#452: Michael Jackson - Off the Wall (1979)

Zack: After a short, two-album detour, we are once again boarding the Nostalgia Express. This is the second Michael Jackson album we’ve listened to. The first was Thriller, which we listened to on vinyl in Emily’s parents’ basement, I want to say after a riveting game of Mario Kart (but don’t quote me on that last part.) That was super early on, and if we were at Emily’s parents’ house, it would probably be December 2010 or January 2011. So…I’m guessing like 6 and a half years ago. Thriller is unassailable, so of course Off the Wall doesn’t quite compare. But it’s still an excellent album filled with timeless goodies. Michael Jackson truly was a singular talent, and Off the Wall is just further proof of what we all already knew.

Favorite Tracks: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough; I Can’t Help It; Rock With You

Emily: Off the Wall was Michael Jackson's first album post-Jackson 5 and post-Motown. It was the first time he had some modicum of creative freedom to develop his own sound, and he used that freedom to explore pop ballads, up-tempo funk and disco, and now-classic R&B and soul. The album succeeds across all of these genres, all of which are tied together by Michael's one-of-a-kind voice. Off the Wall has some classics in its own right, and even more importantly serves as a starting point for the even-greater pop excellence of Thriller and Bad.

Favorite Tracks: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough; Rock With You; She's Out of My Life

#35: Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)

Emily: Thriller is the top-selling album of all time. Not of the '80s, not of pop music, not of Michael Jackson - but the best selling album, period. After a complete listen, it's easy to see why. Michael Jackson was truly a pop showman. He knew exactly what worked to appeal to the widest range of listeners. Thriller is neither a pop album nor an R&B album. Jackson pulls from both genres and many more to create a unique sound anchored by his distinctive, unmistakable falsetto voice. Because of this, its appeal spans across genres, races, cultures, and generations. Thriller is as relevant today as it was in 1982 - it is a quintessential example of pop music at its best.
Favorite Tracks: Billie Jean; Thriller; PYT

Zack: If Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, then Thriller has to be the biggest jewel in his crown. As Emily pointed out, Thriller is the best selling album of all time, but she didn't point out how big of a margin it wins by. It over doubles its nearest competitor. Thriller was and is a cultural phenomenon. Its something that can never be duplicated by an artist whose likes this world will never see again. What made this album really special for me was the fact that we decided to listen to it on vinyl. Listening to any great piece of music is awesome, but getting to do it on vinyl always enhances the experience.
Favorite Tracks: Beat It; Billie Jean; Thriller