In my opinion, ‘Off The Wall’ was a record that not only signaled MJ’s first adult, solo venture but also its impact managed to remain apparent & strong still today (despite its disco roots & the many years since its release).
It can be considered a happy, uplifting & euphoric album with its sad moments as well, reflecting in that way the late teen/early adult human period. Also, the extensive use of the disco elements gives the record a more carefree feeling, implying that people should make light of their problems.
I think that it is not a coincidence that some of the best moments from his final album ‘Invincible’ (that came out after nearly 30 years) are strongly reminiscent of the ‘Off The Wall’ feeling. I mean that songs like ‘Break Of Dawn’, ‘You Rock My World’, or ‘Butterflies’ have a profound love/erotic feeling, lyrically, musically & vocally (in a very similar way like songs from the ‘Off The Wall’ had).
‘Off The Wall’ is often singled out for criticism because of its shallow lyrics. But for me, these lyrics are in line with the general concept/feeling of that album. In other words, its lyrics, for the most part, are straightforward & honest like the human feelings that they try to reflect. Of course, they could probably have been worked a bit more, but I think this is not the case, especially for a disco-oriented record.
Artistically, it came out with a simple cover conveying at the same time an optimistic feeling, totally in sync with the disco mood of that period.
Technically speaking, the recording process of the album took advantage of the ‘Scotch’ tapes technology & its sonic benefits, hence the album’s crystal sound.
Personally I was not even born at that period. But I firmly believe that people/fans that were also fond of the disco sound at that time have indisputably an additional reason to speak highly of that record.
In my view, not only has the sound of ‘Off The Wall’ not evaporated, but also it can be played even today at parties/dance floors without sounding like a product from the past/previous era.
It can be considered a happy, uplifting & euphoric album with its sad moments as well, reflecting in that way the late teen/early adult human period. Also, the extensive use of the disco elements gives the record a more carefree feeling, implying that people should make light of their problems.
I think that it is not a coincidence that some of the best moments from his final album ‘Invincible’ (that came out after nearly 30 years) are strongly reminiscent of the ‘Off The Wall’ feeling. I mean that songs like ‘Break Of Dawn’, ‘You Rock My World’, or ‘Butterflies’ have a profound love/erotic feeling, lyrically, musically & vocally (in a very similar way like songs from the ‘Off The Wall’ had).
‘Off The Wall’ is often singled out for criticism because of its shallow lyrics. But for me, these lyrics are in line with the general concept/feeling of that album. In other words, its lyrics, for the most part, are straightforward & honest like the human feelings that they try to reflect. Of course, they could probably have been worked a bit more, but I think this is not the case, especially for a disco-oriented record.
Artistically, it came out with a simple cover conveying at the same time an optimistic feeling, totally in sync with the disco mood of that period.
Technically speaking, the recording process of the album took advantage of the ‘Scotch’ tapes technology & its sonic benefits, hence the album’s crystal sound.
Personally I was not even born at that period. But I firmly believe that people/fans that were also fond of the disco sound at that time have indisputably an additional reason to speak highly of that record.
In my view, not only has the sound of ‘Off The Wall’ not evaporated, but also it can be played even today at parties/dance floors without sounding like a product from the past/previous era.