Off the Wall

Michael Jackson

Sony Legacy Recordings, 2016

Off the Wall was Michael Jackson’s moment to step out. He had been recording with the Jackson 5 and already had several solo albums to his credit by the time he went into the studio with Quincy Jones as the 70’s were winding down. But Off The Wall was different. It was his vision fleshed out into this record, not managers or family telling him what he should or shouldn’t do.

This reissue, with bonus DVD (of course), takes a long look at a moment which is generally glossed over in MJ’s career. If Michael Jackson was synonymous with 1980’s, then this is his sweetly coy introduction to the man who would be a legend. This album’s top chart position was #3 and it would be the last time he was anywhere but number 1.

“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You” are radio staples now and hold up impossibly well for what they are; well crafted, catchy pop songs. But there’s more to “Off the Wall” than the two hits. Here, elements of pop balladry, funk, club disco and jazz are swirled, and show a maturity as a singer/songwriter.

“Workin’ Day and Night” and the self-explanatory “Get on the Floor” are both upbeat numbers meant to get the heart racing. The slower numbers, “She’s Out of My Life,” and “I Can’t Help It,” show off his considerable vocal skills, and helps to reinforce his versatility as an artist.

Off the Wall sounds fresh and spry 40 years on. Optimistic and confident, Jackson sounds set to take on the world.