Victory

Michael Jackson was at the peak of his popularity when Victory was released in 1984, but where Destiny and Triumph were basically vehicles for Michael’s talent, the Jacksons’ final album is shared equally among all six brothers. Everyone gets co-writing credit on at least one track, and everyone gets a solo vocal: Randy on “One More Chance” and “The Hurt,” Tito on “We Can Change the World,” Jackie on “Wait,” and Marlon on “Body.” Of course, Michael can’t help but steal the show, and his two contributions (“Torture” and the Mick Jagger duet “State of Shock”) are the album’s standouts. The production style is rock-inflected boogie, and while it is more dated than Destiny or Triumph (not to mention Michael’s solo works from the same period), there is something special about the fact that Victory represents an equal collaboration among the brothers. The spirit of unity makes up for any musical shortcomings, and the group accomplished the rare feat of closing out their 20-year odyssey on a dignified note.