Dancing Machine / Moving Violation

The Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine” is an album released in 1974. It was a pivotal moment for the group as it marked a shift in their musical style towards more funk and soul influences. “Dancing Machine,” the title track, became one of the group’s biggest hits, especially known for its funky sound and the famous “robot” dance move that was popularized by Michael Jackson during performances. The album reached #5 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 On the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, making it one of the group’s top-charting albums and the title track, “Dancing Machine,” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

The album also includes the track “I Am Love,” which reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. “Moving Violation” is The Jackson 5’s tenth and final studio album, released on April 19, 1975, under the Motown label. This album marked a transitional point for the group, coming after their departure from Motown Records. With this release, the Jackson brothers took greater control of their music. It features a more mature sound, blending R&B, soul, and pop elements.
Despite its critical success, Moving Violation marked the end of the Jackson 5’s time with Motown before they transitioned to Epic Records and rebranded as The Jacksons. The album is often seen as a bridge between their earlier Motown sound and the more funk-oriented style they would later explore. The album reached #36 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The single “Forever Came Today” became the album’s biggest hit, reaching #1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart and making a modest appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 at #19. Another notable single, “Moving Violation,” reached #13 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.