Top 20 Greatest Michael Jackson Songs of All Time
#20: “The Way You Make Me Feel” (1987)
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This list is going to be a bit different than many other music videos we’ve done, in the fact that you’re probably going to know all of these songs. Such was the transcendent power of Michael Jackson’s music, as well as the crossover power of nearly all his singles. “The Way You Make Me Feel” was the third single off of MJ’s “Bad” album, and grooves with a synth-heavy mid-pace, while Jackson’s vocals are firmly in command. In fact, Michael’s background work in the studio creates a nice vocal orchestra that lends “The Way You Make Me Feel” a certain level of size and volume. It’s just a warm and welcoming way to kick off our list of Michael Jackson classics.
#19: “We Are Here to Change the World” (1986)
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Ok, so maybe we cheated a little bit with our lead in the last entry when we said that there weren’t going to be any obscurities on this list. That’s because “We Are Here to Change the World” is perhaps the closest our Top 20 comes to a “deep cut,” because this track was featured in the short film MJ did to accompany the “Captain EO” ride at Disney theme parks. “Captain EO” was a glorious and imaginative excuse for Jackson to indulge his biggest “Star Wars” fantasies alongside writer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola. The song, and its accompanying tune, “Another Part of Me,” tap into the same visual vibe as “Thriller,” only here presented as a wildly fun, science fiction synth-pop romp.
#18: “Human Nature” (1982)
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album was in no shortage of singles, today being largely remembered for its upbeat and universally appealing pop vibe. “Human Nature” was a touching and tender ballad on that record, one that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of MJ’s earlier efforts, or even from the Jackson 5. The demo version of the song was actually written by Steve Porcaro of the rock band Toto, and benefits greatly from its keen sense of melody. “Human Nature” didn’t change too much from its compositional stage, with Jackson adding in his own vocal flavor to what was already a tender and beautiful track.
#17: “Speed Demon” (1987)
“Speed Demon” was one of Michael Jackson’s more aggressive sounding tracks, one that thrives on MJ’s enthusiastic vocal performance. It honestly wouldn’t sound out of place on a Prince or Rick James album from the same period, thanks to copious amounts of slap bass and synth. “Speed Demon” was featured on both Jackson’s “Bad” album, as well as the semi-animated anthology film, “Moonwalker.” The version featured on the latter actually featured Jackson and a claymation rabbit dueling in a dance off, which is just as wild as it sounds. The song itself is fast-paced and fun, and showcased Jackson’s own writing chops when it came to kicking out single jams.
#16: “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” (1982)
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We’ve mentioned the role of synthesizers within Michael Jackson’s music a lot thus far, but that’s in no way a slight. These instruments were very important to the pop music landscape of the seventies and eighties, and they provide a great little melodic hook to our next song, “P.Y.T,” a.k.a. “Pretty Young Thing.” It hits right after MJ sings the title, and burrows itself in your brain forever. Jackson’s vocal is also light and breezy, seemingly having fun with this upbeat, funky pop track. “P.Y.T.” is a quick, in-and-out at just around four minutes, but definitely bears repeated plays as something of an underappreciated Jackson jam.
#15: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” (1982)
The song that opens up Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” practically screams 1982, and we are here for it. From that syncopated drum machine and bass to Jackson’s in-charge vocals, this one just builds and builds to a fever pitch of awesomeness. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Michael’s older albums, with the song’s finale directly adapting Manu Dibango’s classic disco/funk jam “Soul Makossa” to a newer generation. It all works, too, and has endured to this day as an all-time Michael Jackson song from an all-time Michael Jackson album.
#14: “Earth Song” (1995)
It’s time to shift gears a little bit, and break from the eighties for our next pick. The music of Michael Jackson was definitely not limited to just a single decade, but instead possesses that timeless and multi-generational appeal. “Earth Song” fits that description perfectly, having been released in 1995 on Jackson’s ninth album, “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1,” and offering proof that the man was still very much in his prime during this era. There’s an operatic sense of grandeur to “Earth Song” that lends it weight and heft, while simultaneously showcasing perhaps the most technically impressive vocal performance from Jackson in a long time. Simply stated: MJ goes for it on “Earth Song,” and we, the fans, are all the better for it.
#13: “Rock with You” (1979)
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We mentioned earlier how much of Michael Jackson’s early solo career was influenced by disco, just as much as the soulful grooves that defined his work with the Jackson 5. “Rock with You” came from Jackson’s breakthrough “Off the Wall” album, and is very much cut from this post-soul, late ‘70s disco mold, and that’s definitely a good thing. The grooves are imminently danceable, yet never overstay their welcome. Instead, “Rock with You” very much follows the prototypical pop song formula, barely lasting three minutes, but burning up the dancefloor nonetheless.
#12: “Man in the Mirror” (1987)
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Just as soul, disco and R&B thrived during the 1960s and ‘70s, so too did traditional gospel music embrace commercial appeal, and become increasingly funky during these decades. That feeling of religious, gospel-influenced sentiment is palpable on Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” a smash hit from MJ’s 1987 album, “Bad.” The lyrics are inspirational and can be applied to just about anyone, which definitely helps “Man in the Mirror” strike a chord with fans around the world. There’s no gimmick or needless polish on display, and “Man in the Mirror,” as a result, feels refreshingly bare and confessional.
#11: “Ben” (1972)
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Michael Jackson’s affection for horror and science fiction films has been well documented, but one of the man’s early hits was actually a soundtrack cut from a classic ‘70s horror shocker, “Ben.” The film was a sequel to the cult hit “Willard,” and holds the esteemed position as being the only Michael Jackson song about a killer rat that can make you cry. “Ben” benefits from having esteemed lyricist Don Black at the helm, while the young Jackson’s fragile, emotional performance hits home (and the heartstrings) in a big way. Seriously, try and listen to this one without turning on the water works: we dare you.
#10: “Dirty Diana” (1987)
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This one is slinky, sexy and perhaps just a little bit sleazy…and we love it. “Dirty Diana” practically crawls across the floor with an irresistibly hot groove, a rock jam that even features Billy Idol axeman Steve Stevens ripping out some tasty licks. Meanwhile, MJ’s vocal is impassioned, indignant and practically on the verge of tears as he tells the tale of a woman backstage who seeks out musicians with “prestige.” We honestly don’t know why this absolutely killer Jackson jam isn’t discussed a bit more, but we have no problem laying it smack-dab in the middle of our top twenty.
#9: “Black or White” (1991)
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For those of you who weren’t around back during the halcyon days of music video, just take our word for it when we say that a fresh Michael Jackson clip debuting on television was a BIG deal. And occasionally controversial too, since the video for “Black or White” was criticized and edited after its initial release, due to a coda section where MJ turns into a panther and smashes a bunch of cars. It may seem tame now, but it did elevate the hype behind “Black or White,” which was the first single from Jackson’s “Dangerous” album. This was an MJ for the nineties, complete with a fresh new attitude.
#8: “Leave Me Alone” (1987)
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How difficult is it to believe that one of the best songs off of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” album was initially omitted from the vinyl and cassette versions in the U.S. and Canada? Thankfully, “Leave Me Alone” served as the closing track on the CD, and on later editions of “Bad,” with a profile that was boosted with a cool, satirical video clip. The song plays on the persistent rumors and news articles about Jackson from the press, and MJ’s vocal is large and in charge, delivering on his defiance. “Leave Me Alone” is funky and fun, but with a definite message and fire that is infectious.
#7: “Remember the Time” (1991)
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We’re back to the nineties, and back again to the age of the music video as cinema. Oh sure, there are artists today (Lady Gaga comes to mind) that utilize the music video medium as a venue to express themselves in a cinematic way. It could be argued, however, that Michael Jackson absolutely perfected this artform. “Remember the Time” piggybacked off earlier large-scale themes a la “Smooth Criminal” or “Thriller” with a tale set in ancient Egypt, while the music grooves with feel similar to the New Jack Swing style that was popular at the time. MJ does some unique ad-libbing and vocalizing on the track, too, but we defy anyone to listen to “Remember the Time” and not imagine Eddie Murphy and Iman.
#6: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1979)
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Michael Jackson had tons of success prior to the release of “Off the Wall” in 1979, but it was this fifth solo album that seemed to signify a shift, a sort of “coming out party” for MJ as a solo artist firmly in control of his future destiny. “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” was written by Jackson, and is very much an all-time disco JAM, the sort of barnburner that gets feet movin’ and bodies shakin’. We’re sure there was absolutely no room on the dancefloor when “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” first got into the hands of DJs, and it’s a song that still packs ‘em in today. Who said disco was dead?
#5: “Smooth Criminal” (1987)
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The legend of Michael Jackson is larger than life, and will endure forever, but it seems as if Jackson’s songs themselves even possess this power to transcend themselves. Such is the case of “Smooth Criminal” and its widescreen, cinematic greatness. It’s difficult to separate the recorded version’s hard-edged ‘80s funk style from the accompanying video, dance moves and fresh duds. Can one exist without the other? We definitely say YES, because “Smooth Criminal” would be an all-time killer even without the iconic video. Jackson’s songwriting is impeccable here, the melodies and arrangements elicit goosebumps. What can we say? It’s a perfect storm.
#4: “Bad” (1987)
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The working relationship between Michael Jackson and music industry legend Quincy Jones was well documented as a recipe for success by the time “Bad” was released in 1987. MJ was seeking something new for both his image and musical direction, and it was this album that signified the end of their working relationship. As a result, “Bad” (both the album and song) possess more of an edge, and less of the classic soul and funk elements that defined earlier releases. Oh, “Bad” is still funky as hell, make no mistake, but the arrangement incorporates more of a rock vibe, while remaining quintessential Michael Jackson through and through. And “we’ll tell you once again:” this song rules.
#3: “Thriller” (1982)
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Spoiler alert! Our top three picks are all taken from the same album, and we think you all know full well which one. “Thriller” was a cultural milestone that may never be replicated, an album and song that was magnetic, and captivated millions of people around the world. Was it an example of the power of music videos? Sure, but there’s also the power of how well “Thriller” was composed by disco keyboardist and songwriter Rod Temperton. The song is Jackson’s tribute and ode to horror cinema, and features Hollywood icon Vincent Price delivering that classic closing narration. “Thriller” isn’t just for Halloween: we celebrate this bad boy year ‘round.
#2: “Beat It” (1982)
Rock, pop, funk…Michael Jackson was the universal solvent, bringing together seemingly disparate elements to create a sound all his own. “Beat It” was the crossover smash delivered by Jackson to his fans before they knew they wanted it, a truly inspired example of MJ and Quincy Jones reading the proverbial room. Gloomy, ominous synths sound the charge, Eddie Van Halen’s guitar WAILS for all its worth during the solo, while Jackson swings for the fences and knocks it out of the DAMN park.“Beat It” distills so much songwriting perfection into a scant four minutes, that we can still barely believe we humans were worthy enough to receive such greatness.
#1: “Billie Jean” (1982)
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You know it, you love it, you can sing the entire thing right from the opening drum beat and bassline. It’s “Billie Jean,” and it’s the best Michael Jackson song of all time. This is because there’s so much going on to the composition of the song, so much that comes down to not only Jackson as the songwriter, but all of the studio musicians and producers that made it possible. Layers of guitar, strings, synth and more go into the sonic stew, while the mix is textured to the point where the audio tapes should be framed and hung in a museum. “Billie Jean” is a fine example of everything coming together in a way that created magic, a song that will truly live forever.
