"Off the Wall" is a disco and funk song by American singer Michael Jackson, and the title track from his fifth studio album, Off the Wall (1979). Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, it was released by Epic Records as the album’s second single in the UK on November 16, 1979 and as the third single in the US on January 31, 1980. The song was originally offered to Karen Carpenter while she was working on her first solo studio album, but she declined to record it. Lyrically, the song explores escapism and emotional release, with the narrator seeking relief from daily stress and personal troubles by leaving worries behind and immersing in music and dance.
The song received positive reviews from music critics and was widely regarded as one of the standout tracks on the album. It became Jackson’s third top 10 single from the album, which ultimately produced four top 10 entries in total, becoming the first solo artist to do so. The song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
Reception AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine highlighted the song as one of the album’s most standout tracks.
Cash Box praised the song, calling it “another killer” following Jackson’s previous number-one hits "Rock with You," and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," writing that its "fluid, sashaying dance beat" and "party atmosphere were enhanced by horns and Jackson's multitracked vocals."
Other versions and samples Mariah Carey interpolated "Off the Wall" in her 2008 song "I'm That Chick."
Saint Pepsi sampled "Off the Wall" in his 2013 song "Enjoy Yourself."
Pete Rock sampled "Off the Wall" on the 1998 song "Stay Away," which featured De La Soul and Rob-O.
PinkPantheress sampled "Off the Wall" in her 2021 single "Just a Waste."
Track listing
Official versions Album version – 4:05 Remix – 4:01 7" remix – 3:47 Edit – 3:46 – Featured on the Essential Collection is an early fade of the album version. Junior Vasquez mix – 5:13 – Featured on the Stranger in Moscow single. Live – 4:00 – Featured on The Jacksons Live!.
The US and Japanese single releases featured a remix with a running time of 3:47, while the UK and other international releases included an alternate remix running 4:01.
Personnel
Written and composed by Rod Temperton Produced by Quincy Jones Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien Michael Jackson: Lead and background vocals Louis Johnson: Bass John Robinson: Drums David Williams, Marlo Henderson: Guitars Greg Phillinganes: Rhodes piano, synthesizer Michael Boddicker: Synthesizer programming George Duke: Synthesizer, synthesizer programming Paulinho da Costa: Percussion Horns arranged by Jerry Hey and performed by The Seawind Horns: Jerry Hey: Trumpet, flugelhorn Larry Williams: Tenor and alto saxophones, flute Kim Hutchcroft: Baritone and tenor saxophones, flute William Reichenbach: Trombone Gary Grant: Trumpet Rhythm and vocal arrangements by Rod Temperton Sound effects by George Duke
Charts
Weekly charts +1979–1980 weekly chart performance for "Off the Wall"Chart (1979–1980)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)94South Africa (Springbok Radio)20US Billboard Hot 10010US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)5US Cash Box Top 100. Cash Box magazine.11US Radio & Records CHR/Pop Airplay Chart9 +2009 weekly chart performance for "Off the Wall"Chart (2009)PeakpositionUS Digital Songs (Billboard)51
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "Off the Wall"Chart (1980)PositionUS Billboard Hot 10079US Cash Box Top 100. Cash Box magazine.84
Certifications
Notes
References