COLUMN: Reflecting on Michael Jackson’s ‘Off the Wall’ album 40 years later

Ten years after his passing, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, continues to make headlines for not only his music but also in the allegations of child sexual abuse – as featured in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.” However,  despite what one thinks regarding the allegations toward Jackson, there should be the ability to recognize and acknowledge the art in spite of its artist.

Aside from 2019 marking 10 years since Jackson’s passing, this year also sees his groundbreaking 1979 album “Off the Wall” turning 40. At the time of the album’s production, Jackson was already a notable public figure, having been known as the talented lead singer of the Jackson 5.

Having previously released four contract-driven solo records, Jackson wanted this record to be one that he had more creative freedom on and one that could truly get him out of the shadow of being just a member of the Jackson family. Jackson chose to partner with legendary producer Quincy Jones, whom he had met and collaborated with for the 1978 film “The Wiz.”

The album demonstrates an array of musical influences, ranging from disco to funk to Broadway to soft rock. There is also the combination of various genres that creates the kind of album that shows this was a King of Pop in the making. 

One thing important to note about “Off the Wall” is its lyrical content, which is vitally important when examining where Jackson was during that time of his life. 

Of all Jackson’s major solo records, this album represents the first and last where one sees Jackson simply as a pop star without qualms against the tabloids and media. The lyrical content is based in romance, such as songs like “Rock With You,” “Girlfriend”  and “She’s Out of My Life.”

One also hears Jackson singing about enjoying life through dancing and jamming out, as seen on songs like “Off The Wall,” “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” and “Get on the Floor.” It might be tragic but “Off the Wall” indeed represents Jackson at his most happy and energetic self with no expression of the worries and paranoia that would later be heard in later albums.

While I do think Jackson’s lyrics and creativity got better, I do admit that his vocals on this album are arguably at their peak, with him reaching an array of notes and him showing his true youthful yet powerful vocals. 

Upon release, the album was well-received, with many realizing that Jackson truly was a solo force to be reckoned with. Jackson’s eye for great groundbreaking music videos began to be seen with the singles for this album, such as when he performed “Rock With You” in a stylish flashy studded outfit.

The album’s influence can still be seen today, with its music grooves, vocals, and overall aesthetic being seen in artists like Justin Timberlake, Usher, Beyoncé, Brittney Spears and The Weeknd. 

Regardless of the controversy that has arisen this year surrounding Jackson, looking back at “Off the Wall” is important in the context of not just Jackson’s life but music history as a whole. As far as its place in Jackson’s life, the album can be seen as one of the least tortured periods in his career, showing a pure time of a rising superstar who was showing his creative genius while still having great tunes he did not completely compose. 

As for its place in music history, the album has shown itself to be the template for every boyband member wishing to break out, and as an album with groundbreaking innovation that still holds up today, appealing to those young and old.