"Off the Wall" is a disco and funk song by American singer Michael Jackson, and the title track from his fifth studio album, Off the Wall (1979). Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, it was released by Epic Records as the album’s second single in the UK on November 16, 1979 and as the third single in the US on January 31, 1980. The song was originally offered to Karen Carpenter while she was working on her first solo studio album, but she declined to record it. Lyrically, the song explores escapism and emotional release, with the narrator seeking relief from daily stress and personal troubles by leaving worries behind and immersing in music and dance.
The song received positive reviews from music critics and was widely regarded as one of the standout tracks on the album. It became Jackson’s third top 10 single from the album, which ultimately produced four top 10 entries in total, becoming the first solo artist to do so. The song peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the Billboard Soul Singles chart.
Contents
Reception
AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine highlighted the song as one of the album’s most standout tracks.
Cash Box praised the song, calling it “another killer” following Jackson’s previous number-one hits "Rock with You," and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," writing that its "fluid, sashaying dance beat" and "party atmosphere were enhanced by horns and Jackson's multitracked vocals."
Other versions and samples
Mariah Carey interpolated "Off the Wall" in her 2008 song "I'm That Chick."
Saint Pepsi sampled "Off the Wall" in his 2013 song "Enjoy Yourself."
Pete Rock sampled "Off the Wall" on the 1998 song "Stay Away," which featured De La Soul and Rob-O.
PinkPantheress sampled "Off the Wall" in her 2021 single "Just a Waste."
Track listing
Official versions
Album version – 4:05
Remix – 4:01
7" remix – 3:47
Edit – 3:46 – Featured on the Essential Collection is an early fade of the album version.
Junior Vasquez mix – 5:13 – Featured on the Stranger in Moscow single.
Live – 4:00 – Featured on The Jacksons Live!.
The US and Japanese single releases featured a remix with a running time of 3:47, while the UK and other international releases included an alternate remix running 4:01.