Off the Wall

by Michael Jackson

Overview

Michael Jackson had recorded solo prior to the release of Off the Wall in 1979, but this was his breakthrough, the album that established him as an artist of astonishing talent and a bright star in his own right. This was a visionary album, a record that found a way to break disco wide open into a new world where the beat was undeniable, but not the primary focus -- it was part of a colorful tapestry of lush ballads and strings, smooth soul and pop, soft rock, and alluring funk. Its roots hearken back to the Jacksons' huge mid-'70s hit "Dancing Machine," but this is an enormously fresh record, one that remains vibrant and giddily exciting years after its release. This is certainly due to Jackson's emergence as a blindingly gifted vocalist, equally skilled with overwrought ballads as "She's Out of My Life" as driving dancefloor shakers as "Working Day and Night" and "Get on the Floor," where his asides are as gripping as his delivery on the verses. It's also due to the brilliant songwriting, an intoxicating blend of strong melodies, rhythmic hooks, and indelible construction. Most of all, its success is due to the sound constructed by Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, a dazzling array of disco beats, funk guitars, clean mainstream pop, and unashamed (and therefore affecting) schmaltz that is utterly thrilling in its utter joy. This is highly professional, highly crafted music, and its details are evident, but the overall effect is nothing but pure pleasure. Jackson and Jones expanded this approach on the blockbuster Thriller, often with equally stunning results, but they never bettered it. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	08/24/2018
Label:	Epic / Legacy
UPC:	0190758664118

Tracks

1. Don¿¿¿t Stop ¿¿¿Til You Get Enough
2. Rock With You
3. Working Day And Night
4. Get On The Floor
5. Off The Wall
6. Girlfriend
7. She¿¿¿s Out Of My Life
8. I Can¿¿¿t Help It
9. It¿¿¿s The Falling In Love
10. Burn This Disco Out

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Michael Jackson   Primary Artist,Lead,Vocals,Percussion,Co-Producer,Vocals (Background)
Patti Austin   Lead,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Paulette McWilliams   Vocals (Background)
Paulinho Da Costa   Percussion
Kim Hutchcroft   Flute,Sax (Tenor),Sax (Baritone)
Larry Carlton   Guitar
Mortonette Jenkins   Vocals (Background)
Marlo Henderson   Guitar
Augie Johnson   Vocals (Background)
Greg Phillinganes   Clavinet,Synthesizer,Piano (Electric)
William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr.   Trombone
Wah Wah Watson   Guitar
David Williams   Guitar,Guitar
Jerry Hey   Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Louis Johnson   Bass
Phil Upchurch   Guitar
Randy Jackson   Percussion
David "Hawk" Wolinski   Piano (Electric)
Michael Boddicker   Synthesizer
George Duke   Synthesizer
Gary Grant   Trumpet
Richard Heath   Percussion
David E. Williams   Guitar
Jim Gilstrap   Vocals (Background)
David Foster   Synthesizer
Seawind Horns   Horn,Featured Artist
Zedric Williams   Vocals (Background)
Jim Gillstrap   Vocals (Background)
Bobby Watson   Bass
Bobby Ray Watson   Bass
Larry Williams   Flute,Soloist,Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor)
Larry Andrew Williams   Flute,Soloist,Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor)
John "J.R." Robinson   Drums,Percussion
John Robinson   Drums,Percussion

Technical Credits

Paul McCartney   Composer
Steve Porcaro   Synthesizer Programming
Susaye Greene   Composer
Bernie Grundman   Mastering,Remastering
Greg Phillinganes   Arranger,Rhythm Arrangements
Erik Zobler   Assistant Engineer
Ben Wright   Arranger,String Arrangements
Ed Cherney   Assistant Engineer
Johnny Mandel   Arranger,String Arrangements
Julie Miller   Composer
Jerry Hey   Arranger,Horn Arrangements
Jim Fitzpatrick   Assistant Engineer
Louis Johnson   Arranger,Composer,Rhythm Arrangements
Rod Temperton   Arranger,Composer,Horn Arrangements,Vocal Arrangement,Rhythm Arrangements
Quincy Jones   Arranger,Producer,Vocal Arrangement,Rhythm Arrangements
Michael Boddicker   Programming,Synthesizer Programming
Michael Jackson   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Vocal Arrangement,Rhythm Arrangements,Percussion Arrangement
George Duke   Synthesizer Programming
Stevie Wonder   Arranger,Composer,Rhythm Arrangements
Stuart Brawley   Editing
Tom Bahler   Arranger,Composer,Vocal Arrangement,Rhythm Arrangements
Bruce Swedien   Mixing,Engineer,Executive Producer
Carole Bayer Sager   Composer
David Foster   Arranger,Composer,Rhythm Arrangements
Mike Salisbury   Cover Design
Steve Conger   Assistant Engineer
Trond Braaten   Technical Support
Glenn Phoenix   Technical Support
Mats Holm   Technical Support
Mitch Gibson   Assistant Engineer
Monster X   Design
Frank "Cheech" D'Amico   Assistant Engineer
Nancy Donald   Art Direction
Joe Jackson   Management
Ebet Roberts   Photography
Rick Ash   Assistant Engineer
Per Morten Abrahamsen   Technical Support
Andy Engel   Slipcover Concept
David Daoud Coleman   Design,Art Direction
Sam Spinnachio   Technical Support