The Best Michael Jackson Songs All-Time
Last Updated: January 4, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell
Michael Jackson is proclaimed the “King of Pop”. Michael contributed to pop culture through his music, fashion, dancing, and personal life. He originally started as a member of the Jackson Five in 1964. Michael has 13 number-one singles in the United States in his solo career. He also has 13 Grammy Awards and 26 American Music Awards. Jackson became the first artist in history to have a top ten single on the Billboard Top 100 in five different decades.
Our list of top 10 Michael Jackson songs are comprised of his solo career only. It does not include his time as a member of the Jackson 5.
Read similar artist song lists:
Michael Jackson Wedding Songs
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10. Bad
Release Date: 1987
On Album Bad
The song topped the charts for two weeks.
Well they say the sky’s the limit
And to me that’s really true
But my friend you have seen nothin’
Just wait ’til I get through
9. Rock With You
Release Date: 1979
On Album Off the Wall
The song signaled the end of the disco era.
I want to rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
I want to rock with you (all night)
Rock the night away
8. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Release Date: 1979
On Album Off the Wall
The song topped the charts for six weeks. The song also won Jackson a solo Grammy and American Music Award.
Touch me and I feel on fire
Ain’t nothing like a love desire
I’m melting (I’m melting)
Like hot candle wax
7. Smooth Criminal
Release Date: 1988
On Album Bad
The song is about a woman named Annie, who has been attacked in her apartment by a smooth assailant.
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
6. The Way You Make Me Feel
Release Date: 1987
On Album Bad
The song illustrates being in love, as well as the feeling of loving someone.
I like the feelin’ you’re givin’ me
Just hold me baby and I’m in ecstasy
Oh I’ll be workin’ from nine to five
To buy you things to keep you by my side
5. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
Release Date: 1983
On Album Thriller
Even though the song peaked at number ten, it remains one of the greatest dance party songs.
And I’ll Take You There
I Want To Love You (P.Y.T.)
Pretty Young Thing
You Need Some Lovin’ (T.L.C.)
Tender Lovin’ Care
4. Beat It
Release Date: 1983
On Album Thriller
The song charted at number one for three weeks and also the video had lasting impressions in pop culture.
Don’t wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it
3. Thriller
Release Date: 1983
On Album Thriller
One of the greatest accompanied music videos of all time. The video is impersonated into many choreographed dance routines.
‘Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
There ain’t no second chance
Against the thing with the forty eyes
2. Man In The Mirror
Release Date: 1988
On Album Bad
The song speaks of changing the world but it first must start with changing the man in the mirror.
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
1. Billie Jean
Release Date: 1983
On Album Thriller
People of the era will not forget the video of Michael dancing on the sidewalk as the squares light up. The song refers to Billie Jeans – girl groupies.
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
Have a favorite Michael Jackson song not on our list, be sure to comment on it below.
Michael Jackson Highest-Charting Songs – US
- #1 Ben, 1972
- #1 Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, 1979
- #1 Rock with You, 1979
- #1 Billie Jean, 1983
- #1 Beat It, 1983
- #1 Say Say Say (with Paul McCartney), 1983
- #1 We Are the World (as a member of USA for Africa), 1985
- #1 I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett), 1987
- #1 Bad, 1987
- #1 The Way You Make Me Feel, 1987
- #1 Man in the Mirror, 1988
- #1 Dirty Diana, 1988
- #1 Black or White, 1991
- #1 You Are Not Alone, 1995
- #2 Rockin’ Robin, 1972
- #2 The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney), 1972
- #2 Somebody’s Watching Me (with Rockwell), 1984
- #3 Remember the Time, 1992
- #4 Got to Be There, 1971
- #4 Thriller, 1984
- #5 Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, 1983
- #5 Scream (with Janet Jackson), 1995
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