CLEVELAND - Everyone on the planet knows about the colossal success of Michael Jackson's 1982 album Thriller, but few understand that his solo brilliance had already arrived a few years before.In an enormous way.
Michael's solo debut, apart from the Jackson 5 had been released in 1972. But it was the scintillating album Off The Wall that marked his beginning as a solo superstar. This week marked the 30th anniversary of that incredible album's release, August 10, 1979 and it made me reflect on just how awesome it was.
Ironically, today marks the 32nd anniversary of the iconic Elvis Presley's death. In many ways, that tragic event was a symbolic passing of the torch from the wildly popular Presley to the then-adolescent Michael, who was two weeks shy of his 19th birthday when Presley died. Michael flew under the radar between that 1977 event and the 1979 release of Off The Wall, but when that record hit stores -- it was over. America had a new superstar, all grown-up Michael Jackson...you know little Michael Jackson of the Jackson 5!
Oh man...he's all grown up and awesome!
"Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough" was an instant standout song and remains one of my all-time favorite MJ tunes. It, along with the track, "Rock With You" was another major hit and both were supported by simplistic music videos. That was the last time Michael made a simple video; everything that followed were major groundbreaking productions.
Off The Wall showcased all of Michael's expansive talents as a vocalist and songwriter and the album was as versatile as his prodigious gifts. My favorite track, "Working Day And Night" is a frenetic groove that makes one want to move and dance rapidly. The midtempo songs ("Get On The Floor"), the ballads ("She's Out Of My Life") and the dance cuts make for a breathtaking listen, and the hyper "Burn This Disco Out" is strangely addictive after a few listens.
The album will forever be known as the little brother to the gigantic Thriller, but without the opportunity that Off The Wall provided Michael, nothing after it would have been as awesome. Indeed, legendary composer Quincy Jones made his first collaboration with MJ on Off The Wall after meeting him on the set of 1978's The Wiz. Furthermore, Off The Wall sold 7 million copies in the United States (a huge figure at the time) and made history by spawning four top-10 singles in the U.S.
Yes, we all know about Thriller, the machine that dominated America a few years later. But Off The Wall should also be recognized as one of the greatest albums in music history.
It's only fair.
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