"Lovely One" by The Jacksons

Song#:  0351
Date:  09/27/1980
Debut:  71
Peak:  12
Weeks:  18
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  The Jacksons hit it big with their first self-produced album "Destiny" in 1978. The album contained their first platinum single with the #7 "Shake Your Body Down (To the Ground)." It was after this success that brother Michael took time to do his solo album "Off the Wall." As we all know, that album was a mega-hit and there was speculation that Michael may not rejoin his brothers. That was all squared away when he returned and the group recorded "Triumph." Although it would have no Top 10 hits (this first single was the best effort), the album was a success and was their first Top 10 pop album since 1972. Most likely some of Michael's new-found solo fame helped sell a few copies.

ReduxReview:  It is strange that I've never heard this song. But not being a fan of The Jacksons in this era maybe I shouldn't be too surprised. After the first listen, even if I had heard this back in the day I probably wouldn't have remember it today. It is kind of a one-chord, one-groove song with little going for it. However, what is interesting is that you can hear the beginnings of a soon-to-be penned Jackson ditty - "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." If you listen close, there are (fake) horn lines that are quite similar to lines featured on "Wanna Be." That angle and watching Jackson's progression as a songwriter makes this interesting - but not essential in any way.

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  As you can see, this album and any released after 1975 came listed as by The Jacksons. So what happened to The Jackson 5? The group was on Motown and their success was waning. It was felt that the group was stifled by Motown who didn't want to change their sound and would not allow them to write their own material or even play their own instruments. Their father Joseph shopped for a better deal and ended up signing the group to CBS who allowed them more creative control. Motown tried to woo them back, but could not and ended up suing the Jacksons for breach of contract. During the settlement, Motown let the group go but retained the rights to "The Jackson 5" name. Therefore, the group changed their name to just The Jacksons.

_________________________________________________________________________________