"Victory" is the fifteenth studio album by the Jacksons, released on July 2, 1984, by Epic Records. This album holds the distinction of being the only one to feature all six Jackson brothers together as an official group. Victory peaked at No. 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart and produced the hit single "State of Shock," which reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The album was supported by the Victory Tour, which was a major event due to Michael Jackson's global stardom following the success of Thriller (1982). However, despite the prominence of Michael during the tour, none of the songs from Victory were performed. Shortly after the tour, both Michael and Marlon Jackson left the group to pursue solo careers. Jermaine, Tito, Randy, and Jackie Jackson continued as the Jacksons and released one more album, 2300 Jackson Street (1989), before the group disbanded.
Victory was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in October 1984 and sold over 7 million copies worldwide. The album received a digital expanded reissue on April 30, 2021, along with other Jacksons' albums.
The recording process for Victory was marked by a series of solo efforts by each of the brothers. While Jermaine returned to the group after a reunion on the Motown 25 special, the brothers worked separately on their tracks. Each member had a solo song on the album: Michael on "Be Not Always," Randy on "One More Chance" and "The Hurt," Tito on "We Can Change the World," Jackie on "Wait," and Marlon on "Body." Jermaine co-led vocals with Michael on "Torture" and also contributed background vocals to other tracks. "Torture," originally intended to be a duet between Michael and Jackie, was changed when Jermaine officially rejoined the group.
Two music videos were made for the singles "Torture" and "Body," although neither Jermaine nor Michael appeared in them. Instead, a wax figure of Michael Jackson was used in the "Torture" video.
Michael also recorded "State of Shock" as a duet with Freddie Mercury of Queen. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Mercury was unable to finish the song, and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones was brought in to complete the track.
The album's artwork was commissioned from renowned science fiction illustrator Michael Whelan, and features a detailed painting of the Jackson brothers in a cartoonish, adventure-themed style. The cover shows Marlon, Jackie, Randy, Michael, Jermaine, and Tito, with Randy initially depicted with a white dove on his shoulder—though the dove was later removed in subsequent pressings.
Victory produced several singles, including the hit "State of Shock," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, "Torture," reached No. 17, and "Body," the third single, peaked at No. 47. The fourth single, "Wait," was released in 1985 in select markets but did not chart. The single version of "Wait" featured a remix with a slap bassline and additional synth elements.
The album remains a significant chapter in the Jacksons' history, marking the final time all six brothers recorded together before their solo careers took different paths.
