Michael Jackson proved to be something special with “Off The Wall. Besides showing the world that he was more than a teenybopper performer, he showed the world that he an EXCELLENT artist. It was more than just a decent attempt to break out of the teen mold. 

The album throughout is extremely well-produced and always showcased Jackson’s talents. Quincy Jones brought out the best in Michael Jackson, and vice-versa. The delivery, mannerisms, texture and falsetto of Jackson’s singing and voice were amazing. The lyrics were always lighthearted, but always classy, sophisticated, and (mostly) not cheesy. Even though it was released 33 years ago, it still sounds fresh.  Some say that this was Michael Jackson’s best album.  I’d say all the albums released during his prime years as an artist are equally good.

Michael was album was no one trick pony on this album. “Off The Wall” has elements of several music styles that were popular during the late 70s – disco, funk, MOR (soft rock), soul, and even jazz. It included upbeat dance songs and heartfelt ballads. It had the sound of both black pop and white pop.  Of the ten songs on the album, I’d say the strongest were “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”, “She’s Out of My Life”, “Rock With You”, “Working Day and Night”, and “I Can’t Help It”. “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” is a disco number impossible not to dance to. “She’s Out of My Life” is a pop-soul ballad where Michael singing is flawless, and Jackson displays his emotions throughout. “Rock With You” has an amazing chorus and effectively blends disco and funk. “I Can’t Help It” was a jazz number that demonstrated that Jackson could have been a jazz vocalist if he wanted to.

The only weak points of this album is “Girlfriend” and “It’s The Falling In Love”. “Girlfriend” (produced by Paul McCartney) was a hit song, but it was kind of cheesy.  “It’s The Falling In Love” was nothing more than a decent pop-soul ballad.  

Young and old MJ fans, if this isn’t in your collection, get it in your collection. Music fans in general, get it in your collection. (5 out of 5 stars)

–Isa R Bufano (08/07/2012)

I would never date a girl who didn’t like Michael Jackson, or at least two of his songs.

I mean that literally.