Complete List Of Jackson 5 Albums And Songs

Lookin’ Through the Windows

Released May 23, 1972

Lookin’ Through the Windows marked a transitional period for The Jackson 5 as they matured artistically while maintaining their status as one of Motown’s premier acts. Recorded between May 1971 and March 1972 at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit and The Sound Factory in Hollywood, the album reflected the group’s growing versatility. Produced by Hal Davis, The Corporation, and several other key Motown figures, Lookin’ Through the Windows offered a blend of soul, funk, and pop that demonstrated the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Michael Jackson’s vocals took center stage, exuding a newfound emotional depth, especially on the title track, “Lookin’ Through the Windows.” The song, which reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighted Michael’s ability to convey both youthful innocence and mature emotion. The album also featured the group’s rendition of the classic “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” showcasing their harmony-driven arrangements.

The album peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and No. 18 on the Billboard 200. Tracks like “Little Bitty Pretty One” and “Doctor My Eyes” demonstrated the group’s knack for reinterpreting classic songs while adding their signature Jackson 5 flair.

Track Listing:

1. “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson – 2:28
2. “Lookin’ Through the Windows” – Clifton Davis – 3:39
3. “Don’t Let Your Baby Catch You” – Willie Hutch – 3:13
4. “To Know” – Corporation – 3:25
5. “Doctor My Eyes” – Jackson Browne – 3:12
6. “Little Bitty Pretty One” – Bobby Day – 2:49
7. “E-Ne-Me-Ne-Mi-Ne-Moe (The Choice is Yours to Pull)” – Corporation – 2:46
8. “If I Have to Move a Mountain” – Corporation – 3:16
9. “Don’t Want to See Tomorrow” – Hal Davis – 2:45
10. “Children of the Light” – Corporation – 2:27
11. “I Can Only Give You Love” – Bob Crewe, Kenny Nolan – 2:33

Skywriter

Released March 29, 1973

Skywriter represented a bold step for The Jackson 5, blending their signature Motown sound with emerging trends in funk and psychedelic soul. Released by Motown Records and produced by Hal Davis, The Corporation, and Jerry Marcellino & Mel Larson, the album highlighted the group’s ongoing experimentation as they transitioned into a more mature phase of their career. Recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit and The Sound Factory in Hollywood, Skywriter was an ambitious effort that demonstrated their willingness to evolve musically.

Michael Jackson’s vocals remained a powerful centerpiece, showcasing his ability to convey both playful energy and heartfelt emotion. The title track, “Skywriter,” set the tone with its driving funk groove, while tracks like “Corner of the Sky” offered a soulful take on material from Pippin, reflecting the group’s knack for reinterpreting songs from different genres. Meanwhile, “Hallelujah Day” provided an uplifting, gospel-infused anthem that resonated with audiences and reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Though Skywriter did not match the chart-topping success of the group’s earlier albums, peaking at No. 44 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on the R&B Albums chart, it remains a notable entry in their discography for its adventurous spirit and evolving sound.

Track Listing:

1. “Skywriter” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino, R. Marcellino – 3:09
2. “Hallelujah Day” – Freddie Perren, Christine Yarian – 2:45
3. “The Boogie Man” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino, Pam Sawyer – 2:58
4. “Touch” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino – 3:00
5. “Corner of the Sky” – Stephen Schwartz – 3:32
6. “I Can’t Quit Your Love” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino – 3:16
7. “Uppermost” – Freddie Perren, Christine Yarian – 2:27
8. “World of Sunshine” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino – 2:45
9. “Ooh, I’d Love to Be with You” – Freddie Perren, Christine Yarian – 2:49
10. “You Made Me What I Am” – Mel Larson, Jerry Marcellino – 2:32

G.I.T.: Get It Together

Released September 12, 1973

G.I.T.: Get It Together marked a significant departure for The Jackson 5, as the group fully embraced a funkier and more mature sound, departing from the bubblegum pop that had defined their earlier albums. Released by Motown Records, the album was primarily produced by Hal Davis and featured a cohesive, dance-oriented groove that showcased the group’s evolution. Recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit and The Sound Factory in Hollywood, the album’s extended arrangements and interconnected tracks demonstrated their ambition to create a more unified artistic statement.

The Jackson 5 lineup—Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie—continued to shine individually and collectively. Michael Jackson’s lead vocals delivered both energy and emotion, particularly on tracks like “Dancing Machine,” which would become one of the group’s most enduring hits. The single, initially released on this album, later achieved immense success when re-released, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Songs like “Get It Together” and “Hum Along and Dance” highlighted the group’s ability to blend funk, soul, and disco into a vibrant and cohesive sound.

The album peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200 and No. 11 on the R&B Albums chart. While it was not as commercially successful as earlier releases, G.I.T.: Get It Together remains a fan favorite for its bold experimentation and laid the groundwork for the group’s later ventures into funk and disco.

Track Listing:

1. “Get It Together” – Hal Davis, Don Fletcher – 2:48
2. “Don’t Say Goodbye Again” – Pam Sawyer, Michael Randall – 3:24
3. “Reflections” – Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, Eddie Holland – 2:58
4. “Hum Along and Dance” – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield – 8:36
5. “Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No)” – Hal Davis, Willie Hutch – 7:12
6. “It’s Too Late to Change the Time” – Pam Sawyer, Leon Ware – 4:00
7. “You Need Love Like I Do (Don’t You?)” – Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong – 3:45
8. “Dancing Machine” – Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, Dean Parks – 3:24

Dancing Machine

Released September 5, 1974

Dancing Machine showcased The Jackson 5’s embrace of the emerging disco and funk trends of the mid-1970s, further solidifying their position as one of Motown’s premier acts. Released by Motown Records, the album built on the momentum of the chart-topping success of the title track, which had first appeared on the group’s previous album, G.I.T.: Get It Together. Produced by Hal Davis and recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit and The Sound Factory in Hollywood, Dancing Machine was a polished, dance-oriented record that highlighted the group’s evolution both musically and thematically.

The Jackson 5—Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie—delivered a collection of songs that capitalized on the infectious energy of the title track. “Dancing Machine” became a massive hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B Singles chart. The song also earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. Other highlights included “I Am Love,” an ambitious two-part track that fused elements of funk and balladry, and “Whatever You Got, I Want,” which reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the R&B Albums chart. It demonstrated The Jackson 5’s ability to stay relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape while showcasing Michael Jackson’s growing dominance as a performer.

Track Listing:

1. “I Am Love (Parts 1 & 2)” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 7:29
2. “Whatever You Got, I Want” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 2:55
3. “She’s a Rhythm Child” – Leon Ware, Pam Sawyer – 2:39
4. “Dancing Machine” – Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, Dean Parks – 2:42
5. “The Life of the Party” – Pam Sawyer, Leon Ware – 2:35
6. “What You Don’t Know” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 4:25
7. “If I Don’t Love You This Way” – Leon Ware, Pam Sawyer – 3:25
8. “It All Begins and Ends with Love” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 3:07
9. “The Mirrors of My Mind” – Leon Ware, Pam Sawyer – 3:06

Moving Violation

Released May 15, 1975

Moving Violation marked The Jackson 5’s final studio album with Motown Records, signaling the end of an era for the group before their transition to Epic Records. Released in 1975, the album captured a blend of disco, funk, and soulful pop, reflecting the changing musical landscape of the mid-1970s. Produced by a team of Motown’s top names, including Hal Davis, Brian Holland, and Mel Larson, Moving Violation was recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit and The Sound Factory in Hollywood.

The Jackson 5—Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie—delivered performances that showcased their continued artistic growth. Michael’s dynamic lead vocals carried tracks like “Forever Came Today,” a disco-tinged reimagining of the Supremes’ classic, and “Body Language (Do the Love Dance),” which reflected the group’s embrace of dance music. Meanwhile, songs like “All I Do Is Think of You” revealed a softer, more introspective side of their artistry.

Though Moving Violation did not achieve the commercial heights of earlier Jackson 5 releases, it peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the R&B Albums chart. The album remains a fascinating snapshot of the group’s transition and experimentation during a pivotal moment in their career.

Track Listing:

1. “Forever Came Today” – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland Jr. – 6:21
2. “Moving Violation” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 3:37
3. “(You Were Made) Especially for Me” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 3:25
4. “Honey Love” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 4:37
5. “Body Language (Do the Love Dance)” – Brian Holland, Edward Holland Jr., Harold Beatty – 4:07
6. “All I Do Is Think of You” – Brian Holland, Michael Lovesmith – 3:15
7. “Breezy” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 3:38
8. “Call of the Wild” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 2:32
9. “Time Explosion” – Jerry Marcellino, Mel Larson – 4:17