The Jacksons – Destiny

This was a bargain, £10 including delivery, it sounds like new and sounds amazing. Great album in general as well. This is such a good example of why it's worth having a record player.

In 1978, the Jacksons crossed a critical time. Despite being detached from the label Motown -claiming the brothers little freedom in the composition and arrangement of their songs, as well as maintaining an image that avoided clan renewing their repertoire and increasing their number of fans-, and being hired by Epic two years earlier, in 1976, with the release of 'The Jacksons', were continuing without acquiring greater role in their own musical work, with the exception of a pair of singles. Furthermore, despite having returned to the charts with exceptional tracks like Enjoy Yourself, Show You the Way to Go or Keep on Dancing, they had not obtained the success that they expected. So, one way or another, after two musical works with Epic, the Jacksons were presented with a challenge of life and death with 'Destiny' : yes, at last, they would control the designs of his own facet as songwriters, but with the latent threat of failing miserably in the attempt and, thereby, being dispensed by Epic of their services, marking the end of the road for the clan.

But fortunately for them, -and, obviously, for all fans of good music- they were accompanied by an overwhelming success, which presumably they did not know since 1974, with 'Dancing Machine'. And it was the beginning of the glorious reign in the charts of the most brilliant and outstanding member of the group: Michael Jackson. The so-called King of Pop actually started here.

'Destiny' combines, among others, the following musical genres: disco, funk and R&B, and consists of eight tracks. The most significant were Blame it on the Boogie -an alternative version of a song firstly interpreted by the unknown British songwriter called Mick Jackson, and, in fact, the first foray into the world of music video (for the group) with a fantastic Michael, who might well have recorded solo without his brothers-, Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), which peaked at number 7 on Billboard, Things I Do for You and the song of the same title as the album (Destiny). Other gems to highlight would be Push Me Away, a very moving and very special tune, and, of course, That's What You Get (for Being Polite).

Then I will evaluate each of the songs from the album:

-Blame It on the Boogie -D. Jackson, E. Krohn; M. Jackson-: 8/10.
-Push Me Away -The Jacksons-: 9/10.
-Things I Do for You -The Jacksons-: 8/10.
-Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) -M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 10/10.
-Destiny -The Jacksons-: 8/10.
-Bless His Soul -The Jacksons-: 7/10.
-All Night Dancin' -M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 6/10.
-That's What You Get (for Being Polite) -M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 7/10.

Destiny (GLOBAL AVERAGE): 7.88/10.

In conclusion, I value, deservedly, to 'Destiny' with 4 out of 5 stars (4/5).

The best:
a) The comeback with critical acclaim, audience and sales.
b) The beginning of the undisputed reign of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
c) An irresistible and highly addictive rhythm.
d) A cheerful, optimistic and partying atmosphere prevails throughout the album.

The worst:
a) Somehow, to bring out the brief tracklist presented, but, paradoxically, isn't it preferable to work on a notable 8-track-album instead of anything considered garbage plenty of songs inside? Surely it is.