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''Off the Wall'' is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records, following Jackson's critically well-received film performance in the ''The Wiz''. While working on that project, Jackson and Quincy Jones had become friends, and Jones agreed to work with Jackson on his next studio album. Recording sessions took place between December 1978 and June 1979 at Allen Zentz Recording, Westlake Recording Studios, and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, California. Jackson collaborated with a number of other writers and performers such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Rod Temperton. Five singles were released from the album. Three of the singles had music videos released. Jackson wrote three of the songs himself, including the number-one Grammy-winning single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". It was his first solo release under Epic Records, the label he would record on until his death roughly 30 years later. The record was a departure from Jackson's previous work for Motown. The lyrical themes on the record relate to escapism, liberation, loneliness, hedonism and romance. Several critics observed that ''Off the Wall'' was crafted from funk, disco, soft rock, jazz and pop ballads. Jackson received positive reviews for his vocal performance on the record. The record gained critical acclaim and recognition and won the singer his first Grammy Award. With ''Off the Wall'', Jackson became the first solo artist to have four singles from the same album peak inside the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The album was an enormous commercial success; as of 2014 it is certified eight times platinum in the United States and has reportedly sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best selling albums of all time. On October 16, 2001, a special edition reissue of ''Off the Wall'' was released by Sony Records. Recent reviews by AllMusic and ''Blender'' have continued to praise ''Off the Wall'' for its appeal in the 21st century. In 2003, the album was ranked number 68 on ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The National Association of Recording Merchandisers listed it at number 80 of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time. In 2008, ''Off the Wall'' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. ==Background== Starting in 1972, Michael Jackson released a total of four solo studio albums with Motown, among them ''Got to Be There'' and ''Ben''. These were released as part of The Jackson 5 franchise, and produced successful singles such as "Got to Be There", "Ben" and a remake of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin". The Jackson 5's sales, however, began declining in 1973, and the band members chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow them creative control or input.〔George, p. 22〕 Although the group scored several top 40 hits, including the top five disco single "Dancing Machine" and the top 20 hit "I Am Love", The Jackson 5 (minus Jermaine Jackson) left Motown in 1975.〔 The Jackson 5 signed a new contract with CBS Records in June 1975, first joining the Philadelphia International Records division and then Epic Records.〔 As a result of legal proceedings, the group was renamed The Jacksons.〔Taraborrelli, pp. 138–144〕 After the name change, the band continued to tour internationally, releasing six more albums between 1976 and 1984. From 1976 to 1984, Michael Jackson was the lead songwriter of the group, writing or co-writing such hits as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", "This Place Hotel" and "Can You Feel It".〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=The Jackson Five )〕 In 1978, Jackson starred as Scarecrow in the film musical ''The Wiz''.〔Taraborrelli, pp. 163–169〕 The musical scores were arranged by Quincy Jones, who formed a partnership with Jackson during the film's production and agreed to produce the singer's solo album ''Off the Wall''.〔George, p. 23〕 Jackson was dedicated to the role, and watched videotapes of gazelles, cheetahs and panthers in order to learn graceful movements for his part. Jones recalled working with Jackson as one of his favorite experiences from ''The Wiz'', and spoke of Jackson's dedication to his role, comparing his acting style to Sammy Davis, Jr.〔 Critics panned ''The Wiz'' upon its October 1978 release. Jackson's performance as the Scarecrow was one of the only positively reviewed elements of the film, with critics noting that Jackson possessed "genuine acting talent" and "provided the only genuinely memorable moments."〔Campbell (1993), p. 41〕 Of the results of the film, Jackson stated: "I don't think it could have been any better, I really don't". In 1980, Jackson stated that his time working on ''The Wiz'' was "my greatest experience so far...I'll never forget that".〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Off the Wall (album)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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