The Jacksons: Transitioning from the Jackson 5 to a more disco-funk oriented sound, they showcased Michael’s evolution as a solo force while maintaining a tight family unit. Their Destiny and Triumph eras are benchmarks for groovy, sophisticated soul.
The Commodores: Hailing from Tuskegee, they were masters of the “funk-to-ballad” pipeline. Led by Lionel Richie’s songwriting, they could deliver gritty funk like “Brick House” just as effectively as the iconic ballad “Three Times a Lady.”
Comparison: The Jacksons represented the pinnacle of choreographed performance and pop-soul fusion. The Commodores were more of a traditional “self-contained” band, often praised for their musical versatility and Lionel Richie’s emergence as a master of the love song.