Jackson 5 Albums Ranked

The Jackson 5 (stylized as the Jackson 5ive), later known as the Jacksons, is an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family. The group was founded in 1965 in Gary, Indiana, by brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after. According to some sources, The Jackson 5 has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. In 1980 the brothers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as the Jacksons. They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Two of the band’s recordings (“ABC” and “I Want You Back”) are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and, alongside “I’ll Be There”, were also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Here are all of Jackson 5 albums ranked.

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10. 2300 Jackson Street (1989)

“On the title song it’s the vocals that make the difference,with everyone save LaToya making major contributions-most notably from Michael,Janet and Rebbie. The closer “If You’d Only Believe” is excellent melodically and complex rhythmically,not a band way to end an album.”

9. The Ultimate Collection (1995)

“This is a comprehensive collection of the best tracks from an iconic band that spawned a truly groundbreaking musical genius. Listen to “Who’s Loving You”! Michael’s just a kid singing like he just knows the heartbreak of lost love. LOL! That song has been passed down through the generations of my family based his vocals. He just sings his butt off! In my opinion, there’s not a song in the collection that isn’t at least very good”

8. Victory (1984)

“This is a very nice album, must have for all MJ fans. It has one song Michael sings, which is particularly beautiful, Michael’s heavenly voice comes there in full force. The songs by other Jacksons were very good, too, makes me want to explore their own work more.”

See more: The 1975 Albums Ranked

7. The Jacksons (1976)

“Great album for the newly-formed Jacksons. This is the first album for the group that just transformed from the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons without brother Jermaine. The album is a good funk, disco, r&b, and soul record which were the roots to Michael’s ‘Off the Wall’ several years later. There are alot of great songs on here like, ” ‘Enjoy Yourself’, ‘Keep On Dancing’, ‘Blues Away’, Show You the Way to Go’, and ‘Style Of Life’. It’s interesting to hear Michael Jackson before his quick, and spectacular rise to the extreme heights of superstardom. His vocals here are superbly great and is able to save some of the lousy songs on here from the lane of corniness.”

6. The Jacksons Live! (1981)

“This concert album is the perfect Jackson’s album. It’s as good or better than any “Greatest Hits” compilation could possibly be. This came after Michael’s “Off The Wall” but before “Thriller” so he hasn’t quite eclipsed his brothers yet, and the group is at the top of their game. The Jacksons perform the best numbers of their career so far, which is impressive. There’s a fun medley of early Jackson 5 songs, which sound amazing with Michael’s mature voice. And the concert tops off with a few of Michael’s “Off The Wall” hits.”

5. Third Album (1970)

“As a whole the Motown sound was a very complex machine. it played mostly on empathy and allowed the listener to get key emotions through the bridge of the song. This was unheard of before Motown and the Jackson 5 used the system well. Songs like “I’ll Be There” used this formula to perfection. Michael’s vocals soar an devoke such pain for such youth. “Can I See You In The Morning” also finds echoes and falsettos being pushed out into a dizzying mix of soul and passion.”

4. ABC (1970)

“Their second album, ABC, is a timeless classic and sounds as fresh and vibrant today as it did in 1970. 12-year-old Michael Jackson’s vocals explode like dynamite – full of soul and energy – while Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie provide smooth background harmonies. The title track and “The Love You Save” topped the charts but this album contains one great song after another. Michael pours his soul into “Don’t Know Why I Love You”, Jermaine delivers sweetly on “I Found That Girl”, the groove on their cover of Funkadelic’s “I’ll Bet You”. I could go on but that’s how amazing this album is. The Jackson 5 set the trend that other pop music family groups followed.”

3. Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)

“From the opening of Michael ripping through “Zip A Dee Doo Dah” it becomes evident that the soul and passion in his voice is magical! The J5’s first cds were simply amazing and the funk and rythyms are so tight and solid you will never forget it. “You’ve Changed” has such depth of lyric and soaring vocals it can be played on loop until u pass out! “I’m The One You Need” is another brilliant track even though the disc was made for mass appeal it was snapped up by adults in the urban areas for its raw energy and gut wrenching song content and the true gems stand out.”

2. Destiny (1978)

“The title track Destiny opens with a raw guitar sound, stating the mood for the rest of the song. Overall, the morality of the song is that city life and material goods will not ensure you happiness, instead the simple life is to be preferred. Bless His Soul tends to follow the same pattern as Destiny – the desire to ensure one’s happiness. The character of the song wants control of his own life, however he is constantly pressured to satisfy other people rather than listening to his own needs. Perhaps an autobiographical story for Michael Jackson? Returning to the main theme of dance obsession, All Night Dancer bubbles of energy.”

1. Triumph (1980)

“This album takes the melody and sound from the “Destiny” disc and gives the lyrics more depth and range and the songs turn into more of well crafted story with an infectious rhythm than just mere pop pleasure. The disc stars with one of the most sampled songs in music “Can You Feel It” the horns and rhythm section and the “cut and cross” duet between Michael and Randy are just simply amazing.”