This article is about the album. You may have been looking for the song.
Off the Wall (commonly abbreviated as OTW) is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released through Epic Records on August 10, 1979, and recorded from December 4. 1978 to June 3. 1979. It is Jackson's first album co-produced with Quincy Jones. Off the Wall is the 52-72nd most sold album worldwide with 20 million sold.[1]
Background[]
In 1976, The Jacksons moved to Epic Records, due to how Motown didn't let them have any creative input. Ever since Jackson had his new solo album in mind. In 1978, Michael starred as one of the main characters in The Wiz movie. The soundtrack was arranged by Quincy Jones, which Michael would meet with for the first time. Jones agreed to co-produce the new album and the recording sessions would take place between December of that year, 'til June 1979.
Artwork[]
Initially, the album's cover art was going to include one of the photos shot by Jim McCrary. The idea was to capture Michael's energy and excitement. He wasn't satisfied with the final result, and ultimately chose Mike Salisbury to shoot pictures for the artwork.
Track list[]
| Standard edition | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Length |
| 1. | "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" | 6:05 |
| 2. | "Rock with You" | 3:40 |
| 3. | "Workin' Day and Night" | 5:13 |
| 4. | "Get on the Floor" | 4:37 |
| 5. | "Off the Wall" | 4:06 |
| 6. | "Girlfriend" | 3:04 |
| 7. | "She's Out of My Life" | 3:38 |
| 8. | "I Can't Help It" | 4:29 |
| 9. | "It's the Falling In Love" (featuring Patti Austin) | 3:47 |
| 10. | "Burn This Disco Out" | 3:41 |
| Total length: | 42:37 | |
Singles[]
July 10, 1979
November 3, 1979
November 17, 1979
April 19, 1980
July 16, 1980
Cut songs[]
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Re-releases[]
Off the Wall: Special Edition[]
On October 16, 2001, a special edition of the album was released. This included demos of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Workin' Day And Night".
2016 remaster[]
On February 26, 2016, a new release of the album would be released. All tracks were remastered. On the same day, Spike Lee's documentary on the album, titled: Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, would release.
Tour[]
Michael Jackson (Triumph Tour, 1981)
Although Jackson didn't tour for the album, he performed multiple songs from Off the Wall during the Triumph Tour with The Jacksons in 1981. These include "Off the Wall", "She's Out of My Life", "Rock with You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".
- Main article: Triumph Tour
Trivia[]
- Some copies of the Off the Wall vinyl were bundled with an exclusive picture disc of "You Can't Win".[2]
