"Walk Right Now" by The Jacksons

Song#:  0651
Date:  06/27/1981
Debut:  83
Peak:  73
Weeks:  4
Genre:  R&B, Dance



Pop Bits:  Although the third single from their "Victory" album was not a success ("Can You Feel It," #77), this fourth single was issued and it didn't really do much better. Perhaps because "Can You Feel It" reached the UK Top 10 the label felt that a follow-up was needed, and indeed this single also went Top 10 there. Even though the songs were not clicking on the US pop chart, this song did reach #5 on the dance chart.

ReduxReview:  This era of the Jacksons is almost really good. I've liked the two previous singles, but not loved them and I think this falls in the same line. They have some good ideas and arrangements, but I'm not sure that the songs are as fully realized as they could be. With Michael learning more and having great success with his solo songs (writing his own and using other composers' songs), you can hear his influences here, but it seems like co-writing with his brothers holds him back. Their work is just not as strong and it makes what is potentially a great song just good.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  For a long time, it was commonly thought that Diana Ross discovered The Jackson 5 with Berry Gordy - hence the title of their debut album "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5." However, that was a publicity maneuver. It was actually Gladys Knight who first heard the group and brought them to the attention of Berry Gordy. Gordy didn't want to sign the young kids at first, but after an audition he saw the potential and brought them on to the Motown label. But to get the ball rolling, a plan for a celebrity endorsement to "introduce" the group was hatched and that lead to Diana Ross promoting the group and making it seem like her and Gordy found them. It obviously worked.

_________________________________________________________________________________