Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, revolutionized the music industry with his unmatched talent, electrifying performances, and timeless hits. From his groundbreaking moonwalk to his genre-defining albums, Jackson’s influence continues to resonate around the globe. With a career spanning over four decades, he left behind a legacy of songs that not only topped charts but also became the soundtrack to millions of lives. His music crossed cultural and generational boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on pop, R&B, rock, and dance music. Whether it’s the infectious bassline of “Billie Jean,” the haunting grooves of “Thriller,” or the heartfelt introspection of “Man in the Mirror,” each track tells a story that transcends time.
In this article, we dive into the top 10 most popular Michael Jackson songs of all time—tracks that have not only defined his legendary career but have also become iconic anthems in music history. These songs showcase the unparalleled genius of an artist who could make you dance, reflect, and feel deeply, all within the span of a few minutes. Get ready to moonwalk through the ultimate collection of Jackson’s greatest hits!
1. Billie Jean (1983)
“Billie Jean” is one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic tracks, released as the second single from his groundbreaking Thriller album in 1983. The song’s infectious bassline, composed by Jackson himself, drives the track, instantly recognizable from the first note. Lyrically, it tells the story of a woman named Billie Jean who claims that Jackson fathered her child, though he denies her accusation with the now-famous refrain, “The kid is not my son.” Jackson’s smooth vocals, paired with Quincy Jones’ sharp production, make this an all-time classic. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its music video, featuring Jackson’s mesmerizing moonwalk, changed the landscape of music videos forever.
2. Thriller (1983)
Released as a single in 1983, “Thriller” is arguably Michael Jackson’s most famous song and music video. The track, produced by Quincy Jones and featuring a spine-tingling spoken-word segment by horror icon Vincent Price, blends pop, funk, and a dash of horror. The song’s legacy is inseparable from its groundbreaking 14-minute music video, directed by John Landis, which became a cultural phenomenon and set the standard for music videos. Thriller remains a Halloween anthem and a pop culture staple, cementing Jackson’s status as the King of Pop.
3. Beat It (1983)
“Beat It” was released in 1983 as the third single from Thriller, showcasing Michael Jackson’s genre-blending mastery. The song combines rock elements with pop sensibilities, driven by a blistering guitar solo from none other than Eddie Van Halen. The track’s fierce energy and lyrics about standing up to violence resonated with listeners across the globe. “Beat It” became a cross-genre smash, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammy Awards. The accompanying music video, featuring choreographed gang members, became a visual icon that further solidified Jackson’s reputation as a global superstar.
4. Smooth Criminal (1988)
Released in 1988 as a single from Bad, “Smooth Criminal” is a pulsating, high-energy track that tells the story of a woman named Annie who has been violently attacked. Jackson’s rapid-fire vocal delivery, paired with a staccato beat and string arrangements, creates a sense of urgency and tension. The song is famous not only for its infectious rhythm but also for the “anti-gravity lean” performed in the music video—an effect that became legendary in Jackson’s live performances. “Smooth Criminal” remains a fan favorite and a concert staple, showcasing Jackson’s ability to weave storytelling into heart-pounding dance music.
5. Man in the Mirror (1988)
“Man in the Mirror” is one of Michael Jackson’s most introspective and socially impactful songs. Released in 1988 from the Bad album, the song addresses themes of self-reflection and personal change. With soaring gospel-like backing vocals, the track’s emotional depth is undeniable as Jackson calls for individuals to start with themselves if they want to make the world a better place. The song was a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100, and its message of personal responsibility continues to resonate with listeners today. Its performance at Jackson’s live shows, often accompanied by powerful imagery of global events, made it a moving anthem for change.
6. Black or White (1991)
Released in 1991 as the lead single from Dangerous, “Black or White” is an upbeat anthem about racial harmony and unity. Combining elements of rock and pop, the song features an addictive guitar riff and a rap segment, broadening Jackson’s already diverse musical palette. The song’s music video, directed by John Landis, was a landmark event, premiering on multiple television networks simultaneously. The video features cutting-edge morphing technology, where faces of people from different races seamlessly transform into one another, visually echoing the song’s message. “Black or White” was a worldwide hit, reaching No. 1 in multiple countries and becoming one of Jackson’s most impactful songs.
7. Bad (1987)
“Bad,” released in 1987 as the title track of Jackson’s Bad album, marked a bold new era for the artist. The song features sharp, aggressive beats and a defiant vocal performance, with Jackson declaring, “I’m bad, I’m bad, you know it!” Originally envisioned as a duet with Prince, the song became a solo showcase for Jackson’s evolving persona. The accompanying music video, directed by Martin Scorsese, features a memorable dance-off in a subway station, highlighting Jackson’s unparalleled choreography. “Bad” was another chart-topping hit for Jackson, solidifying his status as a pop powerhouse.
8. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979)
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” was Michael Jackson’s first solo single to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, released in 1979 from his Off the Wall album. The track is a disco-fueled celebration, with Jackson’s falsetto gliding over a danceable groove that makes it impossible to sit still. Written by Jackson, the song marked his creative freedom as an artist and introduced the world to his signature style. The infectious rhythm, paired with Jackson’s exuberant energy, continues to make this track a favorite on dance floors worldwide.
9. The Way You Make Me Feel (1987)
Released in 1987 as the third single from Bad, “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a buoyant love song that showcases Jackson’s playful side. The song’s groove is infectious, with a pulsating bassline and irresistible rhythm that perfectly complement Jackson’s smooth, flirtatious vocals. The accompanying music video, where Jackson passionately pursues a love interest through the streets, marked a shift in his persona to a more mature, confident artist. The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Jackson’s most beloved love songs.
10. Rock with You (1979)
“Rock with You,” released in 1979 as the second single from Off the Wall, is a smooth, disco-infused track that became one of Michael Jackson’s early solo hits. Written by Rod Temperton, the song features Jackson’s silky vocals over a laid-back groove, making it an instant classic on the dance floor. The song was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its timeless appeal lies in its effortless blend of disco and pop, with Jackson’s voice gliding effortlessly over the beat. “Rock with You” remains a testament to Jackson’s early brilliance as a solo artist.