Michael Jackson, often referred to as the “King of Pop,” was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Jackson began his music career as a child in the early 1960s as a member of the Jackson 5, a Motown group featuring him and his siblings. In the 1970s, he embarked on a solo career and quickly became one of the most iconic and influential artists in the history of music. Jackson’s contributions to music and dance, as well as his impact on popular culture, are unparalleled. He is known for his groundbreaking music videos, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” which helped to popularize MTV and revolutionize the music industry. Jackson’s music encompassed a wide range of styles, including pop, R&B, soul, funk, and rock, and his albums, such as “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad,” are among the best-selling of all time. Despite his untimely death in 2009, Jackson’s legacy lives on, and he is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in history.
1. Rock With You
“Rock with You” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1979 on his album “Off the Wall.” It was written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. The song is a disco and funk track with a catchy beat and infectious groove. “Rock with You” became one of Jackson’s signature songs and was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s smooth, danceable rhythm and Jackson’s soulful vocals made it a favorite among fans and critics alike. “Rock with You” is considered one of Jackson’s greatest hits and is often included in lists of the greatest disco songs of all time.
2. Off The Wall
“Off the Wall” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1979 as the title track from his fifth studio album. The song was written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. “Off the Wall” is an upbeat disco and funk track with a lively rhythm and infectious melody. The lyrics speak of letting go of inhibitions and enjoying life to the fullest. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Off the Wall” is considered one of Jackson’s signature songs and is often praised for its catchy groove and energetic performance.
3. Thriller
“Thriller” is a landmark song recorded by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1982 as the seventh and final single from his album of the same name. Written by Rod Temperton, “Thriller” is known for its distinctive bassline, catchy melody, and groundbreaking music video, directed by John Landis. The song’s lyrics depict horror-themed imagery and storytelling, inspired by Jackson’s love of horror films. “Thriller” became one of Jackson’s most successful and iconic songs, topping charts around the world and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Its music video, featuring Jackson’s iconic dance moves and special effects, revolutionized the medium and remains a cultural phenomenon to this day.
4. Beat It
“Beat It” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1983 on his album “Thriller.” It was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. “Beat It” is a rock and roll-inspired track with a hard-driving beat and a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. The song’s lyrics speak of standing up for oneself and not backing down from a fight. “Beat It” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s music video, featuring Jackson dancing with a group of gang members, is also iconic and helped to popularize MTV. “Beat It” is considered one of Jackson’s greatest hits and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.
5. Billie Jean
“Billie Jean” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released in 1983 as the second single from his album “Thriller.” Written and composed by Jackson himself, “Billie Jean” is renowned for its distinctive bassline, catchy melody, and iconic hook. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who claims that the narrator is the father of her child, which he vehemently denies. With its infectious rhythm, memorable chorus, and Jackson’s electrifying vocals, “Billie Jean” became one of his signature songs and a defining moment in his career. It topped the charts worldwide and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
6. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1983 on his album “Thriller.” It was written by James Ingram and Quincy Jones. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” is an upbeat dance-pop track with a catchy melody and infectious rhythm. The song’s lyrics speak of admiration for a young and attractive woman. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s upbeat tempo and Jackson’s energetic vocals made it a favorite among fans and critics alike. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” is considered one of the standout tracks from the “Thriller” album.
7. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” is a classic disco-funk song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released in 1979 as the lead single from his album “Off the Wall.” Written and composed by Jackson himself, the song features his dynamic vocals, infectious groove, and energetic instrumentation. “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” became one of Jackson’s first solo hits, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning him his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. With its irresistible rhythm and uplifting lyrics, the song remains a timeless anthem of joy and celebration, cementing Jackson’s status as a music icon.
8. Black Or White
“Black or White” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1991 as the lead single from his eighth studio album, “Dangerous.” It was written and composed by Jackson, with rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell. The song is a fusion of rock, dance, and rap, with a strong message of racial harmony and equality. “Black or White” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for seven weeks. The song’s music video, directed by John Landis, features groundbreaking special effects and a diverse cast of dancers, emphasizing the song’s message of unity. “Black or White” is considered one of Jackson’s most iconic songs and is often praised for its powerful message and infectious groove.
9. Smooth Criminal
“Smooth Criminal” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released in 1988 as the seventh single from his album “Bad.” Written and composed by Jackson himself, “Smooth Criminal” is known for its distinctive bassline, catchy melody, and iconic lyrics. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman named Annie who is attacked in her apartment by a smooth-talking criminal, but the protagonist of the song vows to catch him in the act. With its energetic rhythm, memorable chorus, and Jackson’s trademark vocal delivery, “Smooth Criminal” became one of his signature songs and a fan favorite. Its music video, featuring Jackson’s signature dance moves and a gravity-defying lean, has become iconic in popular culture.
10. Bad
“Bad” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1987 as the lead single from his seventh studio album of the same name. The song was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. “Bad” is a dance-pop and funk song with a distinctive bassline and aggressive lyrics. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young man who is challenging his detractors and asserting his confidence and prowess. “Bad” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s music video, directed by Martin Scorsese, features Jackson dancing with a group of street gang members, showcasing his iconic dance moves and choreography. “Bad” is considered one of Jackson’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.