Triumph

This album's predecessor Destiny was a high-selling album that featured the guys maturing and delving into self-production. In 1980, Michael Jackson's classic Off the Wall was still selling. This album has the group fleshing out their sound and songwriting abilities even more. The anthemic "Can't You Feel It" has enough hubris and undeniable craft to get this polished work started. But as Triumph plays, what's striking is that the songs don't immediately leap out at you but they all land on their feet. The blissful and funky "Lovely One," with its effortless, punchy horns, has Michael Jackson with his quirky vocals and charisma. At it's best, this is a collaborative effort, not just super-hot Michael Jackson talking his brothers out for a spin. The Jackie Jackson-penned "Your Ways" creates the right mix of paranoia and uncertainty that meshed well with Michael Jackson's high-pitched and haunted lead. That certainly mixes well with Triumph's best song, "Heartbreak Hotel." The track is an early instance of Michael Jackson's patented love as horror, kisses as doom ethos. The song's creepy aura and sound effects maximize the effect. The only ballad, "Time Waits for No One" has Michael Jackson getting weepy on the delicate and well-arranged track. The masterful "Walk Right Now" and "Give It Up" are two great examples of the group's chops in the studio and their grasp of the L.A. pop/funk sound. Triumph is a gorgeous effort and remains an absolute necessity for any comprehensive collection.