There’s a certain kind of joy that only a Jackson 5 record can bring – and ABC, their second studio album released in 1970, delivers it in buckets of glitter and groove. It’s like pouring sunshine into your ears. From the first needle drop to the final falsetto, ABC is pure pop-soul magic, a technicolor blast of youthful energy that still gets toes tapping and hips swaying decades later.
A Smash That Starts with Schoolyard Charm
The title track, ABC, wastes no time in setting the tone. It’s a playground anthem where learning to love is as easy as 1-2-3. Michael Jackson, at just 11 years old, belts with a charisma that most adult singers would kill for. You can hear the sheer joy in his voice, like he’s grinning into the mic. It’s no wonder the song dethroned The Beatles’ Let It Be from the top of the charts. Yes, that Beatles.
Track Highlights: More Than Just the Hits
Sure, ABC and The Love You Save are the radio staples, and rightfully so – they’re explosive. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find some real soul treasures:
- ‘I’ll Bet You‘ – A cover of a Funkadelic tune, this track adds a layer of grit and groove to the sugary pop exterior. It’s funky, flirty, and fabulous.
- ‘I Found That Girl‘ – Jermaine Jackson takes the lead here, offering a softer, swoonier moment that gives the album a warm, romantic breather.
- ‘The Young Folks‘ – A lesser-known gem that feels like a rallying cry for the youth of the era – idealistic, groovy, and bursting with positivity.
Track Listing
- The Love You Save
- One More Chance
- ABC
- 2-4-6-8
- (Come ‘Round Here) I’m the One You Need
- Don’t Know Why I Love You
- Never Had a Dream Come True
- True Love Can Be Beautiful
- La-La (Means I Love You)
- I’ll Bet You
- I Found That Girl
- The Young Folks
The Sound of a Generation in Miniature
What makes ABC so enduring isn’t just the music – it’s the feeling. The Jackson 5 didn’t just sing songs; they radiated optimism. Their harmonies were tight, the choreography sharp (even if we’re only hearing it), and the production – handled by the Motown powerhouse team ‘The Corporation’ – was clean, punchy, and full of zest.
Listening to ABC is like stepping into a time capsule padded with glitter, bell bottoms, and unfiltered joy. It’s Motown at its most youthful and vibrant, wrapped in candy-colored vinyl.
Final Verdict: A Grade-A Classic
Even today, ABC sounds like a celebration. It’s the kind of album that invites you to sing into your hairbrush or break into a spontaneous living room boogie. It’s catchy, charming, and crafted with love and laughter.
If you haven’t revisited ABC in a while – or if you’re spinning it for the very first time – expect to feel that irresistible urge to dance. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll remember how easy love can be: A-B-C, it’s simple as do-re-mi.
