Third Album Is Released

In September 1970, the Jackson 5 release Third Album, their second LP of the year and their third overall for Motown. By this point, they are a full-blown phenomenon, and the pressure is on to keep the momentum going. The album arrives just months after ABC, which had solidified their place at the top of the charts, and features a mix of original songs and covers tailored to showcase Michael’s soaring lead vocals and the group’s tight harmonies.

The lead single, “I’ll Be There,” is released on August 28, 1970, ahead of the album. Written and produced by Motown’s in-house team of Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Willie Hutch, and Bob West, the ballad is a shift from the group’s usual upbeat dance numbers. Michael delivers a heartfelt performance beyond his 11 years, with Jermaine providing a warm counterpoint on the second verse. The song becomes the group’s biggest hit yet, debuting at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 before skyrocketing to No. 1 just three weeks later. It stays there for five weeks, making the Jackson 5 the first Black group to top the Hot 100 with their first four singles. It also reaches No. 1 on the R&B chart and sells over four million copies, becoming Motown’s best-selling single at the time.

When Third Album is released, it quickly follows suit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Soul LPs chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. The album sells over three million copies worldwide, fueled not only by “I’ll Be There” but also by standout tracks like “Mama’s Pearl,” an infectious dance tune initially recorded as “Guess Who’s Making Whoopee.” Though not released as a single until early 1971, “Mama’s Pearl” eventually reaches No. 2 on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts.

Other notable tracks include “Goin’ Back to Indiana,” a lively tribute to the group’s home state, later repurposed for a TV special, and “Darling Dear,” a lushly arranged tune that stands as one of the last songs recorded at Motown’s legendary Studio A in Detroit before the label’s move to Los Angeles. Covers like “How Funky Is Your Chicken” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” showcase the group’s versatility, with the latter providing one of Michael’s most emotive early performances.

With Third Album, the Jackson 5 prove they are more than just a bubblegum pop sensation. Their ability to deliver mature, soulful performances solidifies their status as Motown’s biggest act and ensures their continued dominance on the charts.