Album: Off the Wall

Introduction
"Off the Wall" is the 5th solo album by American singer Michael Jackson. It was released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records, and it marks Jackson's very first collaboration with producer Quincy Jones. This album played a significant role in establishing Jackson as a solo artist and subsequently becoming one of the leading figures in the music market. "Off the Wall" is understood for its mix of pop, funk, disco, and R&B, which provided a new sound for Jackson and helped him break away from his Motown roots that defined his earlier career with the Jackson 5.

Production and Collaboration with Quincy Jones
Michael Jackson fulfilled Quincy Jones during the production of the 1978 film adjustment of "The Wiz", in which Jackson starred as the Scarecrow. Impressed by Jackson's talent, Jones consented to deal with his upcoming album. This marked the start of a worthwhile collaboration that would span years, producing other iconic albums such as "Thriller" (1982) and "Bad" (1987).

The production of "Off the Wall" happened between December 1978 and June 1979 at different studios, consisting of Allen Zentz Recording, Westlake Recording Studios, and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. Quincy Jones functioned as the producer, with assistance from Michael Jackson himself.

Songwriting and Musical Style
"Off the Wall" includes 10 tracks that include various categories like pop, disco, funk, and R&B. Jackson co-wrote 3 tunes on the album - "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", "Workin' Day and Night", and "Get on the Floor". Other prominent songwriters who added to the album consist of Rod Temperton, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Carole Bayer Sager, and David Foster.

The album marked a turning point in Jackson's career, as it showcased his flexibility as an artist and strengthened his mark as a solo performer. The tracks are identified by their strong grooves, appealing hooks, and Jackson's signature falsetto. Standout tracks consist of the joyous and exciting "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", the sensual "Rock with You", the reflective "She's Out of My Life", and the infectious "Off the Wall".

Commercial Success and Impact
"Off the Wall" was a major commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and investing an overall of 48 weeks on the chart. It likewise reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and was licensed Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) within five months of its release. Since 2018, the album has actually offered over 20 million copies worldwide.

The album produced 4 leading 10 songs on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart - "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (number one), "Rock with You" (top), "Off the Wall" (number 10), and "She's Out of My Life" (number 10). This made Michael Jackson the first solo artist to have four songs from the exact same album peak within the leading 10.

"Off the Wall" earned Jackson his very first 3 Grammy Awards-- Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, and Best R&B Song for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", in addition to Best Disco Recording and Album of the Year elections. The album's success and distinct sound would greatly affect future artists and add to Jackson's status as the "King of Pop".

Tradition
"Off the Wall" is thought about a traditional and is often pointed out as one of the greatest albums of all time, showcasing Michael Jackson's musical genius and his potential to be a successful solo artist. The album laid the structure for Jackson's subsequent works and established the relationship with Quincy Jones that would produce some of the biggest-selling albums in music history. "Off the Wall" stays a substantial and prominent album, not just in Jackson's career, but also in the landscape of popular music.