Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop, left an indelible mark on the world of music that continues to resonate even after his untimely passing. With a career spanning several decades, he revolutionized the industry with his electrifying performances, iconic dance moves, and a distinctive voice that captured the hearts of millions. Throughout his illustrious career, Jackson released numerous chart-topping hits that became the soundtrack of a generation. From infectious rhythms to soul-stirring ballads, his songs crossed boundaries of genre, race, and age, cementing his status as one of the greatest entertainers in history. In this article, we will embark on a nostalgic journey through his musical legacy and explore the top 10 best Michael Jackson songs of all time. From his early days as a child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to his groundbreaking solo work, each song on this list represents a testament to his unparalleled talent and enduring influence. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the timeless melodies and unmatched artistry of Michael Jackson as we celebrate his extraordinary contribution to the world of music.
1. Billie Jean
Text:
Billie Jean – the iconic number one song of Michael Jackson's best. Its beat and lyrics make it timeless in the music industry.
From the first bass line, you know it's something special. Jackson's smooth vocals and groovy rhythm – irresistible! When released in 1983, it topped charts worldwide.
What's unique? Its storytelling. Lyrics tell of an obsessive fan claiming Jackson's her child's father. This adds depth to the track, going beyond catchy tunes. Exploring themes of fame, identity, and boundaries.
Behind the inspiration for Billie Jean – a true story. Michael Jackson constantly targeted by fans claiming he fathered their children. This invasion of privacy influenced the creation of the powerful track.
2. Beat It
Text: Beat It – Michael Jackson's iconic song! Released in 1982, it had an instant global impact. The musical arrangement melds rock and pop elements perfectly. Plus, the lyrics have a strong message about unity: no violence and harmony!
Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo in Beat It is legendary. And the music video amazes with MJ's incredible dancing skills.
Notably, Beat It broke down racial barriers and crossed many musical genres. MJ's ability to create timeless music that resonates with people is remarkable.
Did you know? Despite being a successful artist, Michael Jackson faced resistance when recording Beat It. Some members of his record label didn't believe it would be a hit. But Jackson persisted – and proved them wrong. Beat It became one of his most beloved and celebrated songs!
3. Thriller
Michael Jackson's iconic song, "Thriller," captivated audiences with its blend of pop and funk. Released in 1982, it skyrocketed to fame with its haunting melody and Jackson's mesmerizing vocals. The music video, directed by John Landis, made it a cultural phenomenon. As the seventh and final single from the legendary album, "Thriller," it solidified Jackson's status as the King of Pop.
It was praised for combining elements of various musical genres, and its unforgettable chorus and infectious beat continue to captivate listeners across generations. A true testament to Jackson's musical genius. Off The Wall, Jackson reminds us that a disco dancefloor is where gravity plays nice with you.
4. Off The Wall
Text: Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album was iconic. Released in 1979, it showed Jackson's skill and made him a leader of pop and R&B music.
See below for some key info:
| Track | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough | 1979 | Disco |
| Rock With You | 1980 | Pop |
| Off The Wall | 1980 | Pop |
| She's Out of My Life | 1979 | Soft rock |
Off The Wall was popular, partly due to its great collaborations with people like Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, and Stevie Wonder. It was a turning point for Jackson, paving the way for Thriller. It showed his artistic growth and his experiments with different music types.
Move your body with 'Rock With You'! It's guaranteed to make you move more than a Zumba class on steroids.
5. Rock With You
A classic hit from 1979, 'Rock With You' by Michael Jackson is a timeless track that showcases his incredible talent. Combining disco, pop and R&B, this song appeals to a wide audience.
Jackson's vocals create an emotional connection with listeners. The lyrics celebrate the power of music and dancing. Plus, it's hard to resist the infectious groove and vibrant instrumentation. This track is a true testament to Michael Jackson's artistry.
Fun fact: It was written by Rod Temperton, who also wrote other big hits for Jackson such as 'Thriller' and 'Off the Wall'.
Michael Jackson's 'Bad' conveys a powerful message, reminding us that even when the King of Pop wasn't feeling his best, he still shined brighter than anyone else.
6. Bad
Dive right into the legendary track "Bad" by Michael Jackson! It's sixth on our list of his best songs. Let's look at what makes it an outstanding piece of music.
Release year: 1987
Genre: Pop, R&B
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
This song shows Michael Jackson's talent and innovation. He expressed his artistic growth and societal commentary through powerful lyrics and melodies.
Michael Jackson's vocal range and dance moves captivate listeners every time. When you listen to "Bad," you're back in a time when he was the King of Pop.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of "Bad". Immerse yourself in this timeless masterpiece. Let its energy remind you of the King of Pop's legacy. Watch out, Annie, Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal might just steal the top spot on your playlist.
7. Smooth Criminal
Text:
Smooth Criminal is Michael Jackson's 7th greatest song of all time! It has an amazing melody, rhythm and dance moves. It was released in 1988 and became popular straight away, and is still one of Jackson's most beloved songs.
To experience the song fully, here are some suggestions:
- Listen to it with good quality headphones or speakers.
- Watch the music video and admire Jackson's impressive dance moves.
- Listen carefully to the lyrics and be moved by Jackson's smooth vocals.
By following these tips, you can truly appreciate the artistry of Smooth Criminal. Whether you like the black, white, or leopard-spotted Jackson, this song will make you feel colorblind and dance in harmony!
8. Black Or White
"Black Or White" is one of Michael Jackson's most iconic songs. It speaks of racial equality and unity in a powerful way. Here's a quick look at its impact and success:
Song: Black Or White
Release Year: 1991
Genre: Pop, Rock, R&B
Album: Dangerous
Written By: Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell
Produced By: Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell
Chart Performance:
- Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #1
- UK Singles Chart Peak Position: #1
- Other Chart Performances: Top positions in various countries worldwide
Awards and Accolades:
- Grammy Award nominations (including Record of the Year)
- MTV Video Music Award winner for Best Dance Video
The music video also made headlines. It had groundbreaking effects and cameos by Macaulay Culkin and Tess Harper. It even featured controversial scenes of morphing faces, bringing attention to issues of racial identity.
When you listen to this song, pay attention to Michael Jackson's vocal style and harmonies. Appreciate the fusion of various genres within it, and be prepared for uncontrollable dance moves, and an urge to don a sequined glove.
9. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Text:
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." One of Michael Jackson's most iconic tunes! Its rhythm will make you want to move and its melody will put you in a great mood. This disco-funk track was released in 1979. It marked Jackson's first solo single as an adult artist.
The song starts off with a mesmerizing bassline. Jackson's vocals soar over the music, with his signature falsetto featured in various parts. The lyrics are all about desire and pushing through, no matter what.
What makes this song special is its incredible production. Quincy Jones worked his magic and created a magnificent mix of horns, strings, and keyboards, to perfectly enhance Jackson's voice.
Pro Tip: Listen to this song with a good pair of headphones or an audio system. You'll appreciate the details in the instrumentation and Jackson's vocal performance. Get ready to boogie and forget that Michael was close to 40 when he sang about young things!
10. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)' sits at a remarkable 10th position on the list of the top Michael Jackson songs of all time. It is a classic that will never age, and has the power to captivate the audience with its irresistible rhythm and catchy lyrics.
| Ranking | Song | Year Released | Album |
| 10 | P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) | 1982 | Thriller |
The song is a beautiful mix of pop, R&B, and funk. Jackson's vocal skill adds to the upbeat melody, creating an irresistible blend that you can't help but love.
What's special about "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" is that it manages to evoke emotions, while still being fun. The lyrics are all about infatuation and desire, but in a lighthearted way. It's easy to relate to, no matter what age you are.
It's also worth mentioning that the song has been featured in many films, commercials, and TV shows over the years. It's no wonder it's become a cultural phenomenon.
This is further proven by Rolling Stone's ranking of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" as number 45 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Michael Jackson's discography is full of remarkable songs, but "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" stands out. Its energy and timeless appeal will keep audiences entertained forever.
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.
