Off the Wall
Off the Wallmade music history. Not only was it the release that signaled the arrival of Michael Jackson as a major talent outside the Jackson Five, it was the first record by a solo artist to contain four Top 10 hits. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "Rock with You," "Off the Wall," and "She's out of My Life" were essential listening in the late '70s and early '80s. The release also contains the kinetic "Working Day and Night" and "Burn This Disco Out." Paul McCartney contributes "Girlfriend." Thanks to Quincy Jones's production, it was still all about the music back then. The artistry Jackson exhibited onOff the Wallstill amazes. Avoiding the shallow excesses of most of the period's disco, Jackson's dance rhythms here are made all the more powerful by Jackson's vocal restraint.--Steve Gdula