their fucking minds. MJ and Quincy Jones team up to make the blueprint for a Disco/Pop record, and a blueprint that Michael would take from himself later to make Thriller, a better album than this if you could imagine. From top to bottom, this thing is loaded with BIG hits, smooth production, tremendous playing, and amazing singing from Michael. He floats on top of everything he performs on, and this is the first major leap in his solo career that showed the listening public that he was here to stay. He may not have been The King of Pop yet, but this is damn close to anything else he made in the future. A top tier album. An essential listen.

Probably my favorite Michael Jackson album. You can feel that he loved making these songs.

One of the greats!

I'm into soul these days and I should've dug deeper into Michael's discography.

Well I'm not sure I've ever listened to a MJ album start to finish, so many bangers on this. I'm assuming MJ is now cancelled, but I do believe in separating the art from the artist and this album was very very good.

Already heard it.

Pues gran ritmo, canciones que hasta la fecha suenan de vez en cuando en dodne menos las esperas. A parte del famoso single don't stop till you get enough, me gustaron off the wall y sobre todo la ondita r&b de it's the falling in love.

Disco-y! Interesting to see some early thriller influences too

Hell yeah

Highlights - Don't Stop..., Rock With You, Off The Wall, Burn This Disco Out I've always appreciated the sonic clarity of Michael Jackson's work, his ability to craft truly toe-tapping melodies, his incredible vocal range...His foray into his solo act truly got off the ground when he partnered with Quincy Jones for Off The Wall. Don't Stop.. and Rock With You require no explanation, these are assured classics. It's worth noting that this album was made for record playback in mind, as such, the eponymous Off The Wall kicks off the B-side with unsettling laughter and transitions into a solid banger with a feel-good chorus. Burning This Disco Out closes out the second side with a funk-filled send off that'll have you dancing and flipping back to Track 1 over and over.

Masterpiece.

Solid Michael Blackson produced by Quincy Jones. Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough will always be a song to grove to. Don’t sleep on the song Get On The Floor, the bass line is amazing. I even find myself enjoying the cheesier songs lime Girlfriend.

Excellent early Michael before he really hit his stride. 9/10.

love it

This is one of my favorite albums of ALL TIME. I'd rank it higher than Thriller. But I had to give them both 5s.

Bangers

The King Don't stop til you get enough, Rock with you, It's the falling in love, Burn this disco out

Awesome. It does sound like all of 80s smooth jazz ripped this sound off, though.

Absolutely stellar, what a boppin album. Besides Girlfriend, you got ya head bumping along with every track, and it's all memorable as hell. What more to say? This is THE way to breakout into stardom (as a solo act, I guess).

Love love love this album

Pretty damn good

Just a great album front to back. Always have loved the song “Off The Wall”

Michael Jackson Goodness. Bop after Bop

Video show

Perfection

Classic grooves, all time great album

un 9,2

No. 218/1001 Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough 4/5 Rock With You 4/5 Working Day And Night 4/5 Get On The Floor 4/5 Off The Wall 4/5 Girlfriend 3/5 She's Out of my Life 3/5 I Can't Help It 3/5 It's the Falling in Love 4/5 Burn This Disco Out 3/5 Average: 3,7 Another really good album by the King of Pop. He hasn't completely found his own voice after Jackson 5 yet. Because of this I think Thriller and Bad are superior.

tbh didn’t know Mike jack hit like this

Very good start, not so familiar with the last songs. Funky disco sound was good

It’s the king of pop! Always great vocals, a couple of well known bangers and a few funkful tunes. Super fun album!! High 4

Classic pop album. Funky and classic, reminds me a lot of disco.

Hard to believe he was only 20 when he recorded and released this album. Legendary artist, legendary album!

Too bad he’s a pedo.

Although the songs are a bit weaker than on "Thriller" later, he wasn't such a weirdo at the time so he gets the credit. A classic of disco production, with some charmingly awkward bits (Macca's song is a bit cheesy; the cockney-inspired pronunciation of "help" is bizarre). This is one of Howard's faves I believe

How come no one just told Michael to just stfu with those autistic noises

Some signs of what Michael would become, but a bit too much generic-sounding disco here. I do wish I had listened to this before “Bad”.

There’s a circle I can’t square with some of the immensely popular artists on the list like the Beatles or Michael Jackson. Do their albums truly qualify as records “you must hear before you die” when they are so ingrained in popular culture that it would be shocking to find someone what has never heard a beat of their music? In a sense, they’ve become so essential that they are inessential - it should go without saying that you know at least some of their music, because being able to avoid it is almost impossible. I guess what I’m saying is that I usually don’t gain much new insight from hearing a record like this. I know who Michael Jackson was, lived through his heyday and this record didn’t move the needle on my opinion of him in any way. It’s Michael Jackson. It sounds like a Michael Jackson record. Sure, there are songs here that aren’t mainstays in popular culture, particularly in the back half, but that’s probably for a reason…they’re not that memorable and don’t do enough to differentiate themselves from other, similar sounding music of the time.

Pretty good. Some songs i enjoyed but it all kinda sounded the same.

I kind of hate this album. It sounds empty and cheap in all of the worst ways.

Today I only listened to this and the PC Engine soundtrack to "Double Dragon II: The Revenge"; listen to the latter. Off The Wall plunges after the first two tracks, which themselves are pretty fab. I'll mumble "rote late-disco" and get back to the Double Dragon II OST.

Two fantastic songs. Lots of unremarkable discopop

It was alright? Sort of blended together by the end. First two tracks are classics for a reason. The groove throughout was good. Just sort of forgettable to me.

Meh.

It was fine. Pretty repetitive, but ok to listen to. 2.5/5

Disco Michael Jackson. It's wedding music.

Really funky start followed by a load of dross. So much talent, so little taste.

imagine being a child and getting raped by someone, then the rest of your life people say you've got to listen to his music before you die. fuck this perv

Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough // Rock with You // Off the Wall // Girlfriend // It’s the Falling in Love // 4.5/5

I teetered between a 4 and a 5- but when you listen to this album, you can’t help but dance. MJ at his musical finest.

Everything that’s great with this record comes from Quincy Jones. This is a pop symphony. 5/5

Classic

He is the King

Let’s be real here. Everything that’s great with this record comes from Quincy Jones. Granted, this is probably Michael at his best. But all this timeless, symphonic, gorgeously produced music is entirely Quincy. The first five songs are some of the greatest pop songs ever recorded. Find a human that doesn’t love Rock With You. It’s pure pop perfection. I want to hate Michael Jackson as much as anyone. But Quincy Jones composed some of the best music in American history. This is a pop symphony. 5/5

RIP Quincy Jones

Always amazing

A classic.

Pretty close to perfect. A great Quincy Jones arrangement, and not over-produced. Michael at his peak, before the parody began

Nikad nisam u cijelosti poslušao ovaj album, sad mi je drago da jesam Vrhunski album, ne znam šta mi se više sviđa na ovom albumu, od harmonije, groova, ovih opakih bass linija (pogotovo na synthu), vrhunska ritam gitara koja zna gdje joj mjesto u mixu, ovi topli lead synthevi, klavijature koje iz pjesme u pjesmu sve tako lijepo bojaju ili ovaj tako fini bubanj Dobro on pjeva, ali ja bi ovaj album bez beda poslušao i kao instrumental i ocijenio ga s istom ocjenom Čista petica, bez razmišljanja

Wonderful y

In light of the recent passing of Quincy Jones, it feels no more fitting than now that I would get an album like this. It’s hard to really express how much of a powerhouse duo those two were. And now that they are both gone, all we have left to remember them is their contributions to the music industry. And thank god this is what it is. I said to my friend recently that if any record were to be left on Earth after we are all gone as proof of human existence, it should be Thriller. I’ve decided today that Bad and Off the Wall belong in there as well to complete the trilogy. Many people forget this was not Michael’s first album, and obviously not his first venture into music. But it acts more as a debut than any other work he had released previously. The differences between this and Forever, Michael, the album the preceded it, are staggering. But it’s clear the four year gap was spent well. I’ve always tried to be realistic about the kind of talent that Michael really had. No, he couldn’t play any instruments. But the voice is just as much an instrument as any, and damn did he know how to use it. I challenge you to find another artist who put layering of his own vocals to use like this. These vocal harmonies are otherworldly. Also, can we talk about this production? Quincy must have been Midas incarnate, because he somehow simultaneously created three of the best sounding albums of their respective time periods. Some of the best bass lines you can find from the 70s, like on I Can’t Help It. As far as I’m concerned, the first half of this is near flawless. And the second leg is great as well, but definitely not as consistent. She’s Out of my Life might not be the most instrumentally compelling the song. But if you aren’t captivated and deeply touched by how genuine and beautiful his vocal performance is on that song, are you even human? Nearly brought tears to my eyes. Much like Led Zeppelin, if I grow to have kids in my future, they will know who Michael Jackson was. And I hope their children will too. Thriller was my dad’s first record at age 5, so clearly it’s been passed down through the generations. The impact these three records have had can never be undone, and I’m glad I got the chance to speak on each of them. Rating: 9/10

ahhhh.. one of my favorite albums of all time, since I got this album in 1979 - I know the whole thing by heart and can say nothing bad about it, it is imprinted in my DNA : ) He made this first solo album when he was just 20, bless his heart! and of course there is Rod Temperton and Quincy Jones all over this lovelovelovelove

DSTYGE is the first single I actually owned - a Christmas gift from my aunt and uncle. They also gave me please don't go by KC and the Sunshine Band. I listened to those singles constantly on substandard record player. But I loved them. Unaware of any cultural relevance of history. They just sounded good. And I owned them. A short time later I would go to Sears and purchase edited version of The Devil Went Down to Georgia - I'm gonna tell you once you done of a gun...they wouldn't sell the one with the naughty words. The point - this album feels like the before times. Before MTV. Before the slickness of the 80s. Its plenty slick but you can really hear the musicians. It's a long way from the Jackson 5 but just this side of something else. While not the colossus that is Thriller - I think this may be the better album. I feel better after listening to it - especially side one - just banger after banger. I was literally just humming Rock with You to myself a few days for no reason other than it's just in the ether of my brain. A heck of an album.

Fav song: Off The Wall The sheer class and production quality of this album is off the chain! Regardless of how you feel about Michael Jackson on a personal level you can't deny the absolute magnitude of musicianship that went into creating this album. The drum track alone on each song had me squinting - not to mention the bass player(s). Fantastic album, amazing musicians, great writing. A smash hit imo.

I love the restraint of MJ’s vocals here compared to later stuff - beautiful. Perfect match for the funky/groovy/soulful brass, bass, guitar & percussion.

CLASSIC.

I think this album is thr bridge from 70s disco to 80s pop. An absolute classic

This was a fantastic album and such an interesting and different style choice from his past and future work.

**"Off the Wall" by Michael Jackson: An In-Depth Review** Released in 1979, *Off the Wall* marks a significant point in Michael Jackson's career, showcasing his transition from child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to a mature solo artist. It remains a landmark album that bridges the gap between disco, pop, funk, and soul, establishing Jackson as a dominant force in popular music. This review delves into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of the album while discussing its strengths and weaknesses. ### 1. Lyrics The lyrical content of *Off the Wall* primarily explores themes of love, escapism, and celebration. Jackson, known for his vocal abilities and emotive delivery, uses these themes to engage listeners on a personal and emotional level. - **Celebration and Escapism**: The album's opening track, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," is an anthem of liberation, inviting the listener to let go of their worries and get lost in the music. With its refrain "Keep on, with the force, don’t stop," Jackson's lyrics reflect an escapist philosophy, where dance and music serve as forms of release and pleasure. - **Love and Relationships**: Songs like "Rock with You" and "Girlfriend" delve into the complexities of love, although they remain relatively light-hearted and direct. "Rock with You" is a romantic invitation to enjoy the night together, while "Girlfriend" tells a story of a delicate love triangle. These lyrics, while not deeply profound, are effective in conveying the emotions associated with romantic experiences. - **Self-Reflection and Vulnerability**: The title track, "Off the Wall," goes beyond typical love themes, addressing the pressures of life and the need to break free from societal expectations. It encourages listeners to live authentically, despite external stress, and to embrace life’s spontaneous moments. The lyrics throughout the album are straightforward and mostly focused on feel-good themes rather than complex storytelling or social commentary. Jackson does not delve deeply into heavy or political topics, which, while fitting the album's danceable nature, may limit the lyrical depth for some listeners. ### 2. Music The music of *Off the Wall* is a fusion of disco, pop, R&B, and funk, characterized by infectious grooves, tight rhythms, and smooth melodies. Quincy Jones's production expertise and Jackson's vocal versatility create a dynamic listening experience. - **Disco and Funk Elements**: Tracks like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Get on the Floor" embody the essence of disco with rhythmic basslines, lush string arrangements, and prominent horn sections. The funky grooves encourage dancing, which was crucial in the late 1970s when disco was a dominant force. Jackson's ability to manipulate his voice to match the instrumentation adds a layer of synergy to the sound. - **Pop and Soul Blending**: "Rock with You" blends elements of pop and soul, creating a smooth, radio-friendly track that highlights Jackson's vocal strengths. The song's arrangement—featuring a balance of synthesizers, rhythmic guitar, and a steady beat—showcases the album's versatility, making it accessible to a broader audience beyond the disco realm. - **Ballads and Slower Tempos**: The album also includes softer, more introspective tracks like "She's Out of My Life," which brings a sense of vulnerability with its tender instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. The simplicity of the arrangement—mainly Jackson’s voice, a piano, and subtle string accompaniment—emphasizes the emotional weight of the song. The music of *Off the Wall* captures a transitional moment in popular music. It still holds the essence of disco but begins to push towards a more diverse, genre-blending style that would later dominate the 1980s. ### 3. Production Quincy Jones's production work on *Off the Wall* was pivotal in crafting the album's sound. This was the first of many collaborations between Jones and Jackson, setting a standard for their future projects. The production combines live instrumentation with studio techniques to create a polished yet dynamic sound. - **High Production Quality**: The sound quality on *Off the Wall* is exceptional, especially for its time. The use of high-end recording equipment and skilled studio musicians, such as keyboardist Greg Phillinganes and percussionist Paulinho da Costa, contributed to a vibrant sound that remains crisp and clear even decades later. - **Layered Arrangements**: Jones's expertise in orchestration and arrangement is evident in the album's layered sound. The horns, strings, and rhythm sections are intricately woven together, providing each track with a distinct character while maintaining a cohesive feel across the album. The use of orchestration, particularly on songs like "Burn This Disco Out," adds depth to the dance tracks. - **Vocals as Instruments**: Michael Jackson's vocals are not only the focal point but also serve as an instrument within the arrangements. His ad-libs, vocal textures, and harmonies enhance the rhythmic and melodic structures of the songs. For example, the scat-like vocal runs in "Working Day and Night" and the emotive inflections in "She's Out of My Life" contribute to the songs' energy and emotive power. However, the production is very much a product of its time. The heavy use of disco elements may sound dated to some modern listeners, and the reliance on live instrumentation contrasts with the digital production techniques that became more prominent in later decades. ### 4. Themes The themes of *Off the Wall* revolve around liberation, joy, love, and dealing with life's struggles, wrapped in an upbeat and danceable package. These themes are approachable and resonate with a wide audience. - **Escapism and Celebration**: The album emphasizes the idea of escaping life's pressures through music and dance. Tracks like "Off the Wall" and "Burn This Disco Out" embody a carefree spirit that was especially appealing in the post-Vietnam War and post-Watergate era, where people sought a break from societal issues. - **Love and Vulnerability**: Love is explored from different angles, from the euphoria of a new romance in "Rock with You" to the pain of heartbreak in "She's Out of My Life." The latter track is particularly notable because Jackson cries towards the end of the song, revealing his ability to convey raw emotion. - **Personal Expression and Self-Confidence**: Jackson's lyrics often reflect the importance of being true to oneself and embracing one's individuality. The title track’s message about pushing back against life's monotony and societal expectations is a testament to this. It foreshadows Jackson's future works where self-expression and social themes would take a more prominent role. ### 5. Influence and Legacy *Off the Wall* is widely regarded as a pioneering album that helped shape the sound of pop music in the late '70s and early '80s. Its impact extends beyond Jackson's career, influencing numerous artists and changing the trajectory of pop music. - **Bridge between Disco and Pop**: The album played a crucial role in moving popular music away from the traditional disco sound, incorporating more pop and funk elements that would dominate the charts in the coming decade. Jackson’s approach to blending genres opened doors for other artists to experiment similarly. - **Blueprint for Future Success**: *Off the Wall* set the stage for Jackson's subsequent groundbreaking work on *Thriller*. It introduced the world to his potential as a solo artist who could break records and appeal to a global audience. The collaboration with Quincy Jones also solidified a sound that would evolve into the distinct pop style associated with Jackson. - **Impact on Dance Culture and Music Videos**: The album’s danceable tracks influenced not only music but also dance culture, with Jackson’s performances bringing attention to the role of dance in pop music. The promotional efforts for songs like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" began setting a precedent for music videos as an art form that would reach its peak with *Thriller*. ### Pros of *Off the Wall* - **Vocal Performance**: Jackson's voice is at its peak, effortlessly blending emotion, rhythm, and melody. His ability to switch from smooth crooning to dynamic vocal runs showcases his range and versatility. - **High-Quality Production**: Quincy Jones's production elevates the album, with sophisticated arrangements that still sound fresh and well-crafted. The live instrumentation gives the music a richness often lacking in purely synthesized music of that era. - **Cohesive Yet Diverse Sound**: The album strikes a balance between cohesiveness and variety, successfully integrating disco, pop, funk, and soul without sounding disjointed. - **Universal Appeal**: Its themes of love, escapism, and joy resonate with a wide audience, making it accessible while still retaining artistic integrity. ### Cons of *Off the Wall* - **Lyrical Simplicity**: The lyrics, while effective, are often straightforward and lack depth, especially when compared to Jackson's later work. The themes are mostly confined to love and celebration, without significant social commentary. - **Dated Elements**: Certain production choices, especially the heavy reliance on disco motifs, may feel dated to modern listeners. The sound is very much tied to its time, which could limit its appeal to younger generations. - **Overlooked Tracks**: A few songs, such as "Burn This Disco Out" or "Girlfriend," while enjoyable, do not reach the same level of memorability as the album’s bigger hits. They can feel like filler compared to standout tracks. ### Conclusion *Off the Wall* is a milestone album that marked Michael Jackson's arrival as a solo superstar. Its blend of disco, pop, funk, and soul set a new standard for popular music and laid the groundwork for future innovations. With impeccable production by Quincy Jones and Jackson’s dynamic vocal performances, the album remains a significant work in Jackson's discography and music history. While the lyrics may not always reach profound depths, the album 's strengths in music, production, and emotional delivery make it a classic that continues to influence artists across genres. Ultimately, *Off the Wall* succeeds as a feel-good, danceable album that captures the spirit of an era while also signaling the beginning of Jackson's journey to musical legend status.

I'm not sure why the culture as a whole has decided that Thriller is a better album than this. This is far and away Jackson's best album, and honestly, it's not even close. Every track here is a groovy, funky disco hit. When you have a whole album of songs that could be used to get people moving at the middle school dance, you're doing something right.

Spent longer than I’d care to admit last night unsuccessfully trying to moonwalk

The influence the first half of this album had on the world is so incredibly immaculate and powerful that that alone allows it to have 10/10 in my opinion. Michael Jackson’s music is such an important part of the history of music, and it’s a bonus that it’s so good.

Absolute banger

Near-perfect album

He was an absolute not job, but he could make great music - and he knocked out a few amazing albums over a 15 year stretch, including this one. Say what you want about him inn a non-musical sense, but musically he is one of the greatest artists of all time. Every track is a banger!

Every song on this is an absolute banger, kicking off with two classics before going into some equally groovy deeper cuts. She’s out of my Life is one of MJ’s most tender ballads, and then the pace picks back up again for the last few tracks

Disco isn’t dead.

Great pop album with lots of great songs, a few quieter numbers - all round pretty good