In 1979, Michael Jackson made one of the funkiest and energetic tracks to ever be made on Off the Wall: Workin’ Day and Night. From falsettos to a blend of soul, disco, and pop, the song still continues to inspire fans and artists alike.
Immediately, we see a high-energy pace from the driving percussion to the horn arrangement, making it impossible to sit still. The music commands movement, and how could it not, when Quincy Jones was producing. For context, Jones helped craft the distinctive sound found throughout Off the Wall.
Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night (Audio)
The lyrics speak to the pressures of hard work, and the cost of success: Michael is impassioned, and his rhythmic vocal performance captures the working man’s relentless grind. He channels an intense amount of emotion into this song.
The track is also a mastery of Jackson’s vocal layering, where he transitions from breathy whispers to full-bodied belts, demonstrating incredible range. This song hence, of course, became a staple in Jackson’s live performances, including the Bad World Tour where it was played with electrifying choreography. Watch the live performance here:
Michael Jackson – Working Day And Night – Live Yokohama 1987 – HD
To this day, the song is a reminder that Jackson never knew bounds. Here, he transitions from Motown roots to a pop legend and the song’s lasting popularity proves that such a transition allowed him to transcend time.
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