Triumph

Also check out...

• The Jacksons(Album)
• Goin' Places
• Destiny

 Right after the release of "Off the Wall", Michael Jackson is back in the studios with his brothers. This time bringing fourth "Triumph"-Their crowning achievement.

Triumph Album Review

 Triumph blows the lid off The Billboard 200! Never had they had a #1 album since Maybe Tomorrow-And it's no wonder.

 "Can You Feel It" is a powerful ecstatic anthem that transcends time and race! "Walk Right Now" has a similar vibe with an added resounding bite(walk right now). "Lovely One has a regurgitated(though outstanding) sound from "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough". "This Place Hotel" has a creepy and mysterious tinge.

 The Ballads "Time Waits For No One" and Give It Up" are more positive pick-me-up kind of tunes(especially the former-whew). Every other track is edible and appetizing.

 So to make a long story short, "Triumph" is jam-packed with unforgettable melodies and fantasic tunes you don't have to skip!

Can You Feel It

 Released as a single in September, 1980. This anthemic uptempo feel-good chart-topper brought even more attention to Michael's brilliant talent. As he wrote and composed the whole thing(with Randy)! Still Nobody anticipated what would become of this 22-year-old bubble-gum star.

 Reaching #1 on December 13th for the hot Dance Billboard Charts. A music video was also attached to the single which you can watch over at my other post "Can You Feel It".

Lovely One

 Their Triumphant debut, "Lovely One" achieved a status close to "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground". Though "Can You Feel It" would in no time replace it. This single rose to number 12 for the top 100 and even #2 on the Black Singles Chart. You can definitely hear Jackson's powerful vocals. Especially as he proclaims "You Are My Lovely One!" Go listen for yourself. Go to my post "Lovely One"!

Your Ways

 Jackson is really killing it on this number. You can hear him making hiccups and yearnings that's become a trademark of his down the road! Also of note is the emotion infused into this song. an excellent conclusion to the Disco era. Just before "Funkytown" stomped it all out.

Everybody

 A extreme Funky R&B sound with a little touch of post-Disco thrown in the sides.

This Place Hotel

 Out of shear respect for Elvis Presley. Michael changed the song tittle from "Heartbreak Hotel" to "This Place Hotel". This was Triumph's last single. Right before "Thriller's first single "Billie Jean". The following year. Reaching number 22 on the U.S. Pop Charts and #2 for the R&B singles Chart.

Time Waits For No One

 A balled sung by Michael himself. It keeps on building until the resolution where the hefty chorus is sung on a melodic tune. In all, the tune is a bit too sentimental for my taste.:) Although I love the concluding climax(which rocks)!

Walk Right Now

 This one never made it real big in the states. But did manage to peak at number 7 on the British charts. There a strong rhythms and chants throughout the mix. All about a girl who keeps teasing other guys and betrays her boyfriend. Michael Jackson boldly shouts "Walk Right Now" "I'm Not Playin'!" It's either me only or the road.

Give It Up

 A wonderful collaboration between Michael and Randy. all on believing in yourself and being creative. I love the piano, drum line, and guitar solos which give it a strong edge.

Wondering Who

 For a change, Jackie Jackson has a chance to lead sing on this final number to close "Triumph". Although nothing banging, it's not so bad either. You can actually hear Michael in the background doing those umphs and hee hees.

Outtakes

 "Slipped Away" and "Why Can't I Be" are "Triumph" outtakes which have been held close to MJ's chest and never have been leaked weather to a radio station or across the net. If you do discover them. Just give me a beep and I'll go check it out for your sakes.

 In the meantime, we will slip right on over to The Thriller Era! You don't want to miss it! Also, check out their following album Victory!

"Off The Wall" Outtakes

 Today I'd like to set aside this post on outtakes from Michael Jackson's very first adult solo "Off The Wall". It is said that Michael and Quincy had hundreds of songs at their disposal with 50-60 completely furnished for potential release. Of course it was unheard of to have that many songs on a studio album. So by necessity, both Mike and Q had to trim it down to 10 tracks.

Sunset Driver

 Written and composed solely of Michael Jackson. This has a very pulsified rhythmic Disco twist. You can actually feel the Funk flowing through your vains! It baffles me to see this never made the final selection. I believe it had potential to surpass Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". Which cost Mr. Jackson from obtaining a second Grammy in 1980.

Startin' Somethin'

 The very first demo is currently unknown to us. But as you might of guessed, it probably contained a sound more intone of the times)late seventies sound). Yet a latter outtake including the official version can be found on a sister post Wanna Be Startin' Somethin".

Susie

 In 1977, Michael wrote a classical number about a little girl so neglected and lonely, she took her own life. But it wouldn't be until 1995 when we would come down to us as "Little Susie".

Other Outtakes

Other known outtakes(remember, there are hundreds more we don't know of) include,

1. Goin' To Rio


2. You Ain't Gonna Change Nothin'


3. Kentucky


4. What A Lonely Way To Go


5. Thank You For Life


6. In The Life Of Chico


7. Holiday Inn


8. Iowa(Another Classical masterpiece like Susie)


9. You Told Me Your Lovin'


10. Under Your Skin


11. Ode To Sorrow


12. Got To Find A Way Somehow

 So far we know nothing except for the fact they were confirmed "Off The Wall" outtakes. A few were co-written by Carol Sager Bayer. But most of them are written and composed by Michael Jackson. Next be sure to join me as I take you through "The Jackson's "Triumph" album.

Off the Wall Review Pt. 3

 Today I will be reviewing side-B of Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" album. If you didn't already, I'd recommend going through previous posts Off The Wall Review Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven't already.

She's Out of My Life

 After the deep Funky sounds of Side-A, Michael calms us down on a soothing balled about regrets over a lost lover. You can listen to She's Out of My Life here. In all actuality, this song was meant for Tom Bayer of whom had a painful divorce with the lead member of "The Carpenters".

I Can't Help It

 Stevie Wonder co-wrote this puppy-dog love song with Susaye Greene(one of the members of "The Supremes"). A mid-tempo post-adolescent Disco grove. Quite refreshing and innocent. I just love how he brought the music to life!

Check out my sister post I Can't Help It

 See what else this blind genius did while working with Emjay at Michael Jackson & Stevie Wonder.

It's the Falling in Love

 Written by David Foster and Carol Bayer Sager(who also wrote songs for the Monkeys). Although I'm not much for Disco myself, but he certainly carved out his own version of the genera! You will certainly be astonished by his vocal ability. If you are a Disco jockey, You will certainly be feeling this one! Just listen from my post It's The Falling In Love.

Burn This Disco Out

 On a closing note, Michael gives us another Disco-infuser. Very similar to "Shake Your Body On To The Ground". Rod Temperton of Heatwave composed it for him. Again Disco's not my think but Jackson did so well even I'm impressed. Go listen over on my other post "Burn This Disco Out.

 Well folks, there you have it. Next on our list, I'll be reviewing some "Off The Wall" album outtakes and eventually the Jackson's album "Triumph".

Off The Wall Review Pt. 2

 The albums A-side leaves you Jazzed-up from a deep-dish Funky perspective. Starting with Caramel and candy and ending on a note which is truly "Off The Wall"! I will give a comprehensive review on each number below. Belonging to a group originally termed the A-Side(in the days when albums where split in two).

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

 Michael warms us up with a Disco-clad anthem about going all the way. At first, I thought it a protestant song. Until listening much closer between the lines. It appears he is more interested in sex(not dirty mind you). For a more thorough review, check out my sister post-Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.

Rock with You

 A soothing smooth R&B mid-temple classic! With such outstanding vocals, It will truly make you feel like to "Rock the night away! To learn more about the track(and to hear it), visit my other post Rock with You.

Workin' Day and Night

 Now this has Rhythm I can most certainly feel! With a fabulous up-temple beat. Careful now. You might find yourself shrugging your shoulders. Go listen to it on my sister post-Workin' Day & Night.

Get on the Floor

 This is my all time favorite track from this album. Co-written by Louis Johnson the Bass guitarist. You will definitely get your groove on with this number! You can even hear Jackson almost rapping towards the end. Go ahead and listen to it here.

Off The Wall(Song)

 Finally, Michael closes on a playful note with a mellow-dance top-notch hit-"Off The Wall". You can almost hear a precursor to Thriller within the percussion. I like the way Quincy refers to this track as..."Da da da da da da da da" You can listen to it on my other post "Off The Wall(Single)".

 I've just finished the B-side on my 3-part series of "Off The Wall".

Off The Wall Review Part 1

 On August 10th 1979, young Michael ventured forth with his first solo record as an adult. This studio album would result in sparking some attention to this budding 21-year-old. Especially since no other music artist in history has consecutively scoured four top 10 singles from a single record.

 Puberty is all past-tense by now. His zits had cleared. And neither Vitiligo nor Lupus had yet to rear their ugly heads at the pop star! Soon-to-be old enough to drink, Mr. Jackson was free to explore the dimensions of his imagination and convert those hunches into dance-ready pop tunes!

 "Off the Wall" made it to number three in the US for Pop and #1 for R&B the following year. Becoming the 37th best selling album of all time(right after his break-through with Thriller).

Review

 From the Disco candy of "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough", to the dance-infestation of "Working Day And Night", even those last two selections and it's eponymous track are sure to make you hum along and dance!

 The most striking cut in my opinion is "Rock With You". I Believe his voice was the most brilliant and crisp during this time period! Very similar to the stupendous delivery of Earth Song and Butterflies!

 Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney add their own Ballads to the mix with "I Can't Help It" and a fresh rendition to "Girlfriend".

 To Summarize tonight's review, "Off The Wall" is very much worth your listening salt. Right on par with his other albums-Especially from the 80's!

More "Off The Wall" tidbits

 My favorite tracks are "Rock With You", "Off the Wall", "She's Out of My Life", and "Sunset Driver". The latter being an outtake which can be heard on the first CD of "The Ultimate Collection Box-Set.

 Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Rod Temperton, David Foster, Louis Johnson, Susaye Greene, Tom Bahler, and Carole Bayer Sayer all pitched in to help make this studio album possible. Carole and Stevie Wonder both co-wrote "It's the Falling in Love".
Check out Quincy Jones discussion on producing "Off the Wall"...



Stay tuned for a track by track album review!

***Update***I've just finished the "second and "third part of a threesome-series on my personal "Off The Wall" review!

Michael Jackson-Girlfriend

Only released in the U.K. This baby never got a chance, reaching only #41 on the charts. The B-side contains a track from the "Jackson's" "Destiny" album. Called "Bless His Heart".

Written by Paul McCartney. Of whom dedicated this song as a friend to Michael Jackson. Initially, it wound up on a "Wings" album "London Town"(a band Paul was apart of at the time). But eventually, McCartney gave Michael the album recordings to come up with his own vibe. Thus, a slow but fresh Disco Ballad was the result. Click here to listen to Paul McCartney's version.

During this time Paul and Michael developed a close-knitted friendship. You can even see them both fartin' around washing dishes nn the 2001 edition of "Off The Wall's" album booklet.

Unfortunately this bond lasted until Jackson bought "The Beatles" catalog(a.k.a Northern town records) around 1984. Paul encouraged him on the entrepreneur benefits. Then was floored when he actually pulled it off! Regardless, a reconciliation would soon bandage their past grievances. In fact, it was Yoko and McCartney who stood right beside him and defended him in court. During the infamous Michael Jackson Trial.

You can listen to three duets by these two legends on a post a did for Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.

UK Single

1. "Girlfriend" – 3:04
2. "Bless His Soul" (with The Jackson's)




Girlfriend

Michael Jackson-She's Out of My Life

 Right after three funky dance singles, we come to a more calmer Ballad with "She's Out of My Life". Written by Tom Bahler. Jointly overseen by Legendary Producer Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson-Soon to become a super legend well into the eighties!

 Tom Bahler and Karen Carpenter(yes, the same girl who formed "The Carpenters") divorced over a discovery he fathered another child not of their own. After rethinking what just happened. A very sad Balled welled-up from within.
The climax sums it up quite nicely...

"So I've learned
That loves
Not a possession
I've learned that
Love won't wait

Now I've learned
Love needs expression
It cuts like a knife
Cause she's
Out of my life..."

 Note when he say's "Damned Indecision". In no way is that meant as a swear but rather for it's intended purpose. The singer condemns himself over his self-absorption and unexpressed love which resulted in her departure.

Short Film

 We see a 21-year-old Michael devastated over the loss of a girl he "took for granted". Passing up all the opportunities to cherish and love her. Now held within the dark dungeons of loneliness. Michael Swallows his own pride as he tells the story.

 Out of necessity, Quincy let Mr. Jackson finish by how he interpreted the piece. No matter how many takes they used at the conclusion, Michael always seemed to break-down and cry.

U.K. Single

1. "She's out of My Life" – 3:38
2. "Push Me Away" (with The Jackson's)

U.S. Single

1. "She's out of My Life" – 3:38
2. "Get on the Floor" – 4:57

Listen to an alternate version Here

Lyrics

She's out of my life
She's out of my life
And I don't know whether to laugh or cry
I don't know whether to live or die
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life

It's out of my hands
It's out of my hands
To think for two years she was here
And I took her for granted I was so cavalier
Now the way that it stands
She's out of my hands

So I've learned that love's not possession
And I've learned that love won't wait
Now I've learned that love needs expression
But I learned too late and

She's out of my life
She's out of my life
Damned indecision and cursed pride
I kept my love for her locked deep inside
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life

Michael Jackson-Rock With You

 Right after his first debut single "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough", "Rock With You" comes off the launching pad November 3ed, 1979. This was during Discos prime. before New Wave and Dance Pop officially stomped it out about a year later. "Rock With You" would be the last you'd ever hear from Disco again.

 Rod Temperton, a member of the band Heatwave wrote all the lyrics for him. While Michael Michael solely created the tune with Quincy. Yet a recorded loop existed on a mixing tape from Rob as a nucleus for Michael. Temperton believed he was so good at melodies, he specifically choose this sound for Jackson.

 As a young teenager, Brandy Norwood sang her own version on Quincy's album "Q's Jook Joint" in 1995. Ten years later, Ashanti had her own take. Called "Rock With Me(Awww Baby)".

 The Visionaries made it rise briefly to number 16 in the UK charts on the very next year. Just recently, Michael gave permission for his sister(Janet) to use a similar title "Rock Wit U".

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Rock With You Short Film

 With dazzling uniform and green strobe lights Michael graces the scene with his voice. Crisp and clear. Unadulterated by all those nose jobs a single accident caused. One of Michael's finest moments in singing history.



- Michael Jackson Lyrics

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U.K. Single

1. "Rock with You" - 3:40
2. "Get on the Floor" - 4:57

U.S. single

1. "Rock with You" - 3:40
2. "Working Day and Night" - 5:04

Visionary

CD Side

1. "Rock with You" (7" edit) - 3:23
2. "Rock with You"(Masters at Work Remix) - 5:33

DVD Side

1. "Rock With You"(Short Film)

Remixes

1. Album version – 3:39
2. Album version #2 – 3:39 - (Some instruments are mixed differently. This version was also used for the 7"/Video edit)
3. Video/7" edit – 3:23
4. Frankie's Favorite Club Mix – 7:49
5. Frankie's Radio Mix
6. Acappella

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 As you all know, this was Michael's original skin-tone. Before Vitiligo destroyed his pigmentation, he was considered a middle-colored black person. Yet beginning in 1982, he was forced to even out his complexion. To learn more, check out this post Michael Jackson Skin Disease.

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For the best quality in sound, I'd encourage you to purchace and download the track below!