Moving Violation Is Released

In May 1975, Moving Violation, the tenth and final studio album by the Jackson 5 under Motown, arrives in record stores. By this time, tensions between the group and the label are high. Frustrated with Motown’s control over their music and finances, the brothers—except for Jermaine—plan to leave for CBS/Epic Records. The album, recorded at Motown’s Hollywood studios, features a blend of disco, funk, and soul, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the mid-’70s.

The lead single, “Forever Came Today,” a disco-infused cover of the 1968 Supremes hit written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, is released in March 1975. Despite a full promotional push, it peaks at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B chart, signaling a shift in the group’s chart dominance. The second single, “All I Do Is Think of You,” penned by Michael Lovesmith and Brian Holland, fails to make the Hot 100 but reaches No. 50 on the R&B chart. Though not a major hit at the time, the song later gains recognition when R&B group Troop takes it to No. 1 on the R&B chart in 1990.

Commercially, Moving Violation performs modestly, charting at No. 36 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and No. 10 on the R&B albums chart. While not a blockbuster, it showcases Michael’s maturing vocals and the group’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends. The album’s upbeat title track, “(You Were Made) Especially for Me,” and “Body Language (Do the Love Dance)” lean into the disco sound that is beginning to dominate the charts.

As the album is released, behind-the-scenes turmoil overshadows its promotion. The brothers’ decision to leave Motown is already set in motion, and by June 1975, the label announces that the Jackson 5—minus Jermaine—will depart for CBS/Epic. Jermaine, married to Motown founder Berry Gordy’s daughter Hazel, chooses to stay with the label, creating a split within the group.

With little support from Motown following the departure announcement, Moving Violation fades quickly from the charts. It marks the end of an era, closing the book on the Jackson 5’s Motown years. Within a year, the newly rebranded Jacksons will emerge on CBS/Epic, beginning the next chapter of their career.