I am going to discuss all of MJ's earlier Motown solo albums when he was still in the Jackson 5 (because they have a ton of gems on them that never get talked about) and discuss hidden gems from his adult solo albums. I will also discuss facts about music videos, unreleased songs, demos, remixes etc. If anybody has a request or something they want discussed please let me know.
Michael Jackson's solo debut Got To Be There 1972
released by Motown Records on January 24, 1972
1. Ain't No Sunshine
2. I Wanna Be Where You Are
3. Girl Don't Take Your Love From Me
4. In Our Small Way
5. Got To Be There
6. Rockin Robin
7. Wings of My Love
8. Maria (You Were The Only One)
9. Love Is Here and Now Your Gone
10. You've Got Friend
Fun fact: The album is certified gold in the USA (900,000) and has sold over 3 million copies world wide
Full Album Listen Here:
Fun Fact: MJ was 13/14 when he recorded the album
Fun Fact: in 1972 was the last running series of the Jackson 5 animated television series. However, the Jacksons did not voice their characters. The only celebrity that actually voiced their character was Diana Ross. Director:Arthur Rankin, Jr.
Jules Bass
Album Singles:
"Got to Be There"
Released: October 7, 1971 (US); January 3, 1972 (UK)
"Rockin' Robin"
Released: February 17, 1972 (US); May 27, 1972 (UK)
"I Wanna Be Where You Are"
Released: May 2, 1972
"Ain't No Sunshine"
Released: July 3, 1972 (UK only)
Fun trivia: MJ covers two songs on this album, which one are they? One of them is pretty easy
My Review:
This is a stellar debut. MJ sings like a 45 year old man trapped in a little kid's body. He embodies soul and pours so much emotion into his singing. His vocals are powerful and strong. The subject matter is very mature for a 13 year old but his singing makes you forget some of the mature lyrics. There are a few splashes of bubble gum soul/pop like Rockin Robin and Wanna Be Where You Are that reminds you that this is still a kid. They are fun, upbeat and nice to dance too.
Highlights: Ain't No Sunshine, Got To Be There, Maria, Wanna Be Where You Are.
Most of the stronger songs ironically are the maturer songs. I've cried to many times while listening to "Got to Be There". This album clearly shows that MJ was born to be a superstar and a superstar outside of the Jackson 5. If anybody questions the vocal range and talent of MJ I would recommend anybody to point to these selection of songs. The highlighted really exemplify his talent as a vocalist and especially the unique quality of his singing. It is one thing to be a good singer but it is another to move people with your voice and MJ mastered that way beyond his years. He was clearly something special even at such a young age.
Album Facts:
Writers: Carole King, Leon Ware, Arthur T-Boy, Willie Hutch, Freddie Perren, Holland- Dozier, Lawrence Brown, Linda Glover, George Gordy, Allen Story, Berry Gordy Jr, Deke Richards, Beatrice Verdi, Christine Yarian
Motown released "Got To Be There" around the same time as Donny Osmond's solo debut. They were back to back on the charts with one another. Despite the chart competition, MJ and Donny were really good friends growing up. They both come from musical families and were the star's of their group.
MJ on the Dating Game in 1972
This is so adorable lol
Fun fact: "Got to be there" peaked at number 14 on the US pop albums chart and number 3 on the US R&B album chart when it was released