"Sunset Driver" by Michael Jackson

“Sunset Driver” was another hidden gem among Michael Jackson's huge backlog of unreleased songs. It was solely written by the pop/soul superstar in the late ‘70s. An initial demo of it was recorded in 1978 at the Jackson family home studio in Encino, California. It was originally considered for inclusion on the Off The Wall (1979) album but didn’t make the final cut. It was later rerecorded in the early ‘80s during the Thriller sessions as a potential track for that album. But it was ultimately left off that album as well. It was also considered for Michael’s 1987 Bad album but again was scrapped. “Sunset Driver” resurfaced as a bonus track on the 57-song box set The Ultimate Collection, released on November 16, 2004. It was later re-released on Thriller 40 (2022), Thriller's 40th anniversary reissue edition. It was also featured in the Ubisoft music video game “Michael Jackson: The Experience” (2010).

“Sunset Driver” is a powerful disco-funk track. It would have been a great fit for the largely dance-driven Off The Wall album. Clubgoers would have burned up many a dance floor to this hot jam back in the disco days. Louis Johnson’s captivating bass line propels the sizzling dance groove. The track features electrifying synth lines, dynamic strings, funky guitar licks and an indelible chorus. And Michael delivers a forceful high-energy vocal performance.

The protagonist of “Sunset Driver” lives a reckless, fast-paced lifestyle. This individual loves living on the edge and is in constant pursuit of thrills, danger and excitement, with little concern for the consequences. The song serves as a cautionary tale that warns of the dangers of living a reckless life of endless thrill-seeking.

It’s cool that “Sunset Driver” finally got some well-deserved love and attention with its inclusion on two MJ albums and a music video game. It’s such a banger that it’s nearly impossible not to move to it when it comes on.

The "Sunset Driver" segment from the music video game "Michael Jackson: The Experience"

"Sunset Driver" available at Amazon

Related blog entry: Review of Michael Jackson's Off The Wall Album