The 10 Best Michael Jackson Songs of All Time, Ranked
- Joao Nsita
- Oct 3
- 17 min read
It’s a Sunday afternoon in late September, and a soft, golden, autumnal light is filtering through the windows of London. This is a time for reflection, a time to retreat from the noise of the world and reconnect with the things that are truly timeless. It is the perfect time to listen to the music of a true artistic titan, an artist whose work has transcended genre, generation, and geography to become a permanent part of our global cultural DNA. It is the perfect time to listen to Michael Jackson.
To call Michael Jackson a pop star is a profound understatement. He was a visionary, an innovator, and a once-in-a-lifetime force of nature whose impact on music, dance, fashion, and film is simply immeasurable. Decades after his peak, his influence is not just present; it is a vibrant, living, breathing entity. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, his genius is being discovered and celebrated by a whole new generation. The iconic, gravity-defying lean from "Smooth Criminal" is a viral dance challenge. The "Michael Jackson aesthetic"—the single white glove, the military-inspired jackets, the signature red leather—continues to inspire fashion mood boards. His music is not a relic of the past; it is a timeless, electrifying force that still sounds as fresh and as revolutionary today as it did upon its first release.
To rank the ten “best” songs from his monumental and sprawling catalogue is a near-impossible and wonderfully contentious task. It is to navigate a landscape of groundbreaking, genre-defying masterpieces, from the pure, joyful effervescence of disco to the dark, cinematic paranoia of his later work. This is not an academic decree, but a curated celebration of his most powerful, most influential, and most enduringly brilliant creations.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential anthems of the undisputed King of Pop. We will take a deep dive into each of these ten masterpieces, presented in descending order, exploring not just their musical genius, but the stories behind them, the cultural moments they defined, and the revolutionary artistry that made them immortal.
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10. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (1987, from Bad)
The Vibe: A pure, joyful, and irresistibly flirtatious blast of pure pop-funk. This is the sound of a man at the absolute peak of his charm and confidence.
The Story Behind the Song: After the world-conquering success of Thriller, Michael Jackson was faced with the impossible task of creating a follow-up. The Bad album was his powerful, confident answer. "The Way You Make Me Feel" is the album's most joyful and lighthearted moment. Reportedly written after his mother, Katherine Jackson, suggested he write a song with a simple, shuffling boogie rhythm, the track is a masterclass in pop craftsmanship. The lyrics are a straightforward, almost primal expression of flirtation and desire, a playful cat-and-mouse game set to an infectious, swinging groove.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The song is a perfect fusion of pop, funk, and R&B. The iconic, shuffling "doo-doo-ch-doo-ch" rhythm, a combination of finger snaps and a driving bassline, is instantly recognizable and impossible not to move to. The production, once again helmed by the legendary Quincy Jones, is slick, polished, and full of brilliant, subtle details, from the sparkling synthesizers to the call-and-response backing vocals. But the true star is Michael's vocal performance. It is a tour de force of his signature style—the percussive yelps, the breathy ad-libs, the smooth, soaring chorus—all delivered with an infectious sense of joy and swagger.
The Unforgettable Video: The song's short film, directed by Joe Pytka, is a classic of the MTV era. It showcases Michael at his most charismatic, pursuing a woman (played by Tatiana Thumbtzen) through the nighttime streets with a group of friends, his dance moves a perfect, physical embodiment of the song's flirtatious energy. The extended, silhouetted dance sequence against a blue-lit backdrop is one of his most iconic visual moments. The complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Comedies With a Flawed But Lovable Protagonist.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "The Way You Make Me Feel" on services like Spotify and Apple Music, or purchase the Bad album on vinyl and CD from the official Michael Jackson website.
9. "Black or White" (1991, from Dangerous)
The Vibe: A powerful, optimistic, and incredibly catchy global anthem for racial unity, driven by one of the most iconic guitar riffs of the 90s.
The Story Behind the Song: The lead single from the Dangerous album, "Black or White" was Michael Jackson's powerful and direct response to the racial tensions of the era. The song is a simple but powerful plea for racial harmony, a message that "it don't matter if you're black or white." The song's iconic, crunchy guitar riff was reportedly played by the legendary Guns N' Roses guitarist, Slash, though the official credit went to Bill Bottrell. The track is a brilliant fusion of rock, pop, and dance, a truly global sound for a universal message.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The song is a masterclass in pop production. The blend of a hard-rock guitar riff with a funky, new-jack-swing-inspired drum beat was a groundbreaking sound for its time. The song also features a rap section from L.T.B., which was another innovative move that helped to solidify the track's contemporary, urban feel. Michael's vocal performance is powerful and passionate, delivering the song's message with a sense of urgent sincerity.
The Unforgettable Video: The short film for "Black or White" was a global television event. Directed by John Landis (Thriller), the video was a technical and artistic masterpiece. It is most famous for its groundbreaking final sequence, which used a new computer-morphing technology to seamlessly blend the faces of people of different races and ethnicities into one another. It was a stunning, powerful, and beautiful visual representation of the song's message of unity. The video’s powerful and timeless message is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Classic Movies of All Time. For a deep dive into the making of this iconic video, the official Michael Jackson YouTube channel has behind-the-scenes footage.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Black or White" and the album Dangerous on major music platforms.
8. "Human Nature" (1983, from Thriller)
The Vibe: A beautiful, wistful, and deeply melancholic ballad that is a masterpiece of smooth, atmospheric, 80s pop-soul.
The Story Behind the Song: One of the most unique and beautiful songs on the blockbuster album Thriller, "Human Nature" was not written by Michael Jackson. The song was written by Steve Porcaro of the rock band Toto and the lyricist John Bettis. The demo was passed to Quincy Jones, who immediately fell in love with its gentle, melancholic melody and its beautiful, evocative lyrics about a man drawn to the electric energy of the city at night. He knew it would be the perfect, introspective "cool down" moment for the album.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The production on this track is a work of pure, atmospheric genius. The song is built on a shimmering, hypnotic synthesizer melody and a gentle, pulsing bassline. The entire track is bathed in a warm, late-night glow. But the true magic of the song is Michael Jackson's breathtakingly beautiful vocal performance. It is one of his most tender, vulnerable, and emotionally nuanced vocals of his entire career. His delivery is soft, breathy, and full of a deep, wistful longing. The iconic, repeated "why, why" ad-lib at the end of the song is a moment of pure, perfect, vocal artistry.
The Lasting Impact: While it was not one of the album's biggest, most explosive hits, "Human Nature" has become one of its most beloved and critically acclaimed tracks. It has been covered and sampled by countless artists, from Miles Davis to Chris Brown. It is a testament to Michael's incredible ability to inhabit a song and to make it entirely his own. It is a timeless and beautiful piece of music. The song’s focus on a powerful, introspective journey is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Coming of Age Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Human Nature" and the album Thriller on major music platforms.
7. "Smooth Criminal" (1988, from Bad)
The Vibe: A dark, cinematic, and incredibly stylish piece of gangster-pop noir that is one of Michael Jackson's greatest and most ambitious artistic statements.
The Story Behind the Song: "Smooth Criminal" is the centerpiece of Michael Jackson's 1988 musical anthology film, Moonwalker. The song is a frantic, paranoid, and thrilling narrative about a mysterious, white-suited gangster who has broken into a woman's apartment. The lyrics are a staccato burst of questions and exclamations, creating a sense of panic and confusion. The iconic, repeated question, "Annie, are you okay?", was reportedly inspired by the Resusci Anne CPR training mannequin.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The music is a masterpiece of tension and release. It is built on a frantic, synthesized bassline and a hard-hitting, almost industrial drum machine beat. The song is famous for the inclusion of Michael's own heartbeat, recorded with a Synclavier, which adds to the track's intense, physiological effect. Michael's vocal performance is a staccato burst of yelps, gasps, and percussive phrasing, a perfect, panicked counterpart to the relentless rhythm of the track.
The Unforgettable Video: The short film for "Smooth Criminal" is, without a doubt, one of the greatest music videos ever made. It is a stunning piece of cinematic art, a beautiful and loving homage to classic, 1930s gangster films and the dance numbers of Fred Astaire. The choreography is a work of genius, and the video is most famous for the debut of the iconic, and seemingly impossible, "anti-gravity lean," a move that was achieved with a patented system of specially designed shoes and a stage harness. For a deep dive into the making of this iconic video, the Michael Jackson fan wiki is a great resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Smooth Criminal" and the album Bad on major music platforms.
6. "Beat It" (1983, from Thriller)
The Vibe: A powerful, urgent, and groundbreaking fusion of hard rock and dance-pop that is one of the most iconic and influential songs of the 1980s.
The Story Behind the Song: Michael Jackson wrote "Beat It" because he wanted to create a rock song that he would want to buy, but he also wanted it to be a song that was completely his own. The song is a powerful, anti-gang-violence anthem, a plea for young men to walk away from senseless conflict and to prove their courage through non-violence. The song is a brilliant and powerful piece of social commentary, delivered with an urgent, visceral energy.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The song is a masterpiece of genre fusion. The iconic, hard-hitting drum beat and the gritty, synth-bass riff are pure, infectious dance-pop. But the song is defined by its hard rock edge. Producer Quincy Jones had the brilliant idea to bring in a real, bona fide rock guitar god to play the solo. He called Eddie Van Halen, who, in one of the most famous and generous guest appearances in music history, came to the studio and improvised his legendary, blistering, and instantly iconic guitar solo, completely free of charge. For a deep dive into the life of this legendary guitarist, the official Eddie Van Halen website is a great resource.
The Unforgettable Video: The short film for "Beat It," directed by Bob Giraldi, is a modern-day West Side Story. The video is famous for its incredible, large-scale, synchronized choreography, which featured real-life, rival gang members. The video is a powerful and iconic piece of filmmaking that perfectly captures the song's message of de-escalation and unity. The show’s focus on a powerful ensemble is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies With An Ensemble Cast.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Beat It" and the album Thriller on major music platforms.
5. "Man in the Mirror" (1988, from Bad)
The Vibe: A powerful, inspirational, and deeply moving gospel-infused anthem that is one of the most profound and enduring artistic statements of Michael Jackson's entire career.
The Story Behind the Song: "Man in the Mirror" is one of the few major hits of his solo career that Michael Jackson did not write himself. The song was written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard. It is a powerful and deeply personal call for self-reflection and social change. The song's message is simple but profound: if you want to make the world a better place, the change must begin with the person you see in the mirror. It is a song that moves from a quiet, introspective verse to a full-blown, joyous, and celebratory gospel choir climax.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The production on this track is a masterpiece of emotional architecture. The song begins with a simple, synthesized keyboard line and Michael's gentle, introspective vocal. As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, with the addition of a powerful drum beat, a driving bassline, and, in its final, glorious moments, the full, soaring power of the Andraé Crouch gospel choir. Michael's vocal performance is one of the most passionate and powerful of his entire career, full of ad-libs, whoops, and a raw, pleading intensity.
The Lasting Impact: The song has become a timeless and beloved anthem of hope and change. It is a song that is both a deeply personal confession and a universal call to action. It is a powerful reminder that the journey to changing the world begins with the difficult, and often courageous, act of changing oneself. The show’s focus on a powerful journey of self-discovery is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Coming of Age Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Man in the Mirror" and the album Bad on major music platforms.
4. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (1979, from Off the Wall)
The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated, and absolutely joyful disco-funk perfection. This is the sound of a young man breaking free and becoming a superstar in his own right.
The Story Behind the Song: This was the lead single from Off the Wall, Michael Jackson's first solo album as an adult, and it was a powerful statement of intent. It was the first major song that he wrote entirely by himself, and it was a declaration of his artistic independence. The song is a pure, breathless, and exhilarating expression of joy and physical ecstasy. The lyrics are a cascade of blissful, almost stream-of-consciousness phrases about the power of love and music.
Musical Genius Breakdown: This song is a masterpiece of the disco era. The production, from the legendary Quincy Jones, is a symphony of sound. The track is built on a ridiculously infectious, driving bassline and a swirl of lush, cinematic strings. The song is famous for its spoken-word intro and its brilliant, percussive vocal arrangement. Michael’s lead vocal, a stunning, soaring falsetto, is one of the most joyful and electrifying performances of his entire career. For a deep dive into the genius of Quincy Jones, the documentary Quincy on Netflix is essential viewing.
The Lasting Impact: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" was a massive, number-one hit around the world and won Michael his first solo Grammy Award. It was the song that announced the arrival of Michael Jackson as a major, adult solo artist and the undisputed King of Pop. It is a song that is so full of joy and infectious energy that it is almost impossible to listen to without smiling. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and the album Off the Wall on major music platforms.
3. "Rock With You" (1979, from Off the Wall)
The Vibe: The smoothest, most effortlessly cool, and sophisticated slice of disco-soul ever recorded. This is the sound of a warm summer night, a glittering dance floor, and pure, understated romance.
The Story Behind the Song: While "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" was the explosive, energetic statement of intent from Off the Wall, "Rock With You" was its sophisticated, soulful counterpart. Written by the legendary Rod Temperton (who would later write "Thriller"), the song is a beautiful and simple invitation to dance the night away. The lyrics are pure, elegant romance, a gentle and loving ode to the simple joy of being with the person you love.
Why It’s One of the Best: "Rock With You" is a flawless piece of music. It is a masterclass in subtlety and groove. The production is a perfect, shimmering soundscape of layered keyboards, a gentle, pulsing bassline, and lush, beautiful string arrangements. But the heart of the song is Michael Jackson’s absolutely sublime vocal performance. It is one of the smoothest, most effortlessly beautiful vocals of his entire career. He sounds completely at ease, his voice a warm, gentle, and incredibly soulful instrument.
The Lasting Impact: The song was another massive, number-one hit from the album and has become one of his most beloved and enduring classics. It is a song that is both a perfect, timeless piece of dance music and a beautiful, sophisticated, and deeply romantic ballad. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful and effortlessly cool songs ever recorded. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Rock With You" and the album Off the Wall on major music platforms.
2. "Thriller" (1983, from Thriller)
The Vibe: A spooky, cinematic, and genre-defining masterpiece of funk-pop horror that is more than a song; it is a full-blown cultural event.
The Story Behind the Song: After the world-conquering success of the Thriller album, Michael Jackson wanted to do something that would keep the album at the top of the charts. The title track, written by Rod Temperton, was a brilliant and spooky slice of funk-pop, full of classic horror movie imagery. But it was Michael’s vision to turn the song into a short film that would change the world of music forever.
Musical Genius Breakdown: The song itself is a masterpiece of production. It is built on one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable basslines in music history. The track is a perfect, atmospheric soundscape of spooky sound effects—creaking doors, howling wolves, and thunderclaps—all anchored by a relentless, infectious funk groove. The song’s most iconic feature, of course, is the chilling, spoken-word rap from the legendary horror actor, Vincent Price.
The Unforgettable Video: The 14-minute-long short film for "Thriller," directed by the brilliant John Landis, is not just a music video; it is one of the most important and influential pieces of filmmaking of the 20th century. It is a masterpiece of horror, comedy, and dance. The choreography is legendary, and the "Thriller" dance has become a global, pop-culture phenomenon. The video was so groundbreaking that it was the first, and to date, only, music video to be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." You can watch the full, restored short film on the official Michael Jackson YouTube channel.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Thriller" and the album of the same name on major music platforms.
1. "Billie Jean" (1983, from Thriller)
The Vibe: The perfect pop song. A dark, paranoid, and impossibly funky masterpiece that is a flawless synthesis of sound, story, and performance.
The Story Behind the Song: "Billie Jean" is a dark, paranoid, and deeply personal song about the perils of fame. The lyrics, written by Michael himself, tell the story of a woman who is falsely accusing him of being the father of her child. The song is a brilliant and powerful exploration of the dark, obsessive side of fandom and the paranoia of being a global superstar.
Why It’s at the Top: "Billie Jean" is, without a doubt, the greatest and most important song of Michael Jackson’s entire career, and it is arguably the greatest pop song of all time. It is a work of pure, unadulterated genius on every single level. The bassline is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable in music history. The drum beat is a masterpiece of minimalist, driving funk. The production is a perfect, atmospheric soundscape of shimmering synths and a haunting string arrangement. And Michael’s vocal performance is a tour de force of emotion, a desperate, hiccuping, and paranoid plea.
The Lasting Impact: The song was a global, culture-defining smash hit. But its legendary status was cemented by a single, televised performance. At the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special in 1983, Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" and, for the first time ever, he unveiled his signature dance move: the moonwalk. That single performance is one of the most iconic and electrifying in the history of music. It was the moment he transformed from a superstar into a full-blown, global icon. The song and the performance are a perfect, flawless piece of art. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Biopics of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream "Billie Jean" and the album Thriller on major music platforms.
Conclusion
To journey through the ten greatest songs of Michael Jackson is to witness the evolution of a true artistic genius. It is to trace the path from the pure, joyful effervescence of a young man breaking free, to the dark, cinematic paranoia of a global superstar grappling with the immense weight of his own fame. These ten songs are more than just a collection of hits; they are a testament to the power of music to transcend genre, to break down barriers, and to create moments of pure, undeniable, and unforgettable magic.
His legacy is not just in the records he broke or the awards he won; it is in the way he redefined what was possible for a pop star. He was a singer, a dancer, a songwriter, a fashion icon, and a visionary filmmaker. The music he created is a timeless, and truly singular, body of work that will continue to inspire, to move, and to make us dance for generations to come. He was, and always will be, the undisputed King of Pop.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Michael Jackson's bestselling album of all time? Thriller, released in 1982, is not only Michael Jackson's bestselling album but is the bestselling album of all time, with estimated sales of over 70 million copies worldwide.
2. Who was Quincy Jones? Quincy Jones is a legendary American record producer, musician, and composer. He was the producer for Michael Jackson's three most iconic solo albums: Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Their collaboration is considered one of the greatest in music history.
3. What is the "Motown 25" performance? The Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special in 1983 is where Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" live for the first time and debuted his signature dance move, the moonwalk, to a global audience. It is one of the most famous and influential television performances of all time.
4. Where can I watch Michael Jackson's famous "short films"? Most of his iconic music videos, or "short films" as he preferred to call them, are available to watch in high definition on the official Michael Jackson YouTube channel.
5. What is the "anti-gravity lean" from the "Smooth Criminal" video? The famous forward lean, which seems to defy gravity, was achieved with a specially designed and patented shoe that would hook into a peg on the stage, allowing the dancers to perform the move.
6. Who is the "King of Pop"? "King of Pop" is a nickname that was famously bestowed upon Michael Jackson by his friend, the actress Elizabeth Taylor, in the late 1980s. The title has been synonymous with him ever since.
7. Did Michael Jackson write all of his own songs? While he was a prolific and brilliant songwriter who wrote many of his biggest hits, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," he also worked with a variety of other legendary songwriters, such as Rod Temperton, who wrote "Thriller" and "Rock With You."
8. What is the "Michael Jackson aesthetic" that is popular on social media? The "Michael Jackson aesthetic" refers to his iconic and hugely influential sense of style, which includes elements like military-inspired jackets, single white gloves, fedoras, high-water trousers with white socks, and his famous red leather jacket from the "Thriller" video.
9. Are there any good documentaries about Michael Jackson? There are many documentaries about his life and career. The 2016 Spike Lee documentary, Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall, is a fantastic and joyful look at his early solo career. The 2009 film, This Is It, which chronicles the rehearsals for his final, planned concert tour, is a powerful look at his incredible work ethic and artistic genius.
10. I'm new to Michael Jackson's music. Where should I start? A greatest hits compilation, such as Number Ones, is a fantastic starting point. For a studio album experience, the album Thriller is the essential, must-listen masterpiece that defined his career and the entire landscape of popular music.
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