Whose Version of “Blame It On The Boogie” is Better?

Blame-It-On-The-Boogie-2

Like most music fans, we thought the original and classic “Blame It On The Boogie” was by The Jacksons  (led by Michael Jackson) from their amazing 1978 album, Destiny.  However, thanks to soulhead contributor Michael A. Gonzales, we now know the original was recorded by English singer Mick Jackson (no relation) and was co-written by Mick Jackson (credited as Michael George Jackson-Clarke) as well as Mick’s brother, David Jackson and Elmar Krohnjust.  While both tracks were clearly disco, there are subtle differences in the music arrangement, vocal performance (e.g. the stark differences in the way “boogie” is pronounced) and energy levels exhibited by the respective artists.

According to Wikipedia, “In the UK both the Mick Jackson version and the Jacksons’ were released within a few days of each other in September 1978. The UK music press, struck by the rival versions being by similarly named artists, declared a “Battle of the Boogie” which Mick Jackson recalls as ‘great publicity’.”  Mick Jackson’s original reached #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 while the Jacksons version peaked at #54.  So it seems like the Jacksons won this “battle.”

Take a listen to both and let us know what you think:

Mick Jackson – “Blame It On The Boogie” (Original)

The Jacksons – “Blame It On The Boogie” (Cover)

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