MICHAEL JACKSON - "OFF THE WALL" 1979

MICHAEL JACKSON

"OFF THE WALL"

1979

DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH - Brilliant single and a thumping Disco Funk that makes you want to get on your feet and boogie. This was the start of the new vocal styles includging "hiccups", "woohoo's" and grunts that would make his later songs his own and a unique sound of his own.

ROCK WITH YOU -  A much slower tempo, a Disco/Soul ballad with a little Funk.  One of my favourite tracks from MJ.   It was apparently offered to Karen Carpenter but she turned it down, it proved to be one of the defining hits of the Disco era.

WORKING DAY AND NIGHT -  Another Disco Funk track similar to "Don't Stop.." in composition.  The non stop rhythm, repetitive catchy singalong lines and chorus and funky basslines.  Not a single but one of MJ's most popular songs.

GET ON THE FLOOR - A real funky track, not much lyrically but a throbbing funky bass drives this track and it is a fun fast paced workout.

OFF THE WALL -  The title track was said to be part of a Disco medley sung live in later concert tours.  With similar parts to both the previous singles it was the perfect single to release, keeping up the Disco standard.

 

GIRLFRIEND - Written by Michael's friend Paul McCartney who took the song from the Wings' album "London Town" in 1978.  A Pop and R 'n B track.  A quirky little song that has a nice rhythm and chorus.  The relationship was the starting block for more collaborations between the two in later years.

SHE'S OUT OF MY LIFE -  A much slower tempo, minimal backing and Michael's soulful vocal made this a suprising hit after the dance orientated trilogy of singles prior to it.  Pure Motown soul.

I CAN'T HELP IT -  Possibly the weakest song on the album but that's becuase it has hugh standards.  This is a mediocre soft Pop ballad that meanders along 'til the end.  The chorus is more annoying than catchy.

IT'S THE FALLING IN LOVE -  A typically Motown soft Disco Soul ballad.  Nice chorus and soulful vocals.

BURN THIS DISCO OUT - this track ends the album on a high note.  Similar to "Rock With You" with little snippets of the major tracks on this album, a summary of the album if you like.  Catchy and funky and danceable which what this album is all about.