Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the best dancers and singers in his generation, and of all time. His album Thriller is the best selling album of ever. Truly, Jackson has been instrumental in the black performers scene during the 80s and has long been an inspiration for black singers all over the world. Creating a top 10 of his songs are impossible, but we’d like to try. Here it is!
10. Human Nature
Human Nature is the 5th track in Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album, Thriller. One of Michael’s deep, smooth and lyrical songs, Human Nature came to be known as the jazzy ballad of the heavily pop orientated album that is Thriller.
9. Rock With You
A true feel-good song, perhaps the ultimate, Rock With You is an energetic and uplifting song by Jackson released in 1979. Popular during the disco era, the track was a huge hit and has topped the charts in R&B.
8. Man in the Mirror
One of the best written songs performed by Michael Jackson, although not written by him, Man in the Mirror is as good as a song as it is as an inspiration. The track is easily one of his best songs and has great content. Jackson is telling the world that to fix the world, we must first fix ourselves.
7. Bad
Jackson’s career soared to a new heights with his album Bad, with the lead title track Bad topping the charts. Additionally, the music video was directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese.
6. Black or White
Released under the Dangerous album, Black or White is a song released in the later career (1990s) of Michael Jackson. A bit musically harder than his earlier songs, the single gave Michael Jackson a spot at the top of the charts. Black or White is a testimony that Michael Jackson can make a huge hit every decade.
5. The Way You Make Me Feel
The third song in the album Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel also topped the charts upon its release. The song is a charismatic, charming song by Jackson that is heavily influenced by romance.
4. Smooth Criminal
Often used by contemporary dancers, Smooth Criminal is a cool, upbeat blend of pop and R&B. The song peaked at number 7 in the billboard charts and is about a young woman being attacked by a smooth criminal. The music video that accompanied the song is also famous for the “levitating” dance move.
3. Beat It
A rocking song, with legendary Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Beat It is rock and roll mixed with pop. As expected, the track topped the charts. The song won Michael Jackson a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
2. Billie Jean
Next to Thriller, Billie Jean is the other major hit in the record-breaking album. The song easily became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Michael Jackson won two Grammys for this and has solidified his place as one of the greatest pop artist of all time. This is also the song where Michael Jackson popularised the Moon walk.
1. Thriller
Ask anyone of any age of any gender on what is the first song that pops into their head when they hear the name Michael Jackson; Well, they’ll probably answer Thriller. The music video is as grand as the song itself, being directed by horror icon John Landis. Thriller has Michael Jackson turn to a dance-crzed zombie, and has an entire dance crew of zombies. This song is simply brilliant and has cemented Michael Jackson’s legacy in the music history.
