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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