The Jackson 5

Sandwiched between two titanic MJ solo releases, Off the Wall and Thriller, Triumph is oftentimes overlooked. It's unfair, since it contains some of the Jackson 5's best material. The Michael-anchored "Lovely One" is prototypical post-disco R&B, while "Walk Right Now" is a satisfying group effort. Far superior to the follow-up, 1984's Victory.

More cluttered than Off the Wall, partly because Michael's brothers are butting in, partly because Quincy Jones isn't. But most of the clutter is sheer, joyous muscle-flexing--hated the chorale that opens "Can You Feel It" at first, but now I chuckle at their audacity every time it comes on. Anyway, you know about solo albums--the songs do improve when the group butts in. (Grade - A-)