The Jacksons – The Jacksons (Self-Titled) [Album Review]

Released in 1976, The Jacksons’ self-titled release marked a significant turning point in the musical journey of the iconic Jackson family. Formerly known as the Jackson 5, the group changed their name to The Jacksons after leaving Motown Records in search of greater creative freedom. This self-titled album not only showcased the group's evolution but also hinted at the individual talents of each Jackson sibling. 

Speaking of The Jacksons’ evolution, they would embrace a more mature and sophisticated musical style, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and soul. Helping them on this journey was the esteemed American songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff whose main focus, meticulous arrangements, and polished sound demonstrated their commitment to excellence and The Jacksons’ evolving musical style.

Of course, all the production and songwriting prowess would be for nil had The Jacksons not been incredibly talented and while their music immediately resonates with your soul, the impressive vocal capabilities of each sibling are to be celebrated. Michael's lead vocals, as always, are charismatic and soulful, while the harmonies and additional lead vocals, shared by Marlon, Tito, Jackie, and Randy demonstrate the group's tight-knit musicality. It’s also imperative to note that The Jacksons was the first album to include their own material, as they were not given such creative freedoms while being signed to Motown. The songs to look out for are Blues Away (Michael Jackson’s very first published song) and Style Of Life; both exceptional and world-class musical achievements.

While I had been fortunate to have owned the 2018 vinyl reissue, I recently needed to sell a portion of my collection and this reissue was sadly one of those that I had to say goodbye to. Nevertheless, I look forward to the day when I can repurchase it because the pressing was simply magnificent. One may, therefore, assume that the lossless Apple Music stream is a letdown but it is anything but as the Apple Digital Master is exquisite. 

Right or wrong, and frustrating nonetheless, The Jacksons’ back catalogue was remastered and expanded in 2021 but was only ever released to digital platforms. Given that remasters can be hit or miss, the lack of a physical release may not be an issue for those of you who are fortunate to own previous releases, but in this instance, the Jacksons’ back catalogue has never sounded so good, on any digital format, as it does via the stream. For those interested in the fine details, no specific information has been issued regarding the remastering process of the albums, but all you need to do is load up your preferred streaming platform and give them a listen for I dare say you’ll be pleasantly surprised with not only the smoothness of the reproduction, but the detail and fullness across the entire soundstage that will immerse you in this classic recording.

Enjoy Yourself, The Jacksons first single following their departure from Motown, rocketed to the top of the charts with Michael and Jackie sharing lead vocals on this disco-funk tune. It’s a great opening song with an infectious energy that ultimately sets the tone for the album; particularly the upbeat numbers. 

Think Happy is a feel-good track with an optimistic and uplifting message; one that we should all appreciate from time to time in our modern complex, and not always happy, lives. That said, if you're not in a contented mood, it can be an incredibly annoying tune. Nevertheless, as I write this my mood is high so I have a smile from ear to ear and I genuinely hope you do as well for it’s a solid album-only tune from The Jacksons. 

Good Times slows the tempo down for this dynamically arranged vocal-focused number. It’s a beautiful song and while it’s most certainly cemented in the 70s, with that musical arrangement, it doesn’t sound as dated as it could have and I put that down to the incredible vocal performance by Michael and the harmonious perfection of his brothers. 

Keep On Dancing is a high-energy, danceable track that maintains the album's disco and funk influences. The repetitive and catchy chorus, coupled with a driving beat, reinforces the message of letting go and enjoying the moment while Michael's spirited vocals add an extra layer of excitement to the song. Keep On Dancing really should have been released as a single and it’s a shame that it has never received the recognition it deserved, for it’s an incredible tune that sounds as fresh today as it would have when the album was released.

Blues Away slows the tempo of the album with this soulful ballad. The vocal processing is interesting in that you’d think it would get fatiguing, but the mix is done so well, and the vocal distortion is only applied minimally, meaning that it is an enhancement rather than a distractive element. Of course, this was recorded well before autotune and Michael certainly didn’t need such a gimmick. That said, I’d love to know how they achieved the vibrating aspect on his vocal mix as it’s a key reason why Blues Away is one of my all-time favourite songs by The Jacksons. 

Show You The Way To Go is a sophisticated, elegant, and subsequently smooth ballad. The silky-smooth vocals, lush arrangement, and polished production elevate the song to timeless status even though it sounds of the era.

Living Together is a mid-tempo R&B tune with a killer groove and a social message conveying the importance of togetherness. It’s a great song and as with the majority of songs from the album, The Jacksons’ harmonies are what take this song to the next level. 

Strength Of One Man is a solid album-only tune that is thoroughly enjoyable with the brothers sharing lead vocal duties. Granted, Strength Of One Man sounds quite dated, but sometimes that is exactly what the soul expects and being set in the era from which it came is not the worst thing in the world. 

Dreamer is perhaps even more cemented in the 70s than Strength Of One Man, but it’s such a lovely song that I generally don’t reflect on that aspect. Michael’s vocal takes centre stage and the emotive lyrics, combined with a subdued arrangement, create a poignant atmosphere that is not only perfect for the song but works incredibly well for The Jacksons’ style.  

Style Of Life is a great mid-tempo closer that blends soul and R&B elements. The smooth vocals atop a laid-back groove contribute to the song’s depth and appeal, thereby making it ideal for contemplation once the album ends whilst simultaneously encouraging the playing of the record again. That all said, I do feel that the song ends somewhat prematurely. 

The Jacksons is a testament to the enduring talent of the Jackson family. It successfully captures the essence of the 70s music scene while showcasing the group's ability to evolve and adapt. With its memorable tracks and polished production, the album remains a crucial chapter in the musical legacy of The Jacksons and is amongst their greatest releases.

Check out more reviews of The Jacksons’ music by Subjective Sounds

The Jacksons – Goin’ Places (Album Review)

Released in 1977, The Jacksons' Goin' Places is a vibrant and groove-filled album that showcases the group's evolving musical style through a significant transitional period for the Jackson brothers, as they continued to distance themselves from their Motown roots and explore new musical horizons. Featuring nine tracks that blend elements of disco, funk, and soul, Goin’ Places may not have achieved the iconic status of some of their earlier, or later works, but remains a testament to the Jacksons' versatility and growth as artists.

As with most of The Jacksons’ album artwork, Goin’ Places is iconic but as much as one can appreciate it on the smaller canvas of a digital screen, holding the album artwork, as I’m fortunate to, draws you deeper into the album from both a visual and audible perspective. 

Speaking of the latest vinyl reissue, from 2018, it is immaculate in every aspect imaginable. Yes, the Lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, is exquisite, but the additional smoothness of the vinyl counterpart makes it, along with the artwork, a value-added proposition for fans of The Jacksons. Regardless of this aspect, if you’re an avid streamer, you’ll be thoroughly pleased with the streaming counterpart as this is one album that was not only recorded and mixed well but has been mastered with kid gloves, thereby ensuring that it’s a fun listen from start to finish. 

Music's Takin' Over kicks the album off with an infectious disco groove and while indicative of The Jacksons’ overall vibe, if you listen to Michael's lead vocal on this opening track, you’ll hear the germination of his future solo recordings; particularly those heard on Off The Wall. 

Goin' Places is a funky upbeat number that is not only a catchy tune but has a memorable chorus that will connect with your soul and encourage you to move your body. 

Different Kind Of Lady is another disco-vibed standout from Goin’ Places. If you can sit still while Different Kind Of Lady is playing, you’ve got more self-control than I do for it’s an incredibly addictive tune; one written by the Jackson brothers themselves. 

Even Though You're Gone slows the tempo and is a poignant and heartfelt ballad. While Michael was always front and centre, as it pertains to the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, this is another example from Goin’ Places that showcases just how proficient he had become as a vocalist for his vocals and associated harmonies are beautifully executed. While it isn’t the first song you’ll likely think of when reflecting on The Jacksons, it is one of their very best recordings. 

Jump For Joy returns us to the upbeat tempo with a touch of funk mixed into the dance rhythm that’s simply impossible to resist. It’s, subsequently, a pure feel-good tune that captures the spirit of the disco era. 

Heaven Knows I Love You is another slower track, yet it doesn’t feel out of place for it’s simply beautiful and Michael’s vocals are particularly moving on this classic tune. 

Man Of War is a lovely song that flows seamlessly within the sequencing of the album. While it was never destined to be more than an album-only track, Man Of War is one of those songs that is memorable and I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I often find that listening to it leads to an earworm; a thoroughly enjoyable one I might add. 

Do What You Wanna returns the album to a funkier groove that will encourage you to get on your feet, let loose, and dance along to this catchy tune. 

Find Me A Girl is a little corny. It isn’t that it’s fundamentally bad, as the smooth and melodic elements are sonically pleasing, but it’s the weakest song on an otherwise perfect album. Yes, it still encourages me to play the album again, but it is one of The Jacksons’ songs that I don’t look for outside of playing the record in its linear structure.

While Goin' Places may not be as groundbreaking or iconic as some of The Jacksons' earlier work, or as polished as their follow-up Destiny, there’s just something to appreciate about Goin’ Places for it captures the spirit of the time with a mix of danceable hits and heartfelt ballads. Whether you're a fan of their earlier Motown classics, or enjoy their disco-era sound, there's something on this album for everyone and is a reminder of the Jacksons' enduring talent and their ability to invoke emotion through music.

Check out more reviews of The Jacksons’ music by Subjective Sounds

The Jacksons – Destiny (Album Review)

Destiny is aptly named, for the Jackson 5, sans Jermaine, found creative freedom with their move to Epic Records. As their third album on the new label, Destiny cemented their legacy and is without a doubt their strongest and most enjoyable record. The song selection, musicality, and production values make Destiny not only a landmark disco-pop album, but an incredible example of the merging of electronic, funk, and soul. 

While it’s easy to dismiss the importance of album artwork, in the modern era where streaming reigns supreme, Destiny was released during the heyday of the vinyl era and Gary Meyer’s painting would have certainly stood out from the crowd. While I’ve never been fortunate to own a copy on vinyl, I’ve appreciated the CD reissues and have found myself staring into the album artwork for the entire length of the album as it can transport you to another realm. 

Disappointingly, when Destiny was reissued in 2021, there was no physical release for either the original album or the Expanded Version. Subsequently, the only releases that were made available were to streaming services and digital stores such as iTunes. While you may not be fussed by this omission of the physical formats, The Jacksons’ prior albums on Epic Records (The Jacksons [Self-Titled] and Goin’ Places) were both reissued beautifully on vinyl in 2018. Hence, for collectors such as myself, it’s a disappointing blow as I was hoping that these releases would mark a broader reissue campaign. 

Aside from lamenting the absence of reissues from physical releases, I’ve got to admit that the lossless Apple Music Stream, an Apple Digital Master, is sonically exquisite. It has a full analogue-styled sound signature that requires no EQ adjustments to sound its very best. To say that it’s a pleasure to listen to is an understatement for I took a listen to the CD version (EK 35552) and it pales in comparison. Yes, the CD is crystal clear, but it is too clinical, resulting in a more fatiguing listen as well as lacking the mid to low-end oomph that these songs deserve. Unfortunately, there’s little detail available regarding this specific edition for the aforementioned catalogue number has been used on various releases. Either way, it’s one of those budget reissues that were advertised under the hype sticker of “The Nice Price” and one can’t help but wonder if a less-than-optimal master was used in the manufacturing process. 

Yet, my 90s edition CD, the 1991 Australian reissue with a red jewel case tray (468875 2) offered a much more pleasurable experience; from memory. It too was a budget release, under the Red Hot series from CBS Records, but was reproduced at DADC Austria; a highly reputable CD production plant throughout the 80s and 90s. No, dear reader, I haven’t gotten that confused for despite it being an Australian release, the disc itself was the European edition. If my research is correct it was released in Europe under the EPIC Records catalogue number: 468875 2; the same catalogue number as the Australian release despite a different artwork/liner notes presentation. 

Disappointingly, however, these budget releases also botched the liner note reproduction. Yes, this is a common aspect amongst price-restricted reissues and while the Red Hot edition from the 90s lacked any form of liner notes, everything is replicated on “The Nice Price” release, except for the back cover art featuring the peacock design and a statement from Jackie and Michael that concluded with one of the most important and moving declarations I’ve seen on an album:

"Through the ages, the peacock has been honored and praised for its attractive, illustrious beauty. Of all the bird family, the peacock is the only bird that integrates all colors into one, and displays this radiance of fire only when in love. We, like the peacock, try to integrate all races into one through the love of music.”

This isn’t, nor should it be seen, as an artist's declaration designed to placate and influence fans, for it’s true. The Jacksons’ music, love it or loathe it, reaches everyone. In fact, I’ll take it one step further and declare that not only The Jacksons, but music in general, is universal.

Returning to the mastering woes, there is then little wonder why so many go in search of nirvana for not all releases are created equal. While the Apple Digital Master further complicates the situation, despite its perfect sound, I find that it simultaneously simplifies matters for comparing masterings, on various formats, is a chore that rarely yields greater enjoyment of the music itself. With that in mind, join me as I take a look at the songs that make up Destiny; the original album tracking rather than the Expanded Version. 

Blame It On The Boogie is so synonymous with The Jacksons’ uptempo sound, one could be forgiven for assuming that it had been written by The Jacksons. In actual fact, Blame It On The Boogie was written by the English singer/songwriter Mick Jackson, his brother Dave Jackson, and Elmar Krohn. Of course, when you look at the songwriting credits and you see M. Jackson, you naturally assume that is a reference to either Michael or Marlon but that isn’t the case here. It’s an interesting case of mistaken identity but one which made music history. As enjoyable as Mick Jackson’s original is, the additional sparkle of The Jacksons’ rendition takes the song up a notch and ensures that it goes beyond its funk/soul roots by ensuring you’ll want to get on the dance floor. 

The music video is fantastic and was revolutionary for the era, but you’ll feel like you’ve taken some magic mushrooms when watching it. Yes, upon reflection, the trailing image technique is overdone, but I can only imagine how well it would have been received when shown on television in the late 70s. If nothing else, the visual elements played into the disco era and subsequently are perfectly suited to the music. 

Push Me Away shifts the tempo and should you have already been on your feet, you may wish to find your significant other and embrace each other as you move to the slow rhythm. Yes, the sonic shift is immediately noticeable, but I’ve found over the years that it is less of an issue as you get used to the chosen sequencing of the album. Additionally, Push Me Away is a lovely tune!

Things I Do For You has a jazz-funk feel to it and if you haven’t returned to your feet, you’ll likely be singing along to Things I Do For You as it's one of the best songs The Jacksons ever recorded. 

Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) continues the funk vibe with a seamless transition while adding a touch of disco that ultimately gives the song its unique, and instantly recognisable, sound. While a group effort, this is Michael’s song as his lead vocal can be seen as a precursor to his style heard on Off The Wall. While Quincy Jones would add spit and polish to Michael’s sound, on his first solo outing on Epic Records, the production quality for Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) is as good as anything Jones ever produced with Jackson. Yes, that may be controversial to some but Jones didn’t make Jackson any greater than he already was. He simply helped him to refine the sound and direction of his music. 

Destiny has a country twang to it and while you’d think there is no way this could follow the disco funk of Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), you’d be mistaken. The multiple styles applied throughout the mix are extraordinary and just go to show that The Jacksons were more than capable of producing a masterpiece.

Bless His Soul is a lovely album tune. While you’re unlikely to seek it out on its own, Destiny wouldn’t be the same without Bless His Soul. 

All Night Dancin’ is a quirky little disco tune. It’s not bad, but I feel the tempo is a little too fast for the song. Any faster and we would have been listening to The Chipmunks! Joking aside, I can see what The Jacksons were trying to achieve, but it just doesn’t connect with my soul and I struggle to find a rhythm to connect to that would ultimately return me to the dance floor. Let’s just say, especially with regards to its length, it’s a little more filler than killer. 

That’s What You Get (For Being Polite), by comparison, is a little more up my alley and is a lovely song to close out the album with. It is both contemplative and encouraging thereby allowing you to decide to play the album again or further enjoy The Jacksons’ extensive catalogue of music.

With a runtime of 41-minutes, Destiny is concise and purposeful and while I don’t find a connection with All Night Dancin’, there’s little doubt in my mind that Destiny is not only one of the greatest albums to come out of the Jackson clan, but it’s one of the best albums released in 1978 and should be in every music lover’s collection. 

Check out more reviews of The Jacksons’ music by Subjective Sounds