Given the pace of Michael Jackson's post-Thriller release schedule, it's striking that Off the Wall appeared between two albums--Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980)--which the twentysomething phenomenon made with his brothers. Aided by richly detailed but not overdone production, Off the Wall defined how much Michael might do. Tracks such as "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", "Rock with You", "Burn this Disco Out" and the title track not only consolidated his dancefloor power, but showed just how soulful and varied his vocals could get on up-tempo material. Artistic role models such as James Brown and Jackie Wilson echo through the mixes, but these were Jackson's leaps forward. The addition of pure pop confection--Paul McCartney's "Girlfriend", Stevie Wonder's "I Can't Help It"--further fleshed out the star's young-adult persona and helped make Off the Wall among the most fondly remembered of all his solo work. This "special edition" features two magic home demos and entertaining, insightful interviews with producer Quincy Jones and "Rock with You" composer Rod Temperton. --Rickey Wright
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