Listen to the Song
Song DNA
Genre
Pop
Era
70s
Mood
Euphoric
Tempo
Upbeat
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Vocal-focused
Feel
Groovy
Michael Jackson
Rock With You (1979)
Rod Temperton
Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, "Rock with You" is the definitive late-disco anthem from Michael Jackson's landmark Off the Wall album. Its lush orchestration, infectious groove, and Jackson's effortlessly smooth vocals made it a #1 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, cementing his transition from child star to solo superstar.
The harmony of 'Rock with You' exemplifies the sophisticated side of late-70s disco. The verse's minimal two-chord vamp keeps the groove focused and danceable, while the chorus opens up into a jazz-influenced circle-of-fifths progression that gives the song it…
Rod Temperton, keyboardist of the British funk band Heatwave, wrote "Rock with You" specifically for the Off the Wall sessions. The song was originally titled "Rock with You All Night" but was shortened during production. It was first offered to Karen Carpente…
“The song was originally offered to Karen Carpenter, who declined it”
The harmony of 'Rock with You' exemplifies the sophisticated side of late-70s disco. The verse's minimal two-chord vamp keeps the groove focused and danceable, while the chorus opens up into a jazz-influenced circle-of-fifths progression that gives the song its emotional lift. The consistent use of extended chords (maj7, m7) throughout adds warmth and elegance without sacrificing accessibility—a hallmark of the Quincy Jones production style.
Rod Temperton, keyboardist of the British funk band Heatwave, wrote "Rock with You" specifically for the Off the Wall sessions. The song was originally titled "Rock with You All Night" but was shortened during production. It was first offered to Karen Carpenter while she was working on her debut solo album, but she turned it down, leaving it available for Jackson.
Written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones, "Rock with You" is the definitive late-disco anthem from Michael Jackson's landmark Off the Wall album. Its lush orchestration, infectious groove, and Jackson's effortlessly smooth vocals made it a #1 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, cementing his transition from child star to solo superstar.
Detailed analysis of this section is not yet available for this song.
Genre
Pop
Era
70s
Mood
Euphoric
Tempo
Upbeat
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Vocal-focused
Feel
Groovy
3.9M
Plays
669K
Listeners
439K
Genius Views
1
Annotations
100%
Popularity
3:23
Duration
4/4
Time
From the album Rock With You
Chorus
Verse
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Chords Cm7 N/A Fm7 N/A B♭7 N/A E♭maj7 N/A Cm7 Fm7 B♭7 E♭maj7 Harmony The harmony of 'Rock with You' exemplifies the sophisticated side of late-70s disco. The verse's minimal two-chord vamp keeps the groove focused and danceable, while the chorus opens up into a jazz-influenced circle-of-fifths progression that gives the song its emotional lift. The consistent use of extended chords (maj7, m7) throughout adds warmth and elegance without sacrificing accessibility—a hallmark of the Quincy Jones production style. Deep Analysis Available Detailed analysis of this section is not yet available for this song. Notify me when it's ready Request Full Analysis
Chord Diagrams Cm7 N/A Fm7 N/A B♭7 N/A E♭maj7 N/A
Composition Rod Temperton, keyboardist of the British funk band Heatwave, wrote "Rock with You" specifically for the Off the Wall sessions. The song was originally titled "Rock with You All Night" but was shortened during production. It was first offered to Karen Carpenter while she was working on her debut solo album, but she turned it down, leaving it available for Jackson. Inspiration: Temperton crafted the song to showcase Jackson's smooth vocal style over a dance-floor-ready groove, blending the lush orchestral disco sound of the era with funk-driven rhythms. Recording Producer: Quincy Jones The song was originally offered to Karen Carpenter, who declined it Rod Temperton shortened the title from "Rock with You All Night" to "Rock with You" during the sessions
Chord Sheet Transpose 0 Capo 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Auto-scroll Print Reset Chords Used Hide functions E♭maj7 Imaj7 T Fm7 ii7 P Cm7 vi7 T B♭7 V7 D Progression by Section Chorus Cm7 vi7 Fm7 ii7 P B♭7 V7 D E♭maj7 Imaj7 T Verse E♭maj7 Imaj7 T Fm7 ii7 P Chord Diagrams Cm7 N/A Fm7 N/A B♭7 N/A E♭maj7 N/A Harmony Analysis The harmony of 'Rock with You' exemplifies the sophisticated side of late-70s disco. The verse's minimal two-chord vamp keeps the groove focused and danceable, while the chorus opens up into a jazz-influenced circle-of-fifths progression that gives the song its emotional lift. The consistent use of extended chords (maj7, m7) throughout adds warmth and elegance without sacrificing accessibility—a hallmark of the Quincy Jones production style. Find Tabs & Chords Songsterr Interactive tabs Ultimate Guitar Chords & tabs Cifra Club Chords
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Off the WallMichael JacksonDon't Stop 'Til You Get EnoughMichael JacksonBlame It on the BoogieThe JacksonsShake Your Body (Down to the Ground)The JacksonsTreasureBruno MarsLove Never Felt So GoodMichael Jackson & Justin TimberlakeBillie Jean28.3M playsBeat It20.8M playsThriller14.8M playsDon't Stop 'Til You Get Enough9.4M playsRock With You - Single Version12.1M playsP.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)10.5M playsView all Michael Jackson songs →