The Jacksons – Triumph

The Jacksons – Triumph

Released in September 1980, Triumph is one of the finest albums of The Jacksons' Epic Records era, capturing the five brothers at the height of their musical development. Combining sophisticated funk, disco, soul and polished R&B, the album showcases a group that had moved well beyond its Motown beginnings, taking greater creative control of its songwriting, production and arrangements.

Produced and written by The Jacksons themselves, the album features Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson working together with an impressive team of musicians and arrangers. Greg Phillinganes played an important role as associate producer and keyboardist, helping shape the album's rich synthesiser textures, intricate arrangements and powerful rhythmic foundations.

The opening track, 'Can You Feel It', is one of the group's most celebrated recordings. Built around an enormous, uplifting groove, layered vocals and expansive synthesiser arrangements, it has become an enduring dancefloor anthem and a defining example of early-1980s funk and disco. Its message of unity and collective celebration gives the track an emotional impact that extends beyond its irresistible rhythm.

'Lovely One' follows with a driving bassline, crisp percussion and infectious vocal interplay, while 'Your Ways' brings a more relaxed soul sensibility. 'Everybody' combines energetic funk arrangements with the group's trademark harmonies, maintaining the album's momentum and showcasing the brothers' increasingly confident musical direction.

The second side opens with 'This Place Hotel', also known as 'Heartbreak Hotel', a dramatic and atmospheric Michael Jackson composition that blends theatrical storytelling with funk, rock and disco influences. Featuring an unusual narrative and a striking arrangement, it is one of the most distinctive tracks in the group's catalogue. 'Time Waits For No One' offers a more reflective, melodic moment, providing contrast to the album's heavier dancefloor material.

'Walk Right Now' is another major highlight, driven by an infectious rhythm, prominent synthesiser work and tightly arranged vocals. Its combination of funk and disco makes it particularly representative of the emerging electronic soul sound of the early 1980s. 'Give It Up' and 'Wondering Who' complete the album, bringing further variety through their melodic songwriting and polished soul arrangements.

Recorded across several Los Angeles studios during 1979 and 1980, Triumph benefits from the contributions of accomplished session musicians and the technical expertise of engineer Tom Perry. The production is full and detailed, balancing live instrumentation with keyboards and synthesiser textures to create a sound that feels both organic and forward-looking.

The album was a major commercial success, reaching number ten on the US Billboard 200 and earning widespread recognition as one of the group's strongest releases. It also helped establish the Jackson brothers as accomplished musicians and producers in their own right, rather than simply performers carrying on the legacy of the Jackson 5.

An essential album for fans of classic soul, funk, disco and early-1980s R&B, Triumph is packed with memorable songwriting, exceptional musicianship and timeless grooves. From the celebratory brilliance of 'Can You Feel It' to the theatrical drama of 'This Place Hotel', it remains one of the outstanding recordings of The Jacksons' career.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Can You Feel It (5:58)

2. Lovely One (4:51)

3. Your Ways (4:32)

4. Everybody (5:01)

Side B

1. This Place Hotel (5:44)

2. Time Waits For No One (3:23)

3. Walk Right Now (6:28)

4. Give It Up (4:20)

5. Wondering Who (4:19)