Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" is the opening track and lead single from Michael Jackson's fifth studio album, Off the Wall. Written entirely by Jackson, the song was released by Epic Records on July 10, 1979, and marked a historic moment: it was his first solo recording where he took full creative control as both writer and co-producer alongside Quincy Jones. The track's shimmering strings, driving bassline, handclaps, and Jackson's breathless falsetto created an irresistible disco groove that blended funk, pop, and soul. It set the tone for the entire album, which critics credit with helping to break down racial barriers in popular music by appealing to both pop and R&B audiences.

The single was a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Jackson's second solo number-one after "Ben," and also reached number one on the Billboard Soul Singles chart, where it stayed for six weeks. Internationally, it hit number one in nine other countries, and in the UK it peaked at number three. The RIAA has certified the single 5× Platinum, reflecting over five million certified units in the US. The song's success helped launch Off the Wall to over 20 million copies sold worldwide.

Critically, the song was praised for its joyful energy and innovative production. It won Jackson his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1980, as well as his first American Music Award. The music video, directed by Nick Saxton and released in October 1979, featured Jackson dancing in triplicate against different colored backdrops, an early showcase of his signature visual creativity. The song has remained a staple of Jackson's live performances, appearing in all his major tours from the Victory Tour to the HIStory World Tour. In 2017, the Library of Congress selected the Off the Wall album, including this track, for preservation in the National Recording Registry. [edit]