Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time. With his electrifying performances, distinctive voice, and innovative dance moves, he captivated audiences around the world and inspired countless musicians in his wake. His music spanned a range of genres, from pop to R&B to rock, and his impact on the music industry cannot be overstated.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Michael Jackson songs of all time. From the infectious groove of “Billie Jean” to the uplifting anthem “Man in the Mirror,” we’ll explore the music that has solidified Jackson’s legacy as a true musical icon. We’ll take a look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and analyze what makes them enduring classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the music and legacy of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.
1. Black Or White
This track is a quintessential masterpiece showcasing Michael Jackson's remarkable artistry. The "1. Black Or White" song manifests Jackson's genius in encapsulating pop and R&B elements into one cohesive work of art with a message revolving around racial harmony and unity. With its exceptional guitar solo, hard-hitting drum rhythms, and MJ's unmatched vocal range, this timeless classic has proved to be a global sensation since its release in 1991.
The song effectively communicates the essential message that regardless of skin color or race, we are all the same at heart. In addition, the visual representation through its music video amplifies this message further by showcasing different races, religions, and cultures coming together in unison. MJ's charismatic performance demonstrates his ability to influence his audience with both his music and distinct choreography.
It's interesting to note that Michael Jackson incorporated numerous instruments from various parts of the world such as India, Africa, and Russia resulting in further enriching the track’s musical diversity making it an absolute cultural revelation.
Pro Tip: The original music video is worth watching as it aptly depicts Jackson’s creative vision inspiring all those who watch it while immersing themselves in an unforgettable audio-visual experience.
Michael Jackson's instructions for life can be summed up in this song title: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough…of whatever it is that makes you moonwalk.
2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
This song invigorates listeners with its upbeat rhythms and grooves. Its funky baseline is accented by Jackson's silky vocals and the infectious chorus. '2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough' showcases Jackson's versatile singing style. He transitions effortlessly from soulful verses to exuberant choruses, keeping listeners hooked until the last note. This seminal dance track launched his solo career in dramatic fashion and cemented his place as a global pop icon.
The effortless flow of '2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough' can make anyone feel the rhythm in their bones and start dancing without restraint. The funk-infused bass guitar works perfectly with disco strings, piano, horns, and other instruments that add layers of catchy melodies to the song. Overall, it is a timeless classic that represents an era of music history where nobody could resist getting up on the dance floor.
Its success earned Michael Jackson his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1980. Besides landing on several charts worldwide, this hit single also marked Jackson's first collaboration with producer Quincy Jones which led to some of his most iconic recordings including Thriller, and Bad among others.
One remarkable feature of '2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough' is that his voice went beyond just mere lyrics but communicated a sense of joy and celebration throughout the lyrics – truly an enduring legacy for MJ's fans everywhere to enjoy decade after decade.
Don't be surprised if this song makes you want to dance like a smooth criminal, because P.Y.T. is simply irresistible.
3. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
This Michael Jackson classic, which is also known as "Pretty Young Thing," showcases the King of Pop's suave and funky side. The electric dance beat and upbeat lyrics will have listeners grooving along in no time. With its catchy melody and memorable chorus, P.Y.T. remains one of Jackson's most beloved songs.
The song was featured on Jackson's critically acclaimed album, Thriller, which broke records and cemented his superstar status. P.Y.T. was co-written by James Ingram and Quincy Jones, two music industry giants who worked closely with Jackson throughout his career.
Interestingly, many people believe that the song is about a romantic relationship with a younger woman, but in reality, it is simply about having fun on the dance floor with someone you find attractive. The track was a massive hit upon its release in 1983 and has remained a fan favorite ever since.
He may have been a Smooth Criminal, but Michael Jackson's music will forever be criminal in its ability to make us dance.
4. Smooth Criminal
Smooth Criminal, perhaps one of the most popular tracks in Michael Jackson’s discography. With its distinctive bassline and catchy lyrics, it has become a timeless classic. The song tells a story about a woman named Annie who is attacked by a smooth-talking criminal. However, Annie manages to outsmart him and he is caught by the police.
The song was released in 1988 as part of Jackson’s Bad album and quickly became an instant hit. It won numerous awards such as the Soul Train Music Award for Best Single, and spent over 20 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Smooth Criminal also has been recognized for its iconic music video that features Jackson performing his signature moonwalk dance as he appears to defy gravity.
What sets Smooth Criminal apart from other MJ songs is its unique blend of genres like pop, rock, funk, and R&B. Additionally, it has inspired countless remixes, cover versions, parodies,mashups,and tributes from artists around the world. There’s no doubt that Smooth Criminal will remain one of Jackson's most beloved songs that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
If you’re looking for some suggestions on how to enhance your listening experience with this tune: First– crank up the volume while indulging in every musical detail this masterpiece has to offer. Second – try learning Michael’s iconic dance moves! They are sure to impress anyone who watches you perform them!
Bad may have been the title of the song, but it was definitely not the description of Michael Jackson's talent.
5. Bad
One of the most iconic tracks from the King of Pop, this upbeat and funky track quickly became a fan favorite. "5. Bad" was released in 1987, and to this day remains one of Michael Jackson's most popular songs. The track was an instant hit, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning Jackson a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
- The song features a driving bass line, catchy chorus, and Jackson's signature vocals
- It was accompanied by a distinctive music video, which featured Jackson performing complex dance routines with a group of dancers
- Despite its popularity, some critics initially panned the track for its overly commercial sound
Although "Bad" may be known for its infectious beat and unforgettable video, it is also worth noting that the song has been subject to controversy over the years. Some have argued that it promotes negative stereotypes about urban life and encourages violence as a means of overcoming hardship.
One interesting fact about "Bad" is that it was actually originally written as a duet between Michael Jackson and Prince. However, tensions between the two artists led to Prince ultimately declining to participate in the project. Nevertheless, "Bad" remained one of Jackson's biggest hits and continues to be celebrated today as an iconic example of his unique style and unmatched talent.
Who knew the undead could dance so well? Thriller proves that even zombies have better moves than most of us.
6. Thriller
Michael Jackson's iconic song, widely known as a masterpiece, broke barriers and went beyond his typical style. The song becomes an instant success in 1984 when it was released and is still deemed as a pop culture reference. This incredible track revolves around the feeling of horror while still giving it a fun touch that fits its release time during Halloween. Here, Michael Jackson showed his creative side by including horror movie references with his fantastic dance steps.
The music video of Thriller took things to a whole new level as it had a full storyline with characters along with Michael's astounding acting skills and perfectly choreographed moves overall making this song an exceptional one. The video's success was just so significant that even Las Vegas has created a permanent show featuring the theme of this thrilling hit.
As iconic as Thriller itself is its introduction quote spoken by none other than Vincent Price which quickly became memorable and associated directly with this song. Thriller holds the privilege of being the best selling album in history, where every song seemed to have made the artist proud, but Thriller ended up overshadowing them all from that record.
There is one particular instance where Michael showed up in London for a special event, breaking into his iconic moves right after he gave his famous "This Is It" quote – A gesture never forgotten by fans present there or those who came across that footage anywhere on social media platforms.
If Michael Jackson's music was a wall, 'Off The Wall' would be the graffiti masterpiece.
7. Off The Wall
Off The Wall, one of Michael Jackson's most significant songs, shows his ability to transcend from a child star to a legendary solo artist. The song became a classic hit soon after its release in 1979 and remained a hallmark of the disco era.
- Off The Wall is an ode to liberation – maybe it was time for MJ to break away independently from the arrangement with Motown.
- The tempo gradually builds up in the song, commanding listeners' attention towards the chorus.
- The use of synths and brass in Off The Wall highlights MJ's emerging significance as both a singer and songwriter.
- The production quality of Off The Wall has aged tremendously well since its release over four decades ago.
Another notable feature is Rod Temperton's contribution as the songwriter, which made it crucial for MJ's finest accomplishments while gaining critical approval. Additionally, the main guitar riff that starts during the intro characterizes Off The Wall perfectly.
Overall, fans could observe that MJ deviates slightly from his traditional pop style by incorporating funk and reminiscing over his early days. Get ready to groove with Michael as he rocks you into the night with this timeless classic.
8. Rock With You
This MJ classic, 'Rock With You,' seamlessly blends funk and disco with his signature pop style. The groovy song was released in 1979 and quickly became one of the most danced to tunes of all time. Its simple yet captivating lyrics, catchy melody and smooth vocals make it a fan favorite worldwide. Not to mention its iconic music video featuring MJ in classic disco attire lighting up the dance floor with his moves. It's no wonder this song remains a timeless fixture in Michael Jackson's extensive catalogue.
If you're ever in a knife fight, just remember to channel your inner Michael Jackson and beat it.
9. Beat It
Innovative and electrifying, this chart-topper by the King of Pop showcases his unparalleled musical prowess. Its rock-influenced melody is a staple in Michael Jackson's legacy. Let's dive deeper into why '9. Beat It' is one of his best hits.
- 'Beat It' was released in 1983 on MJ's Thriller album
- The song was produced by Quincy Jones and co-written by Jackson
- Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo in the song that boosted its popularity
- 'Beat It' remained at the top spot on Billboard Hot 100 charts for three weeks
- The music video for 'Beat It' won two Grammy Awards and set Kung Fu action as its theme
In addition to its catchy tune and groundbreaking music video, Beat It symbolizes the embodiment of rebellion against violence and gang culture through music. A remarkable feat made possible by Jackson's talent and unwavering commitment to his art.
A legendary story reveals how Eddie Van Halen initially declined participation in recording this iconic song but changed his mind after a phone call from an excited Michael Jackson, who convinced him that it would be a huge hit. And hit it did! The result – an impactful unity between two outstanding musicians, creating magic with their collaboration.
Billie Jean may have been just a girl, but she managed to steal the spotlight from the King of Pop himself.
10. Billie Jean
The song 'Billie Jean' is one of the most iconic hits of Michael Jackson and an all-time favorite of his fans. The track was released on January 2, 1983, as part of his sixth studio album 'Thriller,' which was a groundbreaking album in the music industry.
- The Songwriting – Written and composed by Michael Jackson, the lyrics revolve around a fan who claimed that she had his child. The song's signature bassline was recorded by Louis Johnson, one-half of the Brothers Johnson.
- Chart-Topping Success – 'Billie Jean' ranked at no. 1 on the US Billboard charts for seven weeks and became Jackson's first top ten entry in the UK, reaching no. 1.
- Influential Music Video – The iconic music video shot for this song was directed by Steve Barron and showcased Jackson's signature dance moves. The video received massive critical acclaim, won two Grammy awards, and changed the course of Music Videos across genres.
- Cultural Significance – 'Billie Jean' meant more than just another Michael Jackson hit. It became a social statement about groupies and their claims over celebrities' lives and bodies while making Michal's unique vocal style all the more accessible to people.
What makes Billie Jean so timeless is its captivating melodies with perfect percussion joined with profound poetic lyrics that appeals to many generations. It remains memorable for both its challenging drum beats, immersive storytelling as well as Michael's exceptional vocal performance.
Experience the magic again today and add 'Billie Jean' to your playlist!
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.
