Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, left an indelible mark on the world of music. With his mesmerizing voice, electrifying dance moves, and unparalleled showmanship, Jackson captivated audiences across the globe. Throughout his illustrious career, he delivered a plethora of chart-topping hits, leaving a timeless musical legacy. In this article, we embark on a nostalgic journey through the top 10 best Michael Jackson songs of all time, celebrating the brilliance of an iconic artist.
These songs encapsulate Jackson’s artistic genius, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend various genres, from pop and R&B to rock and funk. Each track represents a milestone in his career, reflecting his growth as an artist and his profound impact on the music industry. From his early years as a member of the Jackson 5 to his later solo endeavors, the evolution of his sound and style is evident in these unforgettable melodies.
We delve into Jackson’s remarkable discography, examining the songs that have become timeless classics and cultural touchstones. From the infectious rhythm and enchanting storytelling of “Billie Jean” to the groundbreaking music video and pulsating beat of “Thriller,” we explore the sonic tapestry that solidified his reign as the King of Pop. As we count down the top 10, we’ll reminisce on the emotional depth of ballads like “Man in the Mirror” and the infectious grooves of tracks like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
Join us as we pay homage to the extraordinary talent of Michael Jackson and celebrate his contributions to the world of music through the examination of his top 10 best songs of all time. Prepare to be enchanted, moved, and transported by the unparalleled magic of the King of Pop’s musical legacy.
1. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
This track showcases Michael Jackson's vocal control over a fast tempo disco beat, combining his signature falsetto and soulful adlibs. The lyrics revolve around admiring a girl's beauty and charisma at a party. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) was released in 1983 as part of the legendary album 'Thriller', which went on to become the best-selling album of all time.
Jackson collaborated with musician James Ingram to write the song, and Quincy Jones produced it with synthesizer beats that provide a unique touch to the track's sound. Fans loved the memorable chorus "Don't you know now is the perfect time? We can make it right if we hurry" and Jackson's playful delivery.
In addition to being a hit on several charts worldwide, P.Y.T.(Pretty Young Thing) also garnered recognition from critics for its catchy melodies and danceable rhythm. This song remained an evergreen classic among Jackson's fans and is still played on radio stations globally today.
Reportedly, Michael wrote P.Y.T. after talking to Paul McCartney about how The Beatles' music had evolved by taking inspiration from everyday conversations they had overheard or were part of. Following this conversation, MJ decided he wanted to do something similar with his music.
Disclaimer: The article may comprise facts/ information already published elsewhere or sourced from external references/sources.
Michael Jackson's goal might have been to not stop until he got enough, but our goal is to not stop laughing at how catchy this song is.
2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
This Michael Jackson masterpiece, with its iconic falsetto opening and groovy funk beat, is a timeless classic. Encapsulating the King of Pop's signature sound, 'Never Stop Until You Get Enough' entices the listener to dance blissfully. This track marked MJ's first solo hit after leaving The Jackson 5 and showed us all what he was capable of as a solo artist.
The song showcases Michael's excellent ability to combine pop, R&B, and disco elements into his music. Its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it an instant hit with listeners worldwide. The backing vocals provide depth to the already soulful melody, while the bridge takes listeners on a journey through Michael's impressive vocal range.
Interestingly enough, 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' was actually written for MJ's sister, Janet; however, when he recorded this song himself, his producers were so impressed that they decided to keep it for him instead.
Truly a testament to Michael Jackson's musical genius and innovation in the industry.
Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' proves that you don't have to choose between being black or white, you can just dance your way to unity.
3. Black Or White
For the popular Michael Jackson song, '3. Black or White', a breakdown of its key features is essential. The song was released in 1991 as the lead single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous. Below, we've put together a table with all the necessary information that should interest anyone who loves the King of Pop.
| Album | Dangerous |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Songwriter(s) | Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell |
| Producer(s) | Teddy Riley and Michael Jackson |
This iconic song deals with themes of racial harmony and racial equality. It features a heavy bassline, unique sound effects and rap verses by MJ's sister Janet Jackson during the bridge section.
For fans of the King of Pop who have not yet listened to this song, it's highly recommended. It showcases MJ's versatility as a musician, harmoniously blending rock guitar riffs with pop and hip-hop sensibilities.
If you're searching for podcast episodes or documentaries on Michael's music career, include "Black or White" on your playlist as it highlights MJ's influence across different musical genres.
Finally, if you haven't seen the official music video for "Black or White", it is highly recommended—it features groundbreaking special effects and choreography from some of Hollywood's top talent.
In summary, Black or White continues to be one of MJ's most influential songs ever produced — touching upon important societal issues while being relatable through its catchy tune.
Smooth Criminal may have inspired a dance move, but let's be real, no one will ever be able to pull it off like MJ.
4. Smooth Criminal
This track showcases Michael Jackson's impeccable artistry and groovy dance moves. With its pulsating beat and gripping storyline, 'Smooth Criminal' is undoubtedly a Michael Jackson classic that has stood the test of time. Its iconic music video also set new standards in the music industry, further cementing MJ's status as the King of Pop. The song was released in 1988 as a part of his 'Bad' album and was an instant hit, peaking at no. 7 on Billboard Hot 100 charts.
'Smooth Criminal' features Jackson's signature vocal style with catchy lyrics that narrate a story of a gangster who commits crimes and eludes authorities with ease. The instrumental breaks, particularly the guitar solo in the middle of the song, are incredibly engaging and showcase Jackson's musical prowess.
What sets this song apart is its impact on popular culture; from global concert tours to ad campaigns, 'Smooth Criminal' has been featured time and again in various forms. The song has been sampled by several other musicians over the years, making it a culturally relevant piece for generations to come.
If you have not yet listened to 'Smooth Criminal', you're missing out on one of Michael Jackson's greatest creations. So put on your dancing shoes and groove to this timeless track! Bad? More like dangerously catchy, because once you start singing along, there's no stopping 'til you're out of breath.
5. Bad
One of Michael Jackson’s most iconic hits, 'Bad', was released in 1987 as the title track of his seventh studio album. The song features a prominent rock influence and showcases Jackson’s versatile vocal range. Its music video, directed by Martin Scorsese, is one of the most elaborate productions in music history, featuring West Side Story-esque choreography and gang wars. 'Bad' spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a staple in pop culture.
In 'Bad', Jackson sings about a tough street kid who wants to change his ways but can't shake his reputation. With its memorable chorus and infectious beat, 'Bad' is an anthem for anyone trying to overcome their circumstances and rise above their critics. The song's success solidified Jackson's place as the King of Pop.
Notably, Jackson performed 'Bad' on his record-breaking Bad World Tour between 1987-1989. The tour grossed $125 million and was seen by over four million fans across fifteen countries. After its release, 'Bad' continued to be one of Jackson's most popular hits, making it onto countless greatest hits compilations.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the instrumental breakdown towards the end of the song – Eddie Van Halen famously played guitar on this section.
Rock out with your Jackson 5 out to this classic disco hit.
6. Rock With You
This song, one of the 10 best Michael Jackson songs of all time, is a classic example of his unique style and musical talent. 'Rock With You' draws its soulful inspiration from disco music and is known for its catchy beats, groovy rhythms, and smooth vocals. The song tells the story of two lovers finding solace in each other's company as they dance the night away under a starry sky. Fans have loved listening to this track for decades, cementing it as one of the most popular songs in the legendary artist's repertoire.
As one of MJ's many chart-topping hits, 'Rock With You' showcases his incredible ability to blend different musical genres seamlessly. The track features elements of funk, R&B, and soul that come together beautifully to create an experience that captivates listeners from start to finish. The simple yet effective lyrics are complemented by the use of rich instrumental layers that give this classic tune its nostalgic charm.
In addition to being a massive commercial success at the time of its release in 1979, 'Rock With You' has since been recognised by several reputable institutions as one of the greatest songs ever made. Rolling Stone magazine placed it at number 387 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time," while VH1 named it as number eight on their list of "100 greatest dance songs."
According to sources close to Michael Jackson during that era in his life, he wrote 'Rock With You' as an expression of his gratitude towards his fans who continued supporting him even after he had become a household name with multiple hit records already under his belt.
Off The Wall will make you want to dance, even if you have two left feet and a questionable moonwalk.
7. Off The Wall
Michael Jackson's album 'Off The Wall' is considered one of his best works. It was released in 1979 under Epic Records and became an instant hit with fans worldwide. The album captured his evolution as a solo artist from the Jackson 5 to more mature sound with funk, disco, and pop elements.
The title track 'Off The Wall' showcases MJ's soulful voice accompanied by infectious grooves created by legendary musicians of that era. From the smooth intro to the catchy chorus, the song's energy remains unforgettable. Furthermore, the songwriting team of Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson craftily mixed great instrumentals and motifs to make it a timeless classic.
On the other hand, 'Don't Stop Till You Get Enough' features Jackson's signature falsetto voice highlighted by a driving bassline making it irresistible from start to finish. It became a significant hit on several charts globally and was awarded multiple accolades.
Jackson dedicated himself tirelessly during recording sessions in Quincy Jones' studio as he aimed to create something unique that would positively impact society. Therefore, songs under this album remain relevant among music enthusiasts decades after their release, cementing MJ's status as one of the world's finest entertainers ever lived.
Thriller gave us all major dance goals, but let's be honest, the real horror is trying to hit those high notes in the chorus.
8. Thriller
One of Michael Jackson's greatest hits is the iconic song that changed the game for music videos – 'The King of Pop's Best-Known Dark Fantasy'. It's a Halloween anthem that stands the test of time and will remain in public consciousness for generations to come. The song and its video were a defining moment in Michael Jackson's career, cementing his status as not just a singer but an omnipotent artist.
'The King of Pop's Best-Known Dark Fantasy' popularized the idea of storytelling through music videos and revolutionized pop music forever. From Vincent Price’s ominous laugh to zombies crawling from their graves, this eight-minute phenomenon blended cinema, dance, and non-stop thrills into one unforgettable piece. With its infectious beat and clever lyrics, 'The King of Pop's Best-Known Dark Fantasy' took over the globe with millions copying Jackson’s signature dance moves.
Despite being released over three decades ago, this masterpiece continues to hold relevance and influence pop culture today. There are several reasons behind its lasting impact – its superb production quality, innovative concept, daring makeup design (MJ himself donned red leather jacket with black trousers), synchronized choreography coupled with unforgettable tunes make it an unbeatable combo.
If you're looking to bask in nostalgia or witness true magic for yourselves, you cannot miss out on this evergreen classic- 'The King of Pop's Best-Known Dark Fantasy'. Get ready to break out into dance along with MJ as he takes you through all the mesmerizing twists and turns in this hauntingly beautiful journey!
Michael Jackson's message was clear in 'Beat It': if you want to avoid a knife fight, just bring along some fancy footwork and a red leather jacket.
9. Beat It
Beat It is one of Michael Jackson's iconic releases that has stood the test of time. The number nine on our list is a classic down to its melody, lyrics and production quality. Here are three points that make this song unforgettable.
- The guitar solo: Eddie Van Halen plays a legendary guitar solo that blends perfectly with the song's catchy beat
- The lyrics: Beat It was written as an anti-gang anthem. The song encourages people to stop fighting and build bridges instead of walls
- The music video: The elaborate choreography, synchronized moves, and intricate lighting reveal an aspect of Jackson's vision for music videos.
Beat It stands out in terms of its use of rock elements blended with MJ's other signature styles like R&B and pop. Moreover, it became an instant hit after its release in 1983 due to its message and creativity.
Billie Jean may not be his lover, but it's definitely one of the greatest Michael Jackson songs of all time.
10. Billie Jean
This particular track from Michael Jackson's repertoire is a true embodiment of his musical genius. Recognized worldwide, 'The Girl is Mine' outsold myriad artists; proving itself as an undeniable masterpiece of studio recordings. It was released as the lead single from the "Thriller" album and won countless awards globally. Without any doubt, it remains one of the most memorable songs of all time.
'The Girl is Mine' holds a special place in music history as it features Paul McCartney from The Beatles. The collaboration between two legends challenged racial barriers, creating an amazing composition that captivates listeners to date. Moreover, the debate around which artist sings which part also made this song even more interesting for fans around the globe.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
