Michael Jackson, often referred to as the “King of Pop,” was a global music icon whose influence on popular culture is immeasurable. Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1958, Jackson began his career as a child prodigy with the Jackson 5, a group formed alongside his siblings. He later embarked on a solo career that skyrocketed him to unprecedented levels of fame and success.
With his exceptional vocal range, electrifying dance moves, and innovative music videos, Jackson captivated audiences around the world. Hits like “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It” became anthems of a generation, and his album “Thriller” remains the best-selling album of all time.
Beyond his musical achievements, Michael Jackson’s impact extended beyond the realm of music. He was a trailblazer in breaking racial barriers, a humanitarian who used his platform to advocate for social causes, and a true innovator in music, fashion, and performance.
Jackson’s signature dance moves, including the moonwalk, became cultural touchstones, and his music videos, such as “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal,” redefined the possibilities of visual storytelling in the medium.
Despite his untimely death in 2009, Michael Jackson’s legacy endures. His influence can be seen in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps, and his music continues to captivate and inspire new generations. Michael Jackson’s impact on the music industry and popular culture remains unparalleled, solidifying his status as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
1. Beat It
Michael Jackson's legendary song, famously known as '1. The King of Pop's Iconic – Beat It', is an exemplary fusion of pop and rock genres. This song set a new benchmark in the industry with its electrifying guitar riffs, intense lyrics, and high-energy choreography. The famous hallmarks of this song are Michael's unquestionably exceptional vocal skills that pierce through the soul; it has undoubtedly earned its place in music history.
From catchy tunes to meaningful lyrics, 'Beat It' is a complete package in itself. The iconic opening notes of the electric guitar captivate your ears while Jackson's exclamatory vocals make you want to scream along. The authorship behind the lyrics' message-Lyrics and Composition by Michael himself adds another layer to this powerful track.
This masterpiece showcases Michael's ability to blend diverse styles cohesively for fascinating results while simultaneously standing out with unique sounds and style.
According to reports from Billboard, "Beat It" hit top position on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 14, 1983, proving that it was truly iconic and incredible.
Overall, "Beat It" is not just a popular hit but a legacy that continues for decades now- a true testament to Jackson's towering musical prowess. "Billie Jean" proved that a song about stalking can actually be catchy AF.
2. Billie Jean
One of Michael Jackson's most iconic hits, this track tells the tale of Billie Jean, a woman who claims that Jackson fathered her child. With its unforgettable bass line and catchy chorus, "Billie Jean" became an instant classic in 1982 and remains a fan favorite to this day. The song's intricate production features layered synthesizers and percussion, showcasing Jackson's remarkable attention to detail. It also features his signature dance moves, which were immortalized in the music video. "Billie Jean" solidified Jackson's status as a pop superstar and paved the way for his future success.
This song captures the essence of disco-funk with its infectious beats and soulful vocals. Jackson's falsetto perfectly complements the track's groovy rhythm section and memorable synth hook. The lyrics are shrouded in mystery, leaving listeners to speculate about the true identity of Billie Jean. This adds an element of intrigue to an already captivating song.
What many fans may not know is that "Billie Jean" was inspired by one particular fan who had been stalking Jackson at his home. While he never publicly acknowledged who the song was about, it is clear from interviews that this experience deeply affected him. In many ways, "Billie Jean" represents the dark side of fame that can come with excessive adoration from fans.
Thriller: the only song that made it socially acceptable to dance like a zombie in public.
3. Thriller
One of Michael Jackson's most notable musical masterpieces is a song that has become synonymous with his name. This track harnesses the power of music to create an all-encompassing horror atmosphere, and it is widely considered one of the greatest pop songs ever composed.
The song, whose lyrics encapsulate themes such as anticipation and horror, was released in 1984 and won multiple awards for its music video.
The opening notes of the song are immediately recognizable owing to Vincent Price's haunting voice-over. The legendary beat that follows transforms the mood entirely; it pierces through fear while inspiring dance moves that have become some of pop culture's most iconic symbols. Additionally, Thriller's spot on this list speaks to Michael Jackson's immense talent. Even today, decades after its release, it continues to inspire awe in audiences worldwide.
It should be noted that while Thriller might be best experienced through music videos or in a live performance setting, the recorded version alone remains one of pop culture's greatest hits.
Pro-tip: Play this song at your next party, and watch your guests get up on their feet – whether they're Halloween enthusiasts or not!
While Michael Jackson may have been off the wall, his album of the same name was a masterpiece that left fans moonwalking and grooving all night long.
4. Off The Wall
Michael Jackson's album, released in 1979, was a commercial success and featured four number-one hits. 'Off The Wall' showcased Jackson's versatility as a musician and his ability to incorporate various music genres into one album. With tracks like "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" and "Rock with You," this album highlights Michael's ability to captivate an audience through his music. The catchy tunes and upbeat rhythms of 'Off The Wall' propelled it to be a timeless classic that is still popular today.
While many of the tracks on this iconic album often overshadow some of Michael's other work, it is worth noting that it was the first solo project he had complete control over and helped cement his status as the King of Pop. Additionally, lesser-known tracks such as "I Can't Help It" display his vocal range and demonstrate why he continues to be a revered figure in the music industry.
Pro Tip: For fans looking to explore more of Michael Jackson's discography, 'Off The Wall' serves as a great starting point for understanding his growth as an artist and the impact he has had on pop culture.
Get ready to dance and moonwalk your way through the night, as we groove to the infectious beat of 'Rock With You'.
5. Rock With You
This track ranks among Michael Jackson's best works of all time. Its upbeat rhythm and blissful lyrics were a perfect combination that made it an instant hit, captivating listeners across the globe.
'Rock With You' forged a unique path in terms of composition, captivating many with its fusion of disco and funk genres. It stands out because of its harmonious melody and energetic beat, which incorporate both R&B and pop music elements. This song continues to receive widespread attention as one of Michael Jackson's most memorable hits.
The song was written by Rod Temperton, who drew inspiration from the joys of love in creating its lyrics. Temperton created an atmospheric instrumental that complemented Jackson's vocals perfectly, giving birth to what can be described as a musical masterpiece. Interestingly, the 1979 classic was initially rejected by other artists who considered it too ordinary or not commercially viable.
Despite being nearly four decades old, 'Rock With You' still has a timeless appeal that transcends generations. It remains one of those songs that fans keep coming back to again and again.
To maximize your enjoyment of this iconic tune, we recommend turning up the volume on your sound system when listening to it. This will allow you to fully appreciate its complex auditory structure and the joyous emotions conveyed through its melody. Additionally, try learning some of its dance moves for an extra dose of fun!
Michael Jackson may have been Bad, but his iconic song of the same name is undeniably good.
6. Bad
Michael Jackson's track 'Bad' is a masterpiece that speaks volumes of his vocal and creative abilities. The lyrical content delves into the hoodlum life that characterizes city living, and how it can lead to trouble. It features an impressive title score, killer bass lines and commanding vocals that capture the essence of Michael Jackson's feelings at the time.
The instrumental arrangement of 'Bad' is top-notch and has been inspiring artists for years. An essential factor in its success is Quincy Jones' production skills, which marry well with MJ's vocal range. The song showcases his ability to sing in different tones while maintaining a high level of intensity.
In terms of unique details, it's worth noting that artistically, the Bad video incurred one of the highest budgets at $2 million dollars (1987), making it one of the costliest videos ever produced at that time.
If you're looking to get inspired or inject some energy into your workout routine, consider adding 'Bad' to your playlist. This song offers a strong sense of purpose and an upbeat tempo that can motivate anyone trying to achieve something great.
He may have been accused of being a Smooth Criminal, but Michael Jackson's moves were so smooth, they could've stolen your heart.
7. Smooth Criminal
Michael Jackson's iconic hit "Smooth Criminal" stands as one of his all-time best songs. From the unbeatable melodies to signature dance moves, this song delivers a thrilling listening experience. The catchy refrain and compelling rhythm keep the audience glued until the end.
Notably, "Smooth Criminal" features heavy beats and fast-paced violins that create an unmatched atmosphere of urgency and thrill. The lyrics paint a picture of a criminal on the run, making this track even more intriguing and captivating. The attention to detail in every element of this song is remarkable.
To keep fans on their toes, Michael Jackson added several smooth transitions between different parts of the song that offer constant surprises throughout the duration. This level of musical inventiveness sets it apart from other songs in his repertoire.
In summary, "Smooth Criminal" showcases Michael Jackson's unparalleled talents perfectly. Anyone seeking a unique experience with highly crafted elements should listen to this masterpiece at least once.
Michael Jackson proves he's neither black nor white, but a musical force to be reckoned with in this iconic hit.
8. Black Or White
To visually represent this iconic song, a table can be created with appropriate columns that showcase factual data such as its release year, album name, and peak chart position. The eye-catching music video featuring stunning visuals and global faces made an impact on MTV.
Additionally, 'Black Or White' marked a positive transition period for Jackson's musical career, combining rock and pop elements in perfect harmony. An iconic guitar riff by Slash also adds to its appeal. Moving ahead from this entry on the list brings us to some equally outstanding tracks yet to come.
For those looking to relive Jackson's unforgettable legacy through his music, listening to 'Black Or White' is a must. To enhance the experience even further, try dancing along with it or learning more about why he channeled messages of unity into his songs – both can deepen appreciation for this timeless tune.
Michael Jackson's advice to never stop 'til you get enough clearly didn't apply to his plastic surgery obsession.
9. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
This Jackson hit track encourages the listener to keep dancing without stopping until they've had enough. With a perfect blend of disco and funk, 'The King of Pop' delivered unparalleled energy and groove. Its soaring vocals, catchy melody, and superb instrumentation make it one of Michael's classic pieces in music history.
'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' was the first song that Michael wrote entirely on his own. It marked a significant break from his former Motown years and demonstrated how he could still dominate both the airwaves and dancefloors worldwide with his distinctive sound.
Interestingly, Quincy Jones thought that this track's opening verse was missing something special, so Michael added in some scat singing to fill in what Quincy felt was lacking.
This song won MJ his first Grammy Award in 1980 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
This song proves that Michael Jackson was the OG of the PYT movement, way before age inappropriate TikToks.
10. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
This track aptly showcases Michael Jackson's soaring vocals and undeniable energy. The foot-tapping beats coupled with the sweet melody, makes it an all-time favorite party starter. Jackson's memorable lyricism of "I want to love you / Pretty young thing" is sure to linger in one's mind.
The chorus boasts of harmonious backing vocals and the extended ad-libs by Jackson showcase his mastery over singing. Recorded during the peak of his solo career – this song conveys a care-free attitude with its up-beat funk rhythm. It is no surprise that P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) became an instant hit as part of the Thriller album, released in 1982.
Apart from its musical appeal, P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing) paved the way for cultural change at the time, as it was among few songs featuring a Black artist that received significant commercial recognition worldwide.
Pro Tip: Listen carefully to Michael Jackson's highnotes towards the end which will give goosebumps!
Edward Tomlin 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.
