Search - Jackson 5 :: Goin Back to Indiana (Rstr)

Jackson 5 on TV

Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 05/20/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Jackson Five experienced success right out of the box with their first four singles hitting number one and their next two peaking at number two. To capitalize on their immense popularity, Motown produced a television special that centered around a homecoming concert the band performed in their home state of Indiana. The resulting album, Goin' Back To Indiana, is a great snap shot of the band. They had cut their teeth on the road and despite their young ages, they exhibit an experienced professionalism. The first three songs are from the special with Bill Cosby and Tommy Smothers providing some comic relief before and between stellar versions of "I Want You Back" and "Maybe Tomorrow". "The Day Basketball Was Saved" is a goofy number that certainly loses something without the visual aid that television provided. It is excessively long and doesn't really work well on the album. The homecoming show segment kicks off with three cover songs. The first two are roof raising versions of Sly & The Family Stone's "I Want To Take You Higher" & "Stand" and the third is a great take on Traffic's "Feelin' Alright". "Walk On" is a funky, Isaac Hayes' styled song that is combined with a rolling "The Love You Save" for a nicely contrasted medley. The album closes with a let it all hang out version of the title track."