Michael Jackson Songs Ranked
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest entertainers in the history of music. Through stage and video performances, he popularized complicated dance techniques such as the moonwalk, to which he gave the name. His sound and style have influenced artists of various genres. Jackson’s contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. Starting in the late 1980s, Jackson became a figure of controversy and speculation due to his changing appearance, relationships, behavior, and lifestyle. In 1993, he was accused of sexually abusing the child of a family friend. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Jackson was not indicted. In 2005, he was tried and acquitted of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges. In 2009, while preparing for a series of comeback concerts, This Is It, Jackson died from an overdose of propofol administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray. Fans around the world expressed their grief, and Jackson’s public memorial service was broadcast live. In August 2009, the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that Jackson’s death was a homicide, and Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011. Seven years later, the documentary Leaving Neverland, which detailed posthumous allegations of child sexual abuse, led to another media backlash against Jackson. His other achievements include an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and being the only recording artist to have been inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame. In 2016, his estate earned $825 million, the highest yearly amount for a celebrity ever recorded by Forbes. Here are all of Michael Jackson’s songs ranked.
Relive the music of the one and only “King of Pop”. Click below and enjoy his most memorable songs.
20. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (Thriller, 1982)
“This song is just such a great song with an amazing beat to it that always gets me dancing and in a good mood no matter how bad my day was! The greatest song, with such feeling that you can’t just stop listening to it again and again”
19. You are Not Alone (HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, 1995)
“Michael Jackson was the greatest performer if the whole world…he was a feelings in his songs…he was leading a very pathetic life…but he was the best entertainer…he was, he is & he will with us every moment in our heart…”
18. Scream (HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I, 1995)
“This song is amazing. It has a mix with beat and pop. A great duet with his sister Janet a perfect combination. Amazing blend of catchy music and dominating vocals.”
17. Leave Me Alone (Bad 25, 1989)
“This is one of his most meaningful songs at a time when the media were on his back. The music video is also very clever. The animation is so lit, creative and the music is amazing as always, so much heart creativity everywhere.”
See more: Michael Jackson Albums Ranked
16. Give in to Me (Dangerous, 1991)
“When I heard this song, I instantly fell in love with it! Really, it’s awesome, if you haven’t listened to it and you’re an MJ fan, well… You should definitely listen to it!”
15. Human Nature (Thriller, 1983)
“This is so beautiful and deep! It’s MJ’s best song ever, and I try not to cry while typing this. It has some meaning that says, ” humans are all different and same, it’s human nature to fall in love and it’s a beautiful feeling, a feeling you can’t say or express, when you think about it your speechless; but you can sing it. That was a meaning for most of his songs and this is the most beautiful song ever written, and it amazing how he writes this emotional and deeply sang poem” God bless you Michael Jackson, Every human on earth is sad that you past away and loves you for bringing another type of joy, a joy we can’t live with to this world.”
14. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Thriller, 1982)
“It’s the first song of Michael about to the media and press, as well as gossip and people trying to start arguments or problems for no reason. He composed and arranged the incredible complexity of colliding drums and influence : funk, jazz, pop, and the famous “soul makossa” of manu dibango at coda song.”
13. The Way You Make Me Feel (Bad, 1987)
“It’s a cute video of Michael Jackson chasing the girl and singing to her as she laughs and runs off nothing creepy about it great song. His best song by far! Great beat and never get tired of it! Always puts me in a good mood.”
12. Rock with You (Off the Wall, 1979)
“Off The Wall is Michael Jackson’s Debut solo album, and I believe that Quincy Jones behind the production was masterful. This whole album is wonderfully produced and this song along with Off The Wall and Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough are among his best”
11. Dirty Diana (Bad, 1988)
“A song about whores who hang out after concerts trying to get with the artist This song has always been on my replay list… It is amazing, a good beat, and very sexy. Of course all of his songs are awesome, but this song takes music to the next level.”
10. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough (Off the Wall, 1979)
“The crown Jewel achievement representing one of MJ’s greatest strengths as an artists: making every one of use get up and dance to the irresistible force that is his music. The rhythm and beat of this song is simply amazing. Listening to it can make any situation feel upbeat and it really gets you’re feet tapping”
9. They Don’t Care About Us (Bad, 1988)
“The Syncopated rhythm in this song is spawning thousands of earworms that dig straight into my soul. Unlike most of his music, This one is vicious and accusatory. Amazing work from an Amazing Artist. I don’t care about him as a person, but as an Entertainer, you get no better than MJ
8. Black or White (Dangerous, 1991)
“Like many of Michael’s songs, Black or White has a powerful message. We all should treat each other as family and not judge people by their skin color. The creative music and video for this song combined with Michael’s incredible energy as he dances with those of other cultures makes this a true favorite of mine.”
7. Earth Song (HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, 1995)
“The gentle, almost fragile piano sweeps over soundscapes that seem to be manifactured on another planet, or what could have been this planet if Michael’s lyrics weren’t reality. As Michael starts singing, he is in perfect symbiosis with the mystical atmosphere of the synths, as fragile as the piano was before. That is, until the chorus kicks in first. It becomes strong and valid, a truly magical experience. He keeps going at this level throughout the next verse, until then… Each time the chorus breaks in, we get a whole new level of power, strength and graveness. The percussion plays at full throttle, the choir is at its most haunting, and Jackson himself… Is simply terrific.”
See more: Jackson 5 Albums Ranked
6. Bad (Bad, 1988)
“Bad should be second after thriller it had so much energy the dance was great it looked like he worked hard to write that song. Hearing this song I feel like remembering all the crazy & BAD! Stuffs I’ve ever done in my life.”
5. Man in the Mirror (Bad, 1988)
“This song is inspiring and beautiful. It gives me hope and makes me feel like we can change the world for the better. We can make this world a better place if we try and put our hearts out there and show the love everyone needs!”
4. Thriller (Thriller, 1982)
“Almost every person in the world knows this song the best when it comes to Michael jackson. And its literally one of the greatest pop songs ever made. Everything about the song gets people moving. It’s intense, powerful, and literally a thriller”
3. Beat It (Thriller, 1982)
“Amazing song, love that Michael Jackson teamed up with an amazing guitarist, and that he tried something new: a rock song! This song should be at the top, although Billie Jean and smooth criminal are awesome too!”
2. Smooth Criminal (Bad, 1988)
“I like Michael’s voice in this song if any other singer would have sung this song it wouldn’t have sounded so good. I love the music of the song it’s just sooo good the ending part you won’t believe but I sometimes just cry after hearing it. I like Michael’s most of the songs but I think that smooth criminal’s music is the best.”
1. Billie Jean (Thriller, 1982)
“Billie Jean one of Michael Jackson’s signature songs if you really listen to the instrumental of the song violins you could just really listen to it and plus every time when that song comes on you can listen to the bassline and nobody can do that but none of then Michael Jackson the King of Pop.”