Michael Jackson—The King of Pop—was more than just a musician; he was a global phenomenon. With his groundbreaking music, electrifying dance moves, and unmatched stage presence, he redefined the world of entertainment. From the moment he burst onto the scene as a child prodigy with the Jackson 5 to his reign as a solo megastar, Michael’s influence has remained unparalleled. His music transcends generations, cultures, and genres, making him one of the most celebrated artists in history.
Whether it was his infectious pop anthems, powerful ballads, or genre-blending masterpieces, Michael had a unique ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. His songs broke records, topped charts, and became the soundtrack of millions of lives. With innovative music videos and legendary live performances, he set new standards that artists still strive to reach today.
But which of his hits stand out as the very best? In this article, we count down the Top 10 Most Popular Michael Jackson Songs of All Time—the tracks that defined his legendary career and continue to captivate fans worldwide. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just beginning to explore his music, this list will take you on a journey through the magic of Michael Jackson. Let’s dive in!
1. Beat It (1983)
Released in 1983 as part of Thriller, “Beat It” marked a bold crossover into rock territory for Michael Jackson. With an unforgettable guitar solo by rock legend Eddie Van Halen, the song masterfully blends pop with hard-hitting rock, showcasing Jackson’s ability to transcend genres. The song’s anti-violence message, set against the backdrop of gang culture, resonated with audiences worldwide, making it both a musical and cultural statement. The iconic music video, which featured a choreographed gang dance-off, amplified Jackson’s reputation as a visionary artist. “Beat It” went on to become a massive hit, solidifying Jackson’s place in both pop and rock music history.
2. Smooth Criminal (1987)
Released as part of Bad in 1987, “Smooth Criminal” remains one of Michael Jackson’s most innovative tracks. The song’s relentless beat and Jackson’s staccato vocal delivery create an atmosphere of suspense and danger, perfectly matched by its dark narrative. The lyrics, detailing a violent attack on a woman named Annie, add a cinematic quality to the track, which only enhances its tension. The accompanying music video became legendary, with Jackson performing the gravity-defying “anti-gravity lean,” a move that captivated audiences and became one of his signature dance moves. “Smooth Criminal” is a fan favorite, known for its relentless energy, unforgettable rhythm, and thrilling groove.
3. Bad (1987)
“Bad,” the title track from Michael Jackson’s 1987 album, signaled a new era for the King of Pop. With its bold, confident lyrics and hard-hitting beats, the song marked Jackson’s evolution from pop icon to a global cultural force. The music video, directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, featured Jackson in a more streetwise, edgy setting, bringing a fresh urban vibe to his image. The song’s iconic subway dance sequence became etched in pop culture, and the track topped charts worldwide, proving that Jackson was continually reinventing himself while remaining a dominant force in the music world.
4. Billie Jean (1983)
Released in 1983 as part of Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller album, “Billie Jean” is undoubtedly one of his most iconic tracks. A perfect blend of post-disco, funk, and R&B, the song’s unmistakable bassline, courtesy of Louis Johnson, and its mysterious lyrics about a woman’s claim of paternity made a lasting impression. “Billie Jean” not only soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for an incredible seven weeks, but it also became a cultural milestone. The music video, directed by Steve Barron, introduced Jackson’s legendary dance moves, including the groundbreaking moonwalk, which captivated audiences around the world. The track’s infectious rhythm and cryptic story continue to resonate with fans, securing its place as one of the greatest pop anthems of all time.
5. Thriller (1982)
“Thriller,” the title track from Michael Jackson’s 1982 album, is much more than just a song—it’s an event. The song’s eerie, cinematic sound, amplified by horror icon Vincent Price’s spoken word segment, set the stage for a truly groundbreaking moment in music history. The music video, directed by John Landis, was a revolutionary 13-minute production that mixed storytelling, choreography, and movie-style production to create a music video like no other before it. With its spine-chilling atmosphere and unforgettable chorus, “Thriller” became an annual Halloween favorite, and its influence on music videos is unparalleled. The track remains a milestone in pop culture, cementing Jackson as an unstoppable force in entertainment.
6. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979)
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” released in 1979, marked Michael Jackson’s debut as a solo artist and signaled his emergence as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music world. The track, from Off the Wall, is a disco-infused masterpiece with an infectious groove, electrifying falsetto vocals, and an upbeat energy that made it an instant dancefloor classic. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Jackson as a solo superstar. With its irresistible rhythm and carefree spirit, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” paved the way for Jackson’s dominance in the ’80s, cementing his status as the King of Pop.
7. Rock With You (1979)
Released alongside “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” in 1979, “Rock With You” became another signature song from Off the Wall. A smooth fusion of disco, soul, and pop, the track’s laid-back rhythm and Jackson’s silky vocals make it a timeless classic. The song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Jackson’s status as a solo artist. With its romantic lyrics and infectious groove, “Rock With You” continues to captivate audiences decades later, making it one of Jackson’s most enduring and beloved hits.
8. The Way You Make Me Feel (1987)
Released in 1987 as part of Bad, “The Way You Make Me Feel” is one of Michael Jackson’s most energetic and joyful songs. With its upbeat tempo, flirtatious lyrics, and infectious rhythm, the track perfectly captures the excitement of new love and infatuation. The accompanying music video, featuring Jackson wooing his love interest with his signature dance moves, became iconic and helped the song reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. “The Way You Make Me Feel” remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its playful energy, catchy melody, and Jackson’s magnetic presence.
9. Black or White (1991)
Released in 1991 as the lead single from Dangerous, “Black or White” was a powerful statement about racial unity and harmony. Blending rock, pop, and dance elements, the track showcased Jackson’s genre-blending brilliance. Its message of equality resonated deeply with fans across the globe. The music video, which was groundbreaking for its use of morphing technology, showcased a powerful visual transformation of faces representing different races, emphasizing the song’s message of racial inclusivity. “Black or White” topped the charts in multiple countries and remains one of Jackson’s most impactful songs, reflecting his social consciousness and global influence.
10. Man in the Mirror (1988)
“Man in the Mirror,” released in 1988 as part of Bad, is one of Michael Jackson’s most introspective and socially conscious songs. A powerful call for personal responsibility and global change, the song’s gospel-infused sound, with a choir led by Andraé Crouch, elevates its message to a spiritual level. Jackson’s lyrics encourage listeners to look inward and reflect on their role in improving the world around them. The song quickly became one of Jackson’s most beloved ballads, resonating with people from all walks of life. Its emotional depth continues to inspire audiences to this day, making it a timeless anthem for change.
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.
