The Jackson 5 Album: “Dancing Machine”

After the success of the hit disco single "Dancing Machine" (originally taken from 1973's Get It Together lp) and Michael's robot performances on supporting the song (on the bridge), Motown records decided to release the album of that name, with the single re-released and heavily edited. As much of a Jackson 5 I am, this was my least favorite album by them, but its definitley above mediocre. "I Am Love" was a great ballad type song that was transformed into disco/rock number (latter part much inspired by The Commodores' "Machine Gun"), but in my opinion, it should've been only a ballad. Part 2 of "I Am Love" was a attempt to surpass the success of the title track. I am not too much of a fan of part 2 plus the ballad/disco rock hybrid did'nt fit much with the album's funky, yet abridged soulful format. Other weak spots were "It Begins and Ends With Love" and "Mirror's of My Mind." I do love the other songs like "Life of A Party" "Whatever You Got I Want," and my album favorite, "If I Don't Love You This Way." The latter two were suppose to appear on Michael's 4th solo album, but Motown decided to put them on Dancing Machine and on a 1974 episode of Soul Train, Michael performed those songs without his brothers (his first and only appearance on Soul Train as a solo artist). The edited version of the title cut was very unpopular not only due to the waning hype of the song, but because of the exclusion of the introduction (the Get It Together version is used on nearly all compilations released from either The Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson). While this was an ok album, I believe that the songs were less enthusiastic, compared to their previous albums. These songs were forced on the brothers, who were at odds with Motown around this time because the record company refused to allow them to write and produce their own material, prompting their departure from Motown in a little over a year.

Ever go to the store and you just CAN"T FIND IT? After years of scouring the record/electronics giants I quit. Amazon had it, again.

The long version of "I am Love" is what the Jackson 5 really was instead of the Michael-mania that's been pushed since the mid 80's. What a treat

enjoying and listening to it very much and loving it

great collection item to the music industry

great collector's item

If you really know about the early years of Michael Jackson's career, you know this is a treasure item and a must for a true collectionist. If you like good music, so this is a must as well.

"I Am Love" is classic. Jermaine's soulful, bluesy vocals at the beginning, Michaels ad-libs at the end, and the smoking electric guitar throughout. Classic. "Whatever You Got I Want" is another great one, and "What You Don't Know" would have made a great single. The ballads on here are nice also, my favorite being "If I Don't Love You This Way". Of course we all know "Dancing Machine", and every time I hear it, I see Michael tearing up stage doing the robot. Nice to see the J5's back catalogue getting released on CD one by one, with the orignal artwork, rather than the "two for one" that were released a few years back.