Michael Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop—he was a global force who revolutionized music, dance, and entertainment. From his signature moonwalk to record-shattering albums like Thriller and Bad, Jackson created a legacy that continues to inspire generations. But at the heart of his superstardom lies an extraordinary catalog of songs that transcended genres, broke barriers, and redefined what pop music could be. Whether it was a bassline that made you move, a lyric that made you think, or a performance that left you breathless, Jackson knew how to craft timeless hits that resonated across cultures and decades.
In this article, we’re counting down the Top 10 Most Popular Michael Jackson Songs of All Time—the tracks that not only topped charts but also shaped the very fabric of modern music. These are the songs that turned stadiums into dance floors, music videos into cinematic events, and a young boy from Gary, Indiana into a worldwide icon. Get ready to relive the magic, the rhythm, and the unforgettable brilliance of Michael Jackson—because these hits aren’t just songs, they’re moments in music history. So turn up the volume, grab your glove, and let’s dive into the greatest tracks from the King himself.
1. “Billie Jean” (1983)
Few songs have left a mark on pop culture quite like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Released in early 1983 as the second single from Thriller, it quickly became a cultural juggernaut. Anchored by an unforgettable bassline and a taut, minimalist groove crafted by producer Quincy Jones, the track pulses with tension and intrigue. Jackson tells the story of a woman who falsely claims he fathered her child, a narrative born from real-life fan letters he received. His vocal performance is tight, urgent, and filled with emotion, perfectly capturing the paranoia and pressure of unwanted fame. But “Billie Jean” didn’t just dominate the airwaves—it changed the game. When Jackson debuted the moonwalk during his performance of the song on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, it became one of the most iconic moments in music history. The track topped charts around the globe and became synonymous with his rise to superstardom. With its blend of sharp storytelling, sleek production, and groundbreaking performance, “Billie Jean” wasn’t just another hit—it was a statement. Decades later, it still sounds fresh, proving that true pop genius never fades.
2. “Thriller” (1982)
“Thriller” isn’t just a song—it’s a cinematic event that redefined what pop music could be. Released in late 1982 as the title track of Michael Jackson’s blockbuster album, the song is a thrilling fusion of funk, disco, and horror. Written by Rod Temperton and featuring the unmistakable voice of horror legend Vincent Price, “Thriller” unfolds like a spooky storybook, complete with creaking doors, howling wolves, and a chilling rap outro. The music itself is irresistible—infectious rhythms and eerie synths pull you into Jackson’s haunted world. But what truly catapulted “Thriller” into legend was the epic 14-minute music video that followed in 1983. Directed by John Landis, it blurred the lines between music video and short film, complete with elaborate choreography, makeup effects, and zombie dance scenes that became iconic. Jackson’s red leather jacket and zombie transformation became pop culture staples overnight. Although it wasn’t the album’s first single, “Thriller” quickly became one of its most enduring hits and helped Thriller become the best-selling album of all time. It wasn’t just a song—it was a revolution in sound and spectacle.
3. “Beat It” (1983)
“Beat It” is where Michael Jackson proved he could tear down musical walls. Released in February 1983 as part of the Thriller album, this electrifying track brought together the worlds of pop and hard rock in a way no one had done before. Jackson, always eager to challenge convention, enlisted guitar legend Eddie Van Halen to lay down a scorching solo that added muscle to the track’s anti-violence message. Lyrically, “Beat It” takes a bold stand, urging listeners to walk away from street fights and senseless bravado—a message delivered with Jackson’s fierce, passionate vocals. The fusion of pounding rock riffs and pulsing pop beats made it an instant crossover smash. The accompanying music video, which featured real-life gang members and choreographed street battles, became a staple on MTV and helped solidify the network’s influence around the world. With “Beat It,” Jackson didn’t just blur genre lines—he obliterated them. The song earned critical acclaim, won Grammys, and made it clear that Michael Jackson could not only dominate any chart but speak to people from all walks of life.
4. “Smooth Criminal” (1988)
“Smooth Criminal” is a masterclass in tension, mystery, and showmanship. Released in October 1988 as part of Jackson’s Bad album, the song is built on a rapid-fire synth rhythm and a sense of breathless urgency that never lets up. The story unfolds like a thriller: a woman named Annie has been attacked, and Jackson repeatedly asks, “Annie, are you OK?”—a line inspired by CPR training dummies, oddly enough. The lyrics, cloaked in suspense, add to the song’s cinematic quality. But what really brought “Smooth Criminal” to life was its groundbreaking short film. Jackson, clad in a white suit and fedora, performed dazzling choreography including his now-legendary gravity-defying lean. The visual perfectly complemented the song’s slick, mysterious vibe and became one of his most iconic looks. Musically, it’s daring and inventive, with layered percussion, breathy ad-libs, and a pulsating groove that hooks you immediately. “Smooth Criminal” isn’t just a song—it’s an experience that combines story, sound, and spectacle. It stands as one of the boldest artistic statements of Jackson’s career, showing just how far he could stretch the boundaries of pop music.
5. “Man in the Mirror” (1988)
“Man in the Mirror” is perhaps Michael Jackson’s most introspective and soul-stirring ballad. Released in January 1988 as the fourth single from Bad, this gospel-tinged anthem is a call for personal and social transformation. Written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard, the lyrics challenge listeners to take a hard look at themselves and be the change they want to see in the world. Jackson’s vocal performance starts gently but builds to a thunderous climax, powered by the soulful backing of the Andraé Crouch Choir. The message is simple but powerful: real change begins within. The song’s music video underscored this theme by showcasing real-world footage of poverty, civil rights struggles, and global crises, offering a stark visual counterpart to the song’s emotional intensity. It’s one of the few tracks in Jackson’s catalog that forgoes flash in favor of heartfelt sincerity. “Man in the Mirror” remains a timeless anthem of hope and accountability—a reminder that even the biggest stars are not above looking inward and making a difference.
6. “Black or White” (1991)
Released in November 1991, “Black or White” is Michael Jackson’s bold proclamation of racial unity and cultural harmony. Serving as the lead single from his Dangerous album, the song opens with a searing guitar riff before segueing into a rap verse—an unusual but striking mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop that reflected the genre-bending nature of the decade. Jackson delivers the lyrics with fiery conviction, declaring that love should transcend race and division. The music video, directed by Thriller collaborator John Landis, was a massive event, aired simultaneously in over two dozen countries. It featured cutting-edge morphing technology, with faces of people from around the globe blending into one another, symbolizing unity. However, it also sparked controversy with the powerful—and angry—“panther dance” sequence that closed the video, showcasing Jackson’s frustration with injustice and racism. Despite the controversy, “Black or White” topped charts in more than 20 countries and became one of Jackson’s fastest-rising hits. It proved that he wasn’t just an entertainer—he was a global voice advocating for change through the universal language of music.
7. “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (1979)
“Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” marked a pivotal turning point in Michael Jackson’s career—it was the moment he claimed full artistic independence. Released in July 1979 as the lead single from Off the Wall, the track was his first solo No. 1 hit since his days as a child star with the Jackson 5. Written and co-produced by Jackson himself, the song bursts with life. A fizzy blend of disco, funk, and pure joy, it features shimmering strings, a bouncing bassline, and Jackson’s falsetto gliding effortlessly over the groove. From the moment he whispers the spoken intro, you know you’re in for something electric. “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” isn’t just a dancefloor classic—it’s a declaration of self-expression and control. It established Jackson as a serious solo artist with the creative vision and charisma to go the distance. The song’s infectious energy and relentless rhythm made it a mainstay in clubs and on radio stations, helping define the sound of late-70s disco. More than just a hit, it signaled the beginning of an era—the rise of the King of Pop.
8. “The Way You Make Me Feel” (1987)
With “The Way You Make Me Feel,” Michael Jackson brought his signature energy to romance and flirtation. Released in November 1987 as a single from the Bad album, the track showed a more playful, charming side of the pop icon. Driven by a rolling groove and percussive rhythm, the song has a laid-back swagger that draws you in from the first beat. Jackson’s vocals are magnetic, shifting from teasing to full-throttle passion as the song unfolds. The lyrics are straightforward but effective, capturing the rush of falling head over heels. In the equally memorable music video, Jackson pursues his love interest through city streets with infectious dance moves and undeniable chemistry. It was a more intimate and joyful side of his persona—a counterpoint to the darker, socially driven themes that dominated much of his work. “The Way You Make Me Feel” became a huge hit, proving Jackson didn’t need elaborate concepts or controversy to captivate. All he needed was a good beat, a heartfelt lyric, and a killer hook. The result? A timeless pop gem full of charm, rhythm, and soul.
9. “Remember the Time” (1992)
“Remember the Time” is a seductive mix of nostalgia, rhythm, and cutting-edge style. Released in January 1992 as the second single from Dangerous, the song was produced by Teddy Riley, one of the pioneers of the New Jack Swing sound. Built on a smooth, percussive beat, the track finds Jackson reminiscing about a past love with warmth and longing. His vocals glide over the groove with effortless charm, creating a vibe that’s both romantic and danceable. The song’s accompanying music video took things to another level—set in a lavish, stylized version of ancient Egypt, it featured celebrities like Eddie Murphy and Iman and showcased one of Jackson’s most fluid and sensual dance routines. Visually stunning and musically innovative, the video helped cement Jackson’s reputation as a boundary-pusher in both sound and sight. “Remember the Time” climbed the charts and became a favorite among fans and critics alike. It’s a reminder that Jackson could mix tenderness with high production value and still deliver a pop hit that felt timeless.
10. “Rock With You” (1979)
“Rock With You” remains one of Michael Jackson’s smoothest and most beloved tracks. Released in November 1979 as the second single from Off the Wall, it showcased a softer, more romantic side of the young artist. Written by Rod Temperton, the song is a silky blend of R&B and disco, built around warm keyboards, gentle guitar strums, and a slow-burning groove that never overwhelms. Jackson’s vocals are intimate and heartfelt, wrapping around the melody like velvet. Every note exudes quiet confidence, inviting listeners into a private moment of connection and rhythm. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and helped solidify Off the Wall as a landmark release. “Rock With You” isn’t about flash or spectacle—it’s about feel, and it delivers that in spades. Its dreamy atmosphere and emotional sincerity have helped it endure through the decades, becoming a go-to track for romantic playlists and nostalgic nights alike. For many fans, it marked the true beginning of Jackson’s ascent to superstardom, capturing a moment where the boy wonder became a smooth, soulful force in pop music.
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.
