I Don't Know What Going To Happen...

Epic/Legacy's reissues of the Jacksons' Destiny from 1978 and Triumph from 1980 are interesting documents in the maturation of Michael Jackson. Destiny gave the Jacksons a career boost. Like Triumph it was self-produced by the brothers, but its biggest hit, "Shake Your Body" predates the next year's Off The Wall sound that Quincy Jones supplied. "Things I Do For You" could almost come from Off The Wall. Although released at the height of Disco, Destiny has held up well, despite it being a mostly dance album. Triumph came one year after Off The Wall, and it too is a fascinating peak into what would come on Thriller. The nervous, paranoia of "Heartbreak Hotel" (here called "This Place Hotel") predates the lyrics in "Billie Jean". Overall I still like Destiny better, but Triumph's rhythms are its equal. And on the both, the maturity of Michael Jackson blossoms with each song. By Thriller he was ready, and never again worked with his brothers as close again.