The Jackson 5

Released in 1970, the Jackson 5's sophomore album was an enormous success, making them household names and setting a blueprint for legions of pop/R&B boy bands. Young Michael's voice steals the show, but the whole group is tight, with infectious instrumentation and top-flight production.

This is the Jackson Five's first fully realized album. Their own previous album consisted
mainly of earlier Motown songs done over with arrangements which were generally good,
but which failed to express the spirit of the Jackson Five any more than they expressed
the spirit of the original versions. ABC, however, is an album wholly in the spirit of those
great Jackson Five singles, two of which, the title cut and the incredible "The Lo... More >

Admittedly, the charm of hearing an eleven-year-old cover Smokey, Stevie, and the Delfonics may not be enduring. And admittedly, some of the filler--"The Young Folks," for instance--is embarrassing even by Motown standards. But in fact the eleven-year-old doesn't disgrace himself against Smokey and Stevie and beats the Delfonics going away. And some of the filler--"ABC" you know, but how about "2-4-6-8"?--recall the days of great B sides. (Grade - B+)