Moving Violation

Released on May 15, 1975, Moving Violation is the Jackson 5's tenth studio album and their final release on Motown Records. Recorded between October 1974 and March 1975 at Motown Recording Studios in Hollywood, the album marks a pivot toward the disco sound that dominated the mid-1970s. The group's cover of Diana Ross & the Supremes' 1968 single "Forever Came Today" became a club hit, reaching number one on the disco charts. Its B-side, the R&B ballad "All I Do Is Think of You," gained lasting popularity through numerous covers by artists such as Troop and Boyz II Men. The album sold 1.6 million copies worldwide, closing the group's Motown chapter on a commercially successful note.

Produced primarily by Brian Holland, with contributions from Michael Lovesmith, Hal Davis, Mel Larsen, and Jerry Marcellino, the album blends soul, disco, and funk across nine tracks. Arrangements were handled by Lovesmith, Arthur G. Wright, Dave Blumberg, and James Anthony Carmichael, while Lovesmith and John Bahler managed vocal arrangements. The cover art, designed by John Kosh, features photography by Jim Britt. Despite lacking a standout hit, the album was praised for its consistency, with AllMusic and Rolling Stone both awarding three out of five stars.

Moving Violation was recorded during a period of tension between the group and Motown. The Jacksons sought greater creative control and better contractual terms, similar to what Stevie Wonder had negotiated, but the label refused. This dissatisfaction led the group to depart for CBS Records in 1976, rebranding as The Jacksons after Jermaine chose to remain with Motown. The album thus stands as the final chapter of the Jackson 5's seven-year relationship with Motown, capturing a transitional moment in their career. [edit]