Reviews (page 9 of 15)
I wasn’t even really in the mood for this today but the amount of bangers is undeniable.
The King of Pop deserved that moniker, especially when even a relatively mid album such as this is mostly great to listen to, from the funky fast numbers to the more melancholic slow songs. A solid 4/5
This is phenomenal, pop/funk/disco perfection. The problem is that I don't really like pop/funk/disco *that* much which gives a bit of an upper limit to this rating, no matter how open-minded I can be.
Fantastic!!
Прикольный, красиво очень даже
>Thriller Michael's best album in my opinion. Also one of the best, if not the best, disco album ever made. "Rock With You" is infectious, easily is my favorite MJ song. Then there's "Off The Wall" and "It's the Falling in Love" which are top 10 for me. Plenty of other great songs too. There are a few low points but for the most part its pretty consistent. This album makes me wanna hit the dance floor! 🕺🏻 Favorite track: Rock with You 4.5/5
Second Album de MJ proposé dans la liste après 'Bad' que je n'avais pas apprécié. Ce second album contient quelques tubes, en particulier 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' (++). Par ailleurs les lignes de basse sont souvent bonnes, mais c'est à peu près tout. Et les morceaux plus calmes de la seconde face sont peu inspirants. Je ne l'écouterais pas une seconde fois. =>2/5
Favorite Track: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough
Is "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" Michael Jackson's greatest song? Was the "Off the Wall" era the latest time he was genuinely happy? Of its time in many ways, but a classic.
Yeah, this is really good
Brilliance! So well mixed and love the ballads. No notes
YEAAAAAAAAAAAA forgot how incredible this shit is damn
Listened Before? Y A pop/disco classic. Such a talent here. Amazing voice and songs. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
A bit too disco for me
Never listened in it's entirety. Only ever really listened to Bad and Thriller as a full piece. Enjoyed this earlier stuff and the joy of it. It isn't the same polished masterclass as later albums but there is still an immense talent being displayed, and not sounding at all outdated.
I find this to be the best disco album of all time. However, there are a couple of songs that don't feel as essential as the rest of the record. Solid four-and-a-half album.
CLASSIC feel good
Yeah, there are some pretty cool songs on this album, but does that make it a cool album? No.
No thanjs
Not his best project but still good. I do think it's a bit repetitive to be honest and part of me wants to give this a 2 or 2.5 if that was possible but I will settle with a weak 3 rating.
Drummer does magic with the hi-hat, bassist is incredible, Michael's voice is amazing. With that being said, it's not my cup of tea. Too much disco on side A, and side B sounds like midnight radio.
I love the bass and drums on this album, love the beats. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough is amazing!
It’s my favorite of album of MJ’s and Quincy’s trilogy. Sure, what came next would bring him to heights I don’t think even he could’ve imagined, but here Michael sounds more joyous than on any solo album he would make. And he should, it’s a damn near perfect album. Every cut is essential (okay, “Burn This Disco Out” could’ve been left on the cutting room floor), and several songs are masterpieces of the post-Disco and R&B era. A big part of that is his voice. It’s like MJ had realized the scope of what he could produce just with his vocals; the hiccups and squeals that would become part of his trademark sound and are a rhythm instrument all on its own really started here. Just listen to the opening of “I Can’t Help It” (probably my favorite track on the album, and it’s not just because Stevie Wonder wrote it): his breathing alone instantly brings you into the song. I could go on and write a novel on why I love this album so much but Instagram isn’t the platform for such things. Instead I’ll just go listen to this classic again. I do have two solid options to listen with a physical copy, the U.S. and UK original pressings. Interestingly, because of a mastering mixup neither copies have the handclaps that are on “Rock With You” and are on most following pressings and even streaming. Once you know it, you can’t “un-hear” it. I might have to look at getting a later repress; I NEED my handclaps. It shouldn’t even need to be said, but this is a five out of five.
Find it unsettling listening to the music of a paedophile.
All these songs about girls, was it all part of an elaborate long con?
no es mi estilo pero tiene bastantes temazos muy pop
Thought the first three tracks were 5stars.
Awesome album
You just cant help but sing along to MJ
9.3/10. King of pop. Hits again.
Yeah
The first two songs are the best by far but a lot of the other ones are also good. Beats are funky. A couple of the later songs are slower and kind of boring. Good average song length.
P fun but not like all bangers but not bad
8/10 - Very enjoyable. Michael jackson is always fun to listen to. Don't stop till you get enough and rock with you are classics. But I also really liked Burn this disco out and the rest were groovy.
A couple hits and some other fun stuff. Good album
MJ's disco album. kicked off with Don't Stop til you get Enough into Rock with You, obviously both are bangers I've heard a million times. Wasn't familiar with the rest but I love disco and I'm sure I would have been spinning this nonstop when it came out 3.9/5
I've never been in interested in Micheal Jackson even though he is one of the most popular and critically lauded artists ever. I've grown up only hearing of him as a pedo so even if that's not true it's always in the back of my mind when I listen to him. If I want to listen to similar music, there's a bunch of other artists that I can listen to instead, I have zero emotional investment in MJ. 5/10 cause I'm mainly indifferent on the music itself. Favorite track(s): Don't stop till you get enough (I'll admit this is a banger) Will I revisit?: low priority Rating: 5/10
Fav track: i can't help it
Nice
Not my fave MJ but I like it alright
Very classic. There's a couple of songs I'm not really into and it's not the sort of thing I play very often but there's some corkers on here. Good old Quincey Jones!
Took me a while to unlock my ears to this album, cream of the crop
Okay I Get It Now
I mean he is a genius. A genius into kids.
MJ is a featherweight, a tragic punchline popinjay. But this is a Quincy Jones joint, so the first couple of singles at least do absolutely slap. The connective tissue is weaksauce milquetoast disco pop but hey, it's sort of alright.
Great album, great songs by Quincy and Supurb delivery by MJ. All bangers 10/10
ок
Some bangers, but not obsessed with it as a whole
Didn't really dig this one too much. Two classics on here stops it from being a worse rating.
Good Album, very uprising plus I have always wanted to start listening to MJ so this served as a gateway. He has set the bar high with this one, but I am sure he is going to surpass it lmao.
Good
I'm not big on Michael Jackson in the first place, but as far as his music goes, "Off The Wall" is definitely not remarkable.
Es mi disco preferido de Michael. Hasta la mitad es increíble, después decae un poco.
Disco Mike. Not Bad.
Unspektakulären Michael Album. Das Aussehen war anders aber die Stimme die selbe. Irgendetwas zwischen Saturday Nightfever und Stevie Wonder. Zum Glück hat er dich in den 80er und 90er noch gesteigert.
Et ça démarre avec deux bombes qui ne peuvent laisser aucun jarret et bassin immobile : « Don’t Stop ´Til You Get Enough » et « Rick Euth You », avec Ouh !, Eih ! et Ahh! à profusion qui se sortiront ici et là durant tout l’album. Ça se poursuit avec la non moins bougeante « Working Day And Night », avec cloches rythmées, autres percussions, guitares enflammées et pianos. Et la face A se termine par une invitation de Michael à « Get On The Floor » and « dance with me » dans une hymne disco. Première face parfaite. La face B s’avère moins forte, malgré la chanson titre « Off The Wall » qui accote les précédentes. Les autres chansons plus douces sont moins fortes.
Bedste Michael Jackson album. Perfekt produktion fra Quincy Jones
Yndlings MJ plade tror jeg, meget funky!
Fine.
Best songs to dance to
Wonderful! One of my favorite MJ songs ever is on this album, She's Out of My Life. It's beautiful.
Infectious, top notch productie van Quincy Jones, en Michael Jackson op een wat mij betreft perfect kruispunt in zijn carrière waarin hij z'n jeugdige energie prima weet te doseren met een volwassen sound (ondanks dat het disco is). Geen groots fan van de man als artiest, maar dit is wel een banger. De enige van hem waar ik echt blij mee thuis zou komen uit een platenzaak. De combinatie 'Girlfriend' en 'She's Out of My Life' neigt al meer naar 80s ballad Jackson, en valt wat minder goed hier, maar de geweldige schwung die er in zat op kantje 1 wordt daarna weer snel opgepakt. 8/10 Highlights: Rock with You Off the Wall It's the Falling in Love
RIP Quincy Jones. Lekkere discoplaat, en nog zonder al dat ge-ie-ie van MJ. Daar begon hij blijkbaar pas mee in de jaren 80... 7/10 Highlights Dont Stop Til You Get Enough
I'm so sick of this list acting like if an artist is good, every album of theirs needs to be on this list.
Don't stop, till you get enough - and not much more.
This version of Michael is far too soulful for me.
If any album would make someone enjoy the disco era, it's this one. Great first few songs. As a producer, Quincy Jones was a genius.
First two songs are solid, but the rest of the album is pretty mundane. Wanted to give an extra star for spring-boarding his trajectory, but this falls well short of “Thriller”.
I’ve never listened to a Michael Jackson album from front to back with intention. But I had a good time!!! There was a lot more range in this record than I anticipated and the obviously lots of bangers
5*
solid album
Well produced dance music.
I find this album cover terrifying and I’m not even a child.
I enjoyed this while listening to it, then kinda forgot about it immediately after. I imagine this would have hit very hard in '79. But knowing, as we do, the stronger music that was yet to come... this does feel a little forgettable. 3 stars from me.
This is the first massive solo album from Michael Jackson. I didn't particularly care for it too much - a bit too pop for me, but there's no denying it was hugely influential. However, I far prefer Thriller to this album.
Obviously a classic that deserves its place on the list. I wasn’t a fan of the ballads but the more upbeat songs are legendary.
Surprisingly had not listened to this in full. Bangers from one of entertainment's biggest monsters.
A few 5 star songs. The rest of the album is ok. But the hits are huge. 3.75.
classic generational vocals and undeniably timeless album. no one will ever do it like him. great album but I feel like he has other album with more hits on it, a lot of these songs I've never heard of before. Not this album is bad for that, but if you have an album where every other track is iconic, than it's infinitely more impressive.
Found it boring.
Pretty fun album. The thing that makes it not 5 stars is that after a while so many of the songs start to sound too similar.
super funky dance inspired album with some fun Michael cuts that i haven't really heard before. I dig it!
Banger after Banger, what else do you expect from the king of Pop? Got a little slow for my taste in the second half but either way. 8/10
Very groovy album, I really like the bass sound. The hits are great, everything else is good. I've never found a Michael Jackson ballad that I've enjoyed so Girlfriend and She's Out of My Life are my least favorite songs here. Mid 4.
If you don’t like this album you can go funk yourself
Classic bops. I will rate everything Motown 5 stars.
This album is strong from beginning to end. Growing up listening to electronic and house music, it’s clear how much influence these tracks had on that genre and how often they’ve been sampled. It’s easy to understand why this album has been such a key part of both pop and dance music history.
Always loved this album as it was the one that united Michael with Quincy jones
Blast from the past hell healthy and sweet. He looks on the cover of the Album.
Tons of fun.
Two cracking tracks to begin with, rest was pretty decent. 3.5 stars.
I get it, MJ just isn't for me.
Feels a bit dated now
Ohh MJ! The one that lead to Thriller. A head bobbing blend of Soul, R&B, and disco. This album may be the link between disco and 80’s pop. What a fun listen.
Some of the classics combined with tracks I've never even heard. Really funky, great tunes. Highlights: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough Rock with You Off the Wall
Superb from start to finish.
Enjoyed. Personal favourite better than Thriller in my opinion. Don't like him
Album #1 What a pull! An absolute disco powerhouse, with gems all over the record. The singles are notorious, and the deep cuts are just as entertaining. What a great fucking album from MJ.
I cannot rate him. Such a lost person, a poor human, and a scum as well. The album itself is pretty solid and I would rate it a three, but I made it a rule for myself ..
Feels very fitting for NYE. Luxurious, crisp clean almost sensual production. Instrumentals are perfect, playing is very tight but doesn’t feel robotic. MJ puts in a stellar vocal performance. Album starts with an incredible 6 track run and loses a bit of momentum around she’s out of my life, which I’ve never really enjoyed as a single. Fits a bit better in the flow of the album but still not a fan of the song. Album is incredibly smooth and outside of the aforementioned song every track is great.
pretty monotone... it did nothing for me
I mean
Eh, it’s pretty good but not exactly my jam
A few great ones. Too many slow ones.
GOLDEN. i can not listen to this with out groovin
Thank you Quincy Jones
Second half isn’t as strong as the first but still a strong 4.5 stars
I thought id like it more, but great intro songs
Increíble el mejor disco de MJ una locura
It is difficult to separate Michael Jackson's music from Michael Jackson the person. Clearly he was a massively talented artist, but not such a great person. Off the Wall is interesting because it seems to be the point right before he began to lose touch with reality. Also before the Pepsi commercial accident when he went completely off the rails never to recover. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock with You are really great songs. She's Out of My Life was also very popular. The rest of the album is good. Off the Wall stands out among the rest. Hard to judge this album fairly when his next album happens to be the best selling album of all time, but this one is good.
Good dance album at the start then gets more soulful and sad, gets a bit repetitive but vert good album
Love a bit of Michael Jackson. This has some absolute bangers on it but it’s probably not quite my favourite MJ album. Still a great listen though!
Two forces of nature (Michael and Quincy Jones (RIP)) collide to change the trajectory of modern music was we know it. Overshadowed by Thriller, but rarely bettered.
The pinnacle of disco production paired with pure pop songwriting and fueled by endless supplies of cocaine and funk. Updating the Motown sound for the synth erA, this album that has been the template for commercial RnB ever since. When you open with an all time great song it's going to be downhill inevitably. The slow jams and ballads stink - skewing way to far to the saccharine schmaltz side and lacking the tight dance grooves that make it endearing. Favorites: don't stop till you get enough, rock with you, burn this disco
Ok
Are you kidding? 5 stars. No question.
Off the Wall is overall a fantastic album and truly a masterpiece. I feel the first half is a bit stronger than the second, not that the second half is bad; it’s SO GOOD. If the second half matched the energy of the first, it’d be an even higher rating for me.
Bass is amazing. Works when there's a swift tempo. When he slows down it's a bit cringe. Girlfriend is unlistenable, She's Out of My Life is... well, melodramatic. Overall, MJ is a tragic figure; a product of a difficult upbringing and an ultimately distorted reality that led to harmful choices and impulses.
It's an interesting album. It did well in the charts, but compared to the NEXT album... it seems almost forgotten. But there's a lot of great stuff here. It's definitely one I listened to a second time. Quincy Jones' touch is all over the album, you can just hear it with every song. It was the start of a triumvirate of an albums for MJ, and it will be known as the peak of his career. "She's Out Of My Life" and "It's The Falling In Love" are probably the weakest songs on the album, but that's just because the other songs really stand out. Most artists would kill for songs like those 2. I don't know if this album is better than "Thriller", but it is definitely a great album. Recommended.
This is the album where Michael Jackson became a solo artist, fully freed from the Jackson 5. Don't overlook it just because it's disco or pre-Thriller. The first three tunes are funktastic disco perfection - just try not to rock to the beat. You know the big singles Don't Stop til You Get Enough and Rock With You but how was Working Day and Night not a single? The beats are ridiculous - so many lame but cool disco moves could've been done to those beats. The next two songs - Get on the Floor and the title track - start a little slow in my opinion but they pick up once the first chorus hits and especially in the bridges. Both are still disco gold. Then he goes in a slightly different direction for the next two with the Wings/Paul McCartney remake Girlfriend and She's Out of My Life. The former is still fun, just less disco (feels more like a song you'd hear on Thriller). The latter is a pop tear jerker (maybe more reminiscent of his Ben) but it is a very sweet song. Maybe my favorite on the album. He doesn't quite recapture the same disco steam when he tries to crank it up again for the last three songs (Burn the Disco Out gets close), but the songs aren't bad. Definitely better than a couple head scratchers on Bad (Liberian Girl, Speed Demon) and I gave that album a 5. So I'm giving this album a 5. All the more impressive when you think about how he was the king of pop - which was a different sound - but with this album he was also the king (or at least part of the royalty) of disco.
It's disco, but it's outstanding disco. I can't count myself an MJ fan, but I can absolutely respect this album. Lots of good bops, fantastic funky musicianship. The lyrics are about an inch deep - dance with me and let's rock all night, girl. But there are no stinkers - even Paul McCartney's cheesy Girlfriend and the schmaltzy She's Out of My Life are both decent (and more credit to MJ because the original Wings version of Girlfriend is pretty bad). Favorite tracks: Rock With You, Get on the Floor (LOVE the bass on this one - shout out to Louis Johnson's awesome funky bass on this album), I Can't Help It (written by and absolutely sounds like Stevie Wonder), It's the Falling in Love (major earworm, again with great bass).
A solid album from one of the most complicated men to ever grace the planet.
This absolutely kicks in and I thought I was going to hear a masterpiece given I knew what was coming up. And it is certainly a piece of work, but in the end not "quite" consistent enough and tails off a bit. It has some outstanding tracks though, starting with that first song.
Classic MJ
nice
Maybe his best work? Epitome of pop, you just wanna dance
Heard before. Close to perfect.
There's some great songs on this album. Don't Stop and Rock With You are an amazing 1 - 2 punch to open with. The production here is great. Lots of layered sounds with out sounding too busy. For me the second half of the album drops off a bit.
What a great album. Slick, simple and killer grooves. Very clear why he became so famous.
Less hits than I thought, but still great.
Après trois albums complets de Michael Jackson, je pense qu'il est un tantinet surévalué, et cet album est probablement celui qui appartient le moins à cette liste. Oui on reconnait son style, mais la moitié de l'album est oubliable. Je sais qu'il est super influent, mais j'ai l'impression que c'est plus pour ses singles que pour l'intégralité de ses albums. 5/10
Kind of genre-defying. I knew more tracks than I thought. The instrumentation is great. Overall it's a bit funkier than I prefer but the guy was unquestionably an amazing singer.
Not a 'have to hear'
Hearing this felt as good as I imagine it felt sleeping with dem kids
The definition of pop music, can feel how his influence has made its was into todays music. I absolutely love the disco feel to this album.
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough // Rock with You // Off the Wall // Girlfriend // It’s the Falling in Love // 4.5/5
No
The highs are so high but there is some mid here between.
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.
A true classic
Everything that’s great with this record comes from Quincy Jones. This is a pop symphony. 5/5
These are some really good bops. Real good album.
very good pop album. insane the quantum leap he takes on Thriller
Close to 40 years since I've listened to this album and it feels every year of it!
This makes sense to be on the list and is a great example of a pop album. Good energy, fun, strong talent. It's not the deepest content but it's a great listen.
Feels crazy going from yesterday's album James Brown right into this. Really makes the inspiration clear. Michael as I've said before brings the energy and charisma, but I find the music mediocre. The first two tracks are fun to dance to.
Saw I got Michael Jackson, got excited. Opened up the album to see 2 of his good songs followed by a lot of not great songs. It's aight.
Classic
He is the King
definitely groovy and memorable
Zwischen 3 und 4. MJ immer wieder fire, aber kein absoluter Banger in diesem Album.
The pinnacle of disco (?) I cant help it intro findi legiiiit.. Sust chli disco-overdosig für mich, und sini singart isch mer teils chli zu wenig voluminös. Aber d Musiker*inne sind immer meega on point 👀 (3.5 stern)
Don‘t stop till you get enough: gefällt mir, allerdings ist mir noch nie aufgefallen, dass der Song mit der Zeit ziemlich repetitiv wird.. Rock with you: geht ab, ich mag den Rhythmus, die Mehrstimmigkeit, die Blechbläser, die immer versetzt spielen, den Synthie, durch den das Stück in eine andere Tonart gehoben wird. Workin day and night: cool, dass die Hektik vom Titel sich in der Musik zeigt (Schlagzeug schnell und hektisch, Gesang auch hektisch). Die kurze Pause in der Intensität bei der no no no Stelle gegen Ende finde ich sehr geil, die macht, dass der Song danach noch mehr reinhaut. get on the floor fällt ein bisschen ab, finde ich. Die instrumental-Stellen finde ich repetitiv und etwas dunkler als die mit Stimme. off the wall: Auch sehr tanz-worthy, die Stimmharmonien gefallen mir. girlfriend: kannte ich bisher nicht so gut. Ich finde, es ist eine willkommene Abwechslung mit dem langsameren Rhythmus und der weniger aufgeregten Stimmung - und leitet wunderschön über zum nächsten Song. she‘s out of my life: uuuh die Akkorde. So geil schnulzig und schmerzhaft. Aber Michi, das Ganze wäre noch schöner, wenn du hoch genug intonieren würdest;) I can‘t help it: Die Lyrics vom Refrain sind super. Die Akkorde gefallen mir gut. It‘s the falling in love: Finde ich weniger spannend als die anderen Lieder. Burn this disco out: burns the disco out.
Début en fanfare avec “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough” où Michael Jackson montre ce qu’il est désormais capable de faire en solo avec Quincy Jones à la production. Ca enchaine avec “Rock with you”, sympathique également. Le reste est un peu trop disco pour moi, avec une production trop envahissante, trop clinquante et donc maintenant datée. “Off the wall” est sympathique. Par contre “Girlfriend”, reprise des Wings de McCartney est trop cheesy, comme “She’s out of my life”… En fait l’album baisse en intérêt au fur et à mesure qu’il avance, c’est pas top pour laisser une bonne impression, malgré quelques sursauts comme le refrain de “It’s the falling in love”.
Criminali
ik its ironic considering that one of the big dividing lines this record marks is jackson's departure from motown, but this record more than anything ive ever heard rly makes me consider disco as a direct and vital continuation of the classic motown sound, maybe even more so than many things from motown's actual disco output. jackson and co's vision of the genre here has real grit coexisting effortlessly with the sophistication, obviously labored over perfectionism to the effect of natural free-flowing charisma. inevitably people gravitate more towards the funky bangers on side a but the soul-tinged ballads on side b are where i had most of my thoughts ab classic motown, and as the resident Ballad Stan i enjoy both sides about equally anyway. not at all an idiosyncratic or unexpected choice to throw on during a party but thats mainly because its probably near impossible to hear this and not think about its potential as party backing
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
The first two tracks on this album are bangers. The rest? Not so much. Three stars for the first two tracks.
Always amazing
Very good album actually. Should have stuck to this kind of music. Whatever. I’m not a MJ fan but this is smooth and nice and sexy.
Not my favorite genre but the album was solid.
This was a jam, quite enjoyed listening to it. Good getting shit done music for work. To be honest though, it didn't grab be to the point where it will ever occur to me to put it on in the future.
A classic.
Pretty close to perfect. A great Quincy Jones arrangement, and not over-produced. Michael at his peak, before the parody began
Pa meni je ovo dobar album. Izlizan, ali dobar. Mislim da zaslužuje biti tu. Prvi dio albuma mi bolje leži malo. Ima par baš dobrih gruv trenutaka, totalno mogu zavajbati bez obzira što je to MJ. U usporedbi s Bruceom, npr. ovdje baš čujem kvalitetne zvukove, ima mi malo nekih jazz elemenata čak u ritam sekciji. Imam i više poštovanja prema njemu nakon što sam gledala doku o snimanju We Are The World pjesme. A i čuje se i vidi utjecaj Quincyja na njega. Ako je Bruce dobio 3 za nostalgiju, on će dobiti 4/5 ili 7/10.
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
8/10 Super mi je ovaj raniji Jackson dok je bio mega popularan, a ne superduper najpopularniji ikad. Disco i soul se ovdje puno vise osjete nego na kasnijim izdanjima, gdje je izrasao u kralja popa. Nego, Jacksona sam dosta slusao ali dugo ovaj album nisam pustio. Svidja mi se kako je upbeat, zanesen i ima tu mladenacku energiju. Najdraza mi je Off The Wall i zanimljivo mi je kako nije poznatija, ali uz toliko hitova nije ni cudo da se jedna stvar po kojem se album zove uspije zagubiti. To valjda samo on moze. Sta reci, dobro se znam s ovim albumom i nije me po nicemu iznenadio zbog toga, pa ce biti (samo) osmica. Shamon-ee!
Love me some MJ, but this isn't my favorite of his albums. Most glorified disco before he goes full MJ. The first two songs are phenomenal and warrant 3 stars on their own. The rest of the album doesn't do it for me.
Not my favorite Michael Jackson album. This is glorified elevator music for the most part.
Good
Timeless wedding music
It was alright. No surprises. The ballads are hard to get through. 1001 album worthy- Yes- 2/3
I think this is his best album.
Decent album
Wonderful y
bruh dont stop til you get enough- 5 rock with you- yakuza disco music. 6 working day and night- 5 get on the floor- 5. the bass is good off the wall- NOT HEE HEE. hes haunting me. girlfriend- 4 shes out of my life- 4 cant help it- 4 its the falling in love- 5 burn this disco out- 5 it was ok ig
Eigentlich nur gute Lieder, aber keins was es wirklich wert ist gespeichert zu werden. Trotzdem vier Sterne
Michael Jackson's Off The Wall. Yeah, whoa! I'll say he is. He's crazy. Off the planet. Isn't he gonna freeze himself…? 3.5
I like it
Michael was always a bit too pop for me to really get into but this album is, grudgingly, pretty good.
#81 - Very well rounded, Classic MJ
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
One boom BOOM💪
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
Thriller is my Michael Jackson go-to album. This one doesn't hold up the same. That said, I do quite enjoy Off the Wall.
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.
Favourite track: Rock with You.
Off The Wall was Michael Jackson's breakout album, and it's obvious why. He comes out of the gate with some of his biggest hits in "Don't Stop..." and "Rock with You". The second half of the album (I'm guessing side B), is a little slower, but it seems purposeful. When you were listening to a record, they basically gave you the option to listen to upbeat songs on side A and slow, emotional songs on side B. While Thriller is his magnum opus, this is probably the most down to earth album MJ made in his solo career. Best Songs: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, Off the Wall, Burn This Disco Out Worst Songs: She's Out of My Life
4 stars
Super disco-y, which means all the tracks feel homogenous and drawn out. It wants to be fun but if you're not at a club in the 70's it's pretty boring
glitz and glamor! there's a level of sophistication in the songwriting and arrangements on this album that you just don't see as often in mainstream pop music anymore. dozens of session musicians, arrangers and writers came together to make these songs come alive (especially the Jerry Hey Horns!), and Michael Jackson's smooth, energetic vocals tie them all together. this is absolutely the first album that comes to my mind when I think of the disco era, and I think it's largely off the strength of the initial run of three songs. two of MJ's most iconic hits, and the often-overlooked "Workin' Day and Night", which really wowed me. the title track also delivers, of course, but some of the deeper cuts don't have that same sense of impact. despite the front-loaded nature of the tracklist, I think this album still succeeds on a lot of fronts. some of Jackson's later albums succeed mainly on the strength of their eclecticism, but I think I prefer this album's more singular sonic focus. light 8/10.
A solid album and this doesn't have any of Michael Jackson's biggest hits. I tend to separate the art from the artist with Michael Jackson and I'm not sure if that's acceptable or not. Life is complicated. At the end of the day, I like Michael Jackson's music. Shout out to Teddy Perkins, if you haven't seen Atlanta check it out.
3 out of 5. Second Micheal Jackson album so far. A step down from Thriller but still has some good songs like Rock With You.
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.
This was more funky and disco than I expected and I liked it more than expected as well. He's a legend, but looking at the track listing I thought I really only knew a song or two so was wondering how the others would stack up. Turns out, mostly well! I found myself grooving along to most of it. However, I thought "Girlfriend" and "I Can't Help It" were the low points of the album. I wasn't much for "She's Out of My Life" but absolutely can acknowledge how beautiful his voice sounds on that track, so I can forgive it a bit. Very good, but not quite great for me so it's a 4*.
A classic. Not quite masterpiece Michael, but finally feels out of the Jackson 5 era.
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.
I dont really like Micheal Jackson but I like the funkiness 7/10
Michael could make hits. This album opens with two of the best in a massive catalog of great pop songs. I struggle with these albums serving the purpose of a coherent musical vision. But I don't know that they have to.
Happy, Hype album (8/10)
might be his best
Not a fan of the slower songs like She's Out of My Life, but an overall enjoyable album.
Definitely my fave MJ album by quite a stretch. Strong funk and disco elements here and solid unaffected vocals. A much more soulful effort then the highly mannered overproduced 'Thriller' and the inconsistent 'Bad'.
As músicas podiam ser um pouco mais curtas, vc se entedia no meio delas às vezes
4.5
Not my favourite among MJ’s work.
listened to again continues to be one of the great records
This is a more consistent than Thriller but with nowhere near as many highs. And like Thriller it has a stinker ballad in the middle. Shakes out as a 4.
good
I'm not keen on paedophiles.
This is the only Michael Jackson album I ever owned. It was huge back in the day but it's definitely a product of it's time and nothing that I'm interested in any longer. The most impactful song -She's Out Of My Life.
Great album. I love this style of disco and funk even though I don't listen to it often. There were a few forgettable songs but also some that are amazing.
1 legendary song + like 36 minutes of well-produced MJ disco
We need to bring back the word "boogie"
**"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.
Post-disco pop music. Some recognizable tracks in there. I remember my aunt had this record on when we went to visit her one time.
Ever since the allegations and information that has come out about Michael its hard to sperate the art from the artist. He is musically a genius but a very flawed person for many reasons. I do not listen to MJ unless its on the radio I can never face putting it. Anyway listened to Off The Wall and its great front to back. Would be a 4 star but can only give 2 for well reasons.
It's really hard to separate the art from the artist with Michael Jackson. Aside from his personal life, the overhyped superstardom really drove a lot of his later career music in my mind. A lot of the late career stuff wouldn't have ever had a single radio play if it wasn't him releasing and it made inordinate amounts of money despite that. This album however, it's clear why people were into it. Parts are a bit dated now, but I 100% see why this hit at the time and a lot of it just holds up. Am I the only one hearing "Part of Your World" in "She's Out of My Life?" Did The Little Mermaid take a little more than "inspiration" from that track? Anyway, attempting to separate art from artist, this was an enjoyable listen. I see why it was so big in its time. 4/5
3/5
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.
I rock with the maestro Quincy and the many musicians he employs on this album, but I do not rock with the man on its cover.
Da va kje så nostalgisk som eg håpa
Listened to it before definitely a classic
I hate Michael Jackson, think he is despicably overrated by critics. However, there's no getting away from the fact that this record is great, with hits galore, a crack squad of songwriters and a stellar production job from Quincy Jones. The latter's contribution here set forward a new template (for better or worse) for pop music, and it has aged surprisingly well. In fact, the singles here might be the tracks that have stayed in circulation, but the deep cuts have stood the test of time much better. McCartney's "Girlfriend" shines in particular. I don't love 'Off the Wall' - the second side slump is a bit too jarring unfortunately - but I will say I liked it a lot more than I expected to.
Beautifully crafted by Quincy Jones - the percussion on "Don't Stop" is wonderfully insistent - and packed with the wordless, other-wordly vocalisations that add more spice. Great tunes, fabulous grooves.
Не самые лучшие его песни, но альбом клевый
Love this album. So creative, so catchy. In 79, I had moved from California and this was played at all the clubs. 8/10
I’m certain Side A of this album got way more worn than Side B ever did.
Great
Some great songs but not a complete album
While I’d pick Thriller over this album, you can’t deny the magic of early Michael Jackson. Every song gets my body moving and the performances are fantastic.
Not the biggest MJ fan but can’t deny his talent and influence.
Great pop record. Some all-time tracks that are always popular at weddings and parties. We can ride the boogie!
Spent longer than I’d care to admit last night unsuccessfully trying to moonwalk
bruh minus one star for being a pdf 💀💀 great album tho
I know it's wildly influential, and I enjoy some of the individual tracks on there, but when my overwhelming feeling coming out of an album is "Christ, that went on a bit", it's rarely a good sign.
Really not my sort of thing. A lot of these songs are classics, so they’ve been everywhere for decades, proper Radio 2 fare. Having said all that, you can’t deny the quality, and the Quincy Jones production really shows.
"Keep on, To the post office" I feel that this is going to be the first of many "it's just not for me" albums on this list - this has clearly been put together with some expert musicians, it's very well executed and the levels of each part seem exactly where they need to be... and I still don't like it. The first couple of tracks are very high-energy disco, and I'm a fan of the accompaniment on Working Day and Night, but Michael Jackson has never done it for me from a singing / songwriting standpoint, and this album has unfortunately not changed my perception on that. Additionally, I feel that the album definitely runs out of juice somewhere around the second half, and never quite gets it back. All in all, I can understand if this is your jam, but it's just not doing it for me. Faves: Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Working Day and Night
banger
Disco sucks
The first half is really fun. The second is dull. Michael Jackson cannot convey emotion in his voice and shouldn’t try to sing ballads. I will revisit a few songs from this album- off the wall and get on the floor specifically.
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.
That bass on the opening hit "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" is enough to give this a minimum 4/5 on its own. Sets the tone for the album - an awesome R&B-meets-disco collection with organic instrumentation and even though it's super-produced (Quincy Jones) to a fine detail...it's still not over-produced (even though that makes no sense). Best overall aspect is that there's a great sense of space in all of these songs, it's not too much. Don't care what genre you like or not, and I don't like or listen to much dance music per se, but this fkng rocks. Even though through cultural osmosis his next album Thriller permeates/d everything, I like this first half better than Thriller. Counterpoint: the 2nd half is a marked step down... tracks 6-9 are generously-average which kills the vibe (although the final cut "Burn This Disco Out" does redeem it before the end) a bit. TL;DR: The first 5 songs are a slam-dunk 10/10 then it gets a little....soupy/sappy.... after that, so i'll give it a high 4 overall. 9/10 4 stars.
I've never listened to a full Michael Jackson album before so this was a fun one to get recommended on a Friday. The album starts off by pumping a well known hit into your ears and you're going. I like the upbeat tunes and the complexity of the music itself on some tracks when listening carefully. The title track has some very enticing backing vocals as well. Jackson's voice and exclamations are quite unique but they work well. Adding this to my library so it get's a solid 4*
Funky, géométrie variable sur la tracklist
The King of Pop y'all
MJ is always such a full package. Every song feels so tightly produced. Also the basslines are killer. Perfect example of A-sides and B-sides. First half of the album is considerably better than the back half. Although, "It's the Falling in Love" would make for a killer sample in a modern track. Fav Track: Off the Wall
Meh.
Obvious masterpiece with insane production value. The opening track is probably his best song. I love the disco elements and the heavy funk bass combined with virtuoso vocals.
Front half amazing back half nowhere near as good 8.5/10
Honestly really enjoyable aside from the super saccharine “She’s Out of My Life” that just dated this way harder than any of the disco influenced stuff.
Was ok
3.6
Yea disco fun. Was Michael Jackson a monster? Probably The music was good but also this isn't thriller 8/10
Absolute banger
He’ll yeah Favorite Track: Rock With You
Near-perfect album
It's just okay. Rick James had better stuff. So did Prince. And the Isley Brothers. Maybe it was a game changer at the time but it's got like three tracks I'd come back to and the rest is fine.
Still enjoyed this even though it wasn’t just hit after hit like Thriller.
Catchy disco tunes from a serial child molester.
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!
She’s Out Of My Life is the pick here.
I’ve never been a Michael Jackson fan, even though he was exceptionally popular through middle and high school. And over time, I’ve grown to like it even less because I still hear it too much. Not sure I bag tell you why his music bugs me, but generally Iv would turn the dial of he’s on the radio.
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
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You" start the first real Michael Jackson debut on an all-time high. One can legitimately argue it all goes downhill from there, but if the peaks after that first leg are smaller, they are still peaks nonetheless. There are "Workin' Day And Night", "Burn This Disco Out", "Get On The Floor" , the title track and "I Can't Help It", which was co-written by Stevie Wonder. I knew something interesting was happening melody-wise on this one before I even checked the credits. And the moody, Rhodes piano (?) instrumentation on the song sure adds to its evocative surroundings. So Jackson and his mentor Quincy Jones were well on their way to *Thriller*'s level of pop sophistication with this famous solo debut. Of course, they had not reached that point yet. *Off The Wall* still lacks the luster and bite of its successor. Besides, there is a couple of clunkers in this album, and they grate even more than the rare ones in *Thriller*. The cream on the shitcake is obviously "Girlfriend", as cheesy and awful as the Paul McCartney and Wings original. But one should also mention the bland, inert and saccharine "She's Out Of My Life"... What's convenient is that those two clunkers follow one another, so I can always directly skip them when I listen to the record. It is said that some albums from The Weekend and later Tame Impala LPs found their inspiration in *Off The Wall*. Those albums are way more annoying than most of what can be found in this debut, very ironically. But they're *so annoying* that I might be tempted to blame Michael Jackson for the fact that they even exist. 🙃 More seriously, I could see why a fan of pop music, funk and disco would single this record out. For me, that doesn't mean it's an automatic addition to list of best albums of all times, but I will give this one the benefit of the doubt at least. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 4 8 5/10 for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 48 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 409 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 239 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 305⭐
some hits to start but a bit too slow to be great
How come no one just told Michael to just stfu with those autistic noises
192/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Who am I to rate the king of pop.
Michael is at his best when he's energetic, and has an outstanding, loud horn section backing him up. To that effect, the first half of this record is excellent but it drags as soon as he starts slowing it down.
I really can’t believe how many songs I know from this album. I’ve never listened to it before. This is really good.
It's Michael Jackson! What we have here is someone who is extremely good at doing their job. Even I have to admit that. The unfortunate thing is, that it's just not what I would choose to listen to. But for quality it's got to be a 3.
Side one of the LP an unquestionable 5 stars. If that doesn’t get you moving and grooving then you’re not wired up right. Disco/funk perfection. Side two of the LP far too mushy.
One has to take his future antics, as well as the musical abomination he became and judge this on its merits, not easy. but it's pretty good for a pop record and some famous hits, which I don't mind too much. He deserved his fame if it was based solely on this effort
Loved the first half of this album - it was fun and got me dancing while cooking. The second half, not so much. Solid 3.5 stars.
Disco isn’t dead.
# 330 : They've done a pretty decent job, great album, I like the hits of course, but this is a fun album and it really gets you in a good mood. Second side is not as much fun, But it's still great. I Can't Help that it had me tapping my feet the whole time! Favourite track : Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Not an interesting album for me.
Lots of funk and disco but not as good as Thriller. Dont stop till you get enough and Rock with you carry the album. Fantastic songs but past the opening to I found it to be very average Favourite song: Dont stop till you get enough Least favourite: Get on the floor Album artwork: An odd man
Very good album, and amazing start to his real solo career. Love the funk and disco influence. Basslines are amazing.
Great pop album with lots of great songs, a few quieter numbers - all round pretty good
Take disco, speed it up, add really watered down funk horns and top it off with Motown polish. It makes for a really great sound and this is a great album. Stronger on the first side than the second, but when it’s strong it is really strong. It’s hard not to dance when this album is playing. But I’ve criticized disco for being just music to dance to in the past, so why is this better? I’m not sure. It’s definitely not that the lyrics are any deeper on this album than on a random Chic song. Maybe it’s Jackson as a performer. He wasn’t just the singer in a disco band. He was honestly a once in a generation talent. A lot of the material on this album was great but Michael Jackson was going to elevate any material he performed at this time. In addition to his natural talent, he had been training his entire life to be great at this one thing. Michael Jackson was like a terrible science experiment designed to produce the ultimate pop star. It made for an awful human being, but hey ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, a hit is a hit.
This is pre- Thriller MJ with a definite disco sound to it. Two biggest tracks right off the bat, of the two I prefer Rock With You. It's lively nonstop action after that with great basslines, Get on the Floor and the title track are another solid 1-2 punch. We slow it way down for She's Out of My Life, which transitions nicely into the smooth I Can't Help It. I would definitely reach for this again even if it doesn't quite hit the heights of what's to come in the 80s.
Classic MJ. Loved it.
Fantastic, not one bad song, MJ is and was so iconic!
Great album - nice mix of fast paced and slow jams.
p443. 1979. 3 stars. Before he went weird and starting re-organising his face, Michael Jackson was a bona fide contender for the future of disco and R&B. Some great tunes, great vocals, wonderful production. Points deducted for excessive filler on the second side. Probably just edges Thriller as his best work. Still a bit uneasy about giving 3 stars to a kiddy fiddler.
I really don't get the hype. It's alright, I guess
Not my favourite MJ album but still good.
Personel is off the charts on this album. Critiquing the songwriting is usually disco's silver bullet but in this case, songwriters credited range from Paul McCartney to Stevie Wonder to Carole Bayer Sager and Quincy's secret weapon, Rod Termperton. These songs, while firmly a product of the disco era, suprass the limitations of the genre.
Really good start to the album! The first half’s got me grooving. However, I tire a little through the second part
Mixed feelings about this album. First half's funky groove is excellent but the second half is flat out boring soul. Decent, but meh. Michael Jackson is just one of those artists I can't connect with.
Not my favourite, but has some fierce bangers
This is a good Michael Jackson album but not his best. Has some bangers on it, but also has its fair share of misses. Enjoyed it, will listen again for sure.
Phenomenal album. Michael and Quincy took the disco by its neck and made one of the best albums in the genre. The first side is just a hit after hit and it's impossible not to move. Then on the second side, right after the title track (which is my favorite), the quality dips down a bit with the two ballads, only to get back on good track with the last three songs. So objectively, it should be a 5 - taking into consideration the album's influence and stature. But speaking from my pure enjoyment it's more of a 4. I think I prefer his later work, Thriller, Bad and even the new jack swing hits from Dangerous. Oh and I love how awkward Michael is on the cover art. Final verdict: 4.5
A great disco album that beckons you to the dance floor but also throws in other styles like pop, funk, and R&B. This is a solid production by Quincy Jones, and Jackson’s magnetic personality only compliments it. The album does slow down a bit at times when it dips into ballads but there wasn’t a rule that said it wasn’t allowed to.