First of all, I would like to start by saying Happy 4th!! I hope you're having a wonderful time celebrating the country's birthday. I would also like everyone to be informed that the web address for this blog has changed. Now, if you are looking for my blog you can find it under this address: www.j5alltheway.blogspot.com.
Now, it's time to get started on our J5 history lesson!!! Today we will be discussing the story of how The Jackson Brothers decided to one day change their style. Musically that is.
Everyone knows by now that The Jackson 5's signature sound was bubble gum pop. Their most popular songs of the Motown Era contain upbeat melodies, catchy choruses and happy lyrics that appealed to the adolescent age group; as Bubble Gum pop should. While the style of Bubble Gum Pop was very popular in this particular era, and fitting for their young voices at the time ; The Jackson 5 soon had their fill of bubble gum.
In 1972, The Jackson 5 had just released their 5th studio album entitled "Lookin' Through The Windows". At this point all of the boys had grown up. Michael was 13 years old, his voice began maturing and he and the boys were no longer comfortable singing bubble gum pop songs. Although in an uncomfortable position the brothers began working on their next album "Skywriter"
Michael had become completely frustrated with the way thing were going for the boys. This is when the complaint to write their own music started. The boys were completely sick and tired of the, elementary,bubble gum pop songs that the Motown kept demanding them to sing. Their deep dissatisfaction was even displayed on the cover of the album. The boys are seen posing in front of an old fashioned air plane, clad in leather jackets, scarves and aviator goggles with expressionless looks upon their faces. That would be their way of letting their fans know that "Skywriter" would be the last of bubble gum pop for The Jackson 5.
Sadly, "Skywriter" was the J5ive's least successful album. The brothers' album sold only 2.8 million copies and had only one top 20 single. The boys were unable to properly promote the album because they were on tour. "Skywriter" also stirred a controversy with the track "Touch". This was a Supremes cover with Michael and Jermaine singing lead about pleasing a woman in bed. This was highly inappropriate at the time and for Michael, it would be the most controversial song he sang until his adult solo career.
After the disappointment with "Skywriter", the boys were glad to ditch their Bubble Gum Pop image and trade it in for more soulful, mature disco tunes. Changing their style was a great idea and soon lead to the success of "G.I.T".
As always the Jackson 5 always find a way to reinvent themselves. Regardless of their musical style, their a timeless group!
