“Show You the Way to Go” - A faster track, this Gamble and Huff tune recalls the soulful sound of the O'Jays and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. In fact, upon first listen, the track sounds like an O'Jays song; only Michael's distinctive voice makes this an ultimately recognizable Jackson tune. One note of “Show You the Way to Go” instantly transports the listener back to the best of 70s soul.
“Blame It on the Boogie” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” - While these two are well-known hits, their irresistible beats and disco-funk still force listeners to move. On both Destiny tracks, Michael continues to amaze with his funky, good-time vibe.
“Can You Feel It” - Fresh off Off the Wall, Michael reunited with his brothers for 1980's Triumph. From its thumping beat to its horns, the beginning announces the group's, well, triumphant return. Michael and his brothers trade vocals, with everyone joining in on the forceful “can you feel it!” chorus.
“Lovely One” - In the mode of his best dance tracks, this lesser-known classic features blaring horns, a catchy chorus, a stomping beat, and Michael riding the grooves with apparent glee.
“This Place Hotel” - Originally titled “Heartbreak Hotel” and renamed to avoid confusion with Elvis Presley's iconic hit, the track takes an edgier turn with darker lyrics and a raspier vocal performance from Michael. Think of it as the precursor to “Thriller” with its spooky sound effects.
Solo
“Got to Be There” - Taken from Jackson's 1972 debut solo album of the same name, the song demonstrates his precocious talents as a vocalist. The romantic lyrics may seem mature for a pre-teen, but his amazingly emotional and worldly delivery ultimately sell the tune.
"I Wanna Be Where You Are” - Very much in the Jackson 5 mode, this track lets Jackson do what he does best—croon over a catchy beat, along with a killer chorus: “I wanna wanna be where you are/Oh-oh/Anywhere you are/Oh-oh.”
“Rockin' Robin” - Teen idols commonly covered cute 50s and 60s pop records (e.g. Leif Garrett, Donny Osmond, and Tiffany), but Jackson's enthusiastic performance made his version every bit as good as Bobby Day's 1958 original.
“Get on the Floor” - Quite frankly, Off the Wall contains so many classics that it's difficult to select just a few. While this dance track may not have been as successful as the hits “Rock with You” and “Don't Stop Till You Get Enough,” it still entices listeners to bust a move. “Get on the Floor” also represents one of the times where Jackson seems to thoroughly enjoy singing; his laughter and shouts toward the end can still elicit a smile.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nicely done Kit. And very, very thorough.
-Glen
2 - tink
Nice work Kit...especially in regards to tracks that were 'shoulda beens'.
3 - Al Sussman
Excellent piece, Kit! I just posted the link as part of a discussion on Facebook.
4 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks for the comments! It was interesting to look back at the hits and "should've beens."
5 - Karen Stoessel
Kit...thanks again. Although I wasn't the biggest Michael Jackson fan, I did enjoy his music. Working in the Music Department of Harper College, the subject of Michael did pop up several times today. The end result? We all agreed that as a singer/dancer...he surely got his point across and made the least rhythmic person in a room tap his toes. As a person making significant contributions to the world...those were questionable at times. May he find peace in his Neverland.
6 - Jeannie Danna
Kit, I loved your article and especially your end paragraph!
Now I want to go listen to many of the songs you referenced and described beautifully...:)
7 - Kit O'Toole
Thanks, Jeannie! I'm going to read your article as well!
8 - Katherine Parr
Hi Kit,
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I'm always amazed at the catalog of MJ hits. Well written!
Kathy