The Jacksons – Triumph

1980. The Jacksons had assumed full creative control of their career after the undeniable success of 'Destiny', and while Michael was absolutely dominating the charts with 'Off the Wall', everyone wondered if, first of all, Michael would continue in the group as the main soloist and, secondly, if the brothers would be able to keep up and to perform a job as masterful as 'Off the Wall'.

Michael Jackson had no need to carry on staying with the other brothers, given that he sold much more alone than in the group and his solo career was consolidated. But, either by family pressures, or by personal choice, he chose to stick with them, at least for a while. The result of all that was 'Triumph'. The origin of the title was somehow enigmatic. Maybe the album was named in that way because 'Destiny' and 'Off the Wall' had supposed a triumph for the family: the return to the first line of fire.

It was such a difficult test, but they did their utmost so as to do it perfectly well. And how! The product was a classical, avant-garde work, in which Michael excelled once again, due to his vocal cords (at their best). Moreover, Greg Phillinganes offered a decisive contribution to the instrumental arrangements.

In 'Triumph' fits funk, soul, R&B and disco (which was predominant in the late seventies and early eighties). Nine tracks, being the most known Can You Feel It (where they faced a futuristic video with a message of hope and brotherhood), Lovely One, This Place Hotel (previously branded as Heartbreak Hotel, but they had to renamed it in order not to be misunderstood with an Elvis Presley's song of the same name) and Walk Right Now. From my point of view, there is another enormity hidden inside the album: Everybody.

In 1981, the Jacksons staged a hugely successful tour (Triumph Tour) in which they interpreted thems from Motown (I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, I'll Be There, etc.), 'Destiny', 'Off the Wall' and, evidently, 'Triumph'. Rolling Stone called that serie of concerts as one of the twenty most memorable tours celebrated among the 60's and the 80's.

Right now, I will evaluate each track on the album, bearing in mind that 'Triumph' receives four out of five stars (4/5):

-Can You Feel It -J. Jackson; M. Jackson-: 8/10.
-Lovely One -M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 8/10.
-Your Ways -J. Jackson-: 6/10.
-Everybody -M. Jackson; T. Jackson; M. McKinney-: 8/10.
-This Place Hotel -M. Jackson-: 9/10.
-Time Waits for No One -J. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 7/10.
-Walk Right Now -J. Jackson; M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 9/10.
-Give It Up -M. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 7/10.
-Wondering Who -J. Jackson; R. Jackson-: 6/10.

Triumph (GLOBAL AVERAGE): 7.56/10.

The best:
a) A sleek, understated sound, responsibility of G. Phillinganes.
b) Very compelling lyrics.
c) Michael's voice at its best peak of shape.
d) Good vibes are given off the album.
e) 'Triumph' means, in a certain way, the prelude of 'Thriller'.

The worst:
a) With 'Triumph' was evident that Michael went well beyond his brothers. Disagreements began taking place between them -jealousy, perhaps, because of his enormous success?-, leading to rupture of the group after the release of their next album ('Victory').