Jackson 5's World, 39 years ago, "Got To Be There"

39 years ago, “Got To Be There”

On January 24th, 1972, Motown released Michael’s first solo album, “Got To Be There”

Riding high on the wild success of the Jackson 5, Motown ringleader Berry Gordy assembled every single notable production team member and songwriter in his arsenal to contribute to the solo debut of the J5’s boy wonder, Michael. By the time Got to Be There was released, much had changed in the Jackson dynamic, none the least Michael’s voice. But this album launched three chart singles: a cover of the bubblegum classic “Rockin’ Robin,” Leon Ware’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” and the title track. As a cohesive album, Got to Be There is wildly erratic, and his covers of “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” show Jackson’s versatility as a singer. It was a world away from the politically charged sound of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and the introspection that would later grace some of the best works of Stevie Wonder. But Got to Be There kept Gordy as king of the sound of young America — at least for a few months longer. by Rob Theakston

Side 1

1. Ain’t No Sunshine 4:09

(Bill Withers)
Produced by The Corporation

2. I Wanna Be Where You Are 3:00

(T-Boy Ross / Leon Ware)
Produced by Hal Davis

3. Girl Don’t Take Your Love From Me 3:46

(Willie Hutch)
Produced by Willie Hutch

4. In Our Small Way 3:34

(Beatrice Verdi / Christine Yarian)
Produced by The Corporation

5. Got To Be There 3:23

(Elliot Willensky)
Produced by Hal Davis

Side 2