Previous LP: Get It Together(C+) Next LP: Moving Violation(B-)
The year is 1974, and disco is in the air. The Jackson 5, already pop royalty, were about to drop an album born from an unexpected hit and a dash of Motown magic – “Dancing Machine.” While the album itself might feel a bit like a rushed cash-in, spurred by the phenomenal success of its title track, it surprisingly stands as one of their strongest offerings since their early bubblegum pop days. Let’s dive into the story behind this record and explore why “Dancing Machine,” both the song and the album, became such a significant part of the Jackson 5’s legacy.
The Unexpected Rise of “Dancing Machine”
To understand the “Dancing Machine” album, we need to rewind to the spring of 1973. The song “Dancing Machine” was initially recorded and included on the Jackson 5’s “Get It Together” album, released in September of that year. “Get It Together,” the title track, was pushed as the lead single in August 1973. However, something unexpected happened. For a full six months, the album seemed to simmer, until “Dancing Machine” started gaining traction organically.
It wasn’t Motown’s initial plan, but whispers suggest that local radio DJs and the burgeoning disco club scene began to champion “Dancing Machine” without any promotional push. This grassroots momentum became undeniable. Motown, sensing a potential smash, finally released “Dancing Machine” as a single in February 1974. The gamble paid off spectacularly. The song exploded, becoming a massive hit, reaching #1 on the R&B charts and #2 on the pop charts, and ultimately becoming one of the biggest songs of 1974.
A Last-Minute Album is Born
With “Dancing Machine” dominating airwaves and dance floors, Motown saw a golden opportunity. An album was hastily assembled to capitalize on the song’s immense popularity. The “Dancing Machine” album was released in September 1974, almost a year and a half after the song was initially recorded. This rapid album creation meant corners were likely cut. Rumors suggest that to fill out the tracklist, three songs – “Whatever You Got, I Want,” “What You Don’t Know,” and “If I Don’t Love You This Way” – were initially intended for a Michael Jackson solo project. The absence of vocal contributions from the other Jackson brothers on these tracks further fuels this theory. Even with these additions, the album clocks in at a lean 32 minutes. Interestingly, Michael Jackson didn’t release a solo album between April 1973 and January 1975, a period longer than his usual solo release cycle, lending credence to the idea of repurposed solo tracks.
Despite its somewhat opportunistic and rushed origins, “Dancing Machine” defied expectations and became the Jackson 5’s most critically acclaimed album since their early hits like “ABC.” A significant part of this success can be attributed to producer Hal Davis. Davis, who had previously worked with the Jackson 5 on their proto-disco hit “Never Can Say Goodbye” in 1971, was given full creative control on “Get It Together,” pushing them further into dance music. With “Dancing Machine,” he doubled down on the disco direction, crafting an album that, against the odds, delivered.
Diving into the Music: Track by Track
1. I Am Love (8/10): “I Am Love” is unlike anything else in the Jackson 5’s catalog. It’s an ambitious and expansive track that seamlessly blends jazzy soul, progressive rock elements, and funk. The song begins with a mellow, jazzy soul intro featuring Jermaine’s smooth lead vocals, underpinned by an echoey electric keyboard and subtle electric guitar hints of the prog elements to come. Around the 2:30 mark, the song shifts gears. Video-game-like keyboard sounds emerge, the tempo subtly changes, and the brothers’ chanting vocals begin, creating a building sense of anticipation. A clavinet then enters, laying down a heavy funk foundation. By the 3:30 mark, “I Am Love” fully transforms into a prog-funk powerhouse. Electric guitar riffs, acoustic piano chords, and the clavinet intertwine as Michael and Jermaine trade vocals, while the other brothers’ chanting adds a layer of energy. At 7:27, the song feels like it could have gone even longer, a testament to the captivating groove it establishes. The single version, thankfully shortened, completely misses the point and disrupts the song’s carefully constructed flow.
2. Whatever You Got, I Want (7.5/10): A smooth and bluesy soul track, “Whatever You Got, I Want” provides a perfect contrast to the energetic “I Am Love” and serves as a bridge to the more dance-oriented tracks that follow. Its placement in the album’s sequence is masterful, offering a moment of soulful respite before the boogie takes over.
3. She’s a Rhythm Child (7.5/10): “She’s a Rhythm Child” kicks off the album’s boogie section. A mid-tempo groove, it acts as a prelude and warm-up for the main event – “Dancing Machine.” It’s a solid dance track that builds anticipation for the album’s centerpiece.
4. Dancing Machine (8/10): The song that started it all. However, the version of “Dancing Machine” on this album is slightly remixed and, crucially, shortened compared to the original “Get It Together” version. Clocking in at 2:49, it loses some of the grittier edge of the original 3:30 version. Despite being a slightly inferior version, it’s still undeniably “Dancing Machine” – funky, infectious, and a certified classic Song Dancing Machine anthem.
5. The Life Of The Party (8/10): Despite never being released as a single in the US, “The Life Of The Party” has become a beloved album cut and a staple on Jackson 5 compilations. It’s a quintessential disco-funk track where the Jacksons sound completely at home. The lyrics perfectly capture the carefree, dance-centric spirit of the song:
There will be dancin’, prancin’
With a little romancin’All you gotta do is dance, dance, dance
All you gotta do is clap your hands, hands, handsYou can boogie, you can boogie
You can boogie, you can boogie
You can move, move, moveYou can boogie, you can boogie
You can boogie, you can boogie
You can move, move, moveLet’s get down, down, down, down, down, down
Let’s get down, down, down, down, down, down
6. What You Don’t Know (7.5/10): “What You Don’t Know” exemplifies the genre-blending nature of early disco. It’s a fascinating mix of jazz-funk, evident in the horn arrangements, and a prominent, fuzz-laden guitar riff. The busy percussion adds to the song’s energetic and eclectic feel, showcasing the diverse influences that shaped the early disco sound.
7. If I Don’t Love You This Way (7/10): Time to slow things down again. “If I Don’t Love You This Way” is a pleasant mid-tempo ballad. While not a standout track, it provides a moment of emotional depth within the album’s otherwise dance-focused energy.
8. It All Begins and Ends with Love (6/10): “It All Begins and Ends with Love” holds a unique place in the Jackson 5’s history as the first song where every member of the group gets a proper turn on the microphone. However, as a song itself, it’s fairly unremarkable filler. Perfectly listenable, but not particularly memorable.
9. The Mirrors Of My Mind (7.5/10): “The Mirrors Of My Mind” is a truly unique and psychedelic album closer. It’s a sonic journey featuring more of the album’s signature clavinet, along with a delicate flute melody and Latin percussion rhythms. The result is a strange and intriguing musical landscape that leaves you pondering the album’s diverse sonic palette.
Final Verdict: Album Grade B+
While slightly short at just 32 minutes, “Dancing Machine” is a testament to quality over quantity. It’s an album that’s better to leave you wanting more than overstaying its welcome. Despite its rushed creation and somewhat opportunistic nature, “Dancing Machine” delivers a solid set of tracks, showcasing the Jackson 5’s versatility and their successful foray into the disco sound.
Track Scores:
- I Am Love: 8/10
- Whatever You Got, I Want: 7.5/10
- She’s a Rhythm Child: 7.5/10
- Dancing Machine: 8/10
- The Life Of The Party: 8/10
- What You Don’t Know: 7.5/10
- If I Don’t Love You This Way: 7/10
- It All Begins and Ends with Love: 6/10
- The Mirrors Of My Mind: 7.5/10
Previous LP: Get It Together(C+) Next LP: Moving Violation(B-)
