Rank the best Michael Jackson Songs
Michael Jackson’s discography isn’t just a catalog of chart-toppers—it’s a blueprint of pop evolution. From electrifying rhythms to unforgettable vocals, the King of Pop reshaped the music landscape with each release. This list dives into the standout tracks that not only solidified his legendary status but also left a permanent mark on the global music scene. Whether you’re revisiting these iconic tracks or hearing them anew, each one tells a piece of Jackson’s extraordinary story. Watch, reminisce, and don’t forget to rank your favorites at the end!
Introduction
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Billie Jean
#11.0With its unmistakable bassline and hypnotic beat, 'Billie Jean' turned dance floors into stages and moonwalks into legend. Released in 1983 as part of *Thriller*, the track’s narrative of paternity denial wrapped in a funk-pop groove became an instant classic. It not only catapulted Jackson to the top of the charts but also helped break racial barriers on MTV, becoming one of the first videos by a Black artist to receive heavy rotation. Beyond its commercial success, 'Billie Jean' showcases Jackson’s genius for storytelling through music. The tension between rhythm and narrative—alongside Quincy Jones’s slick production—makes it a masterclass in pop songwriting and performance. Its influence is still felt today across genres and generations.
Beat It
#22.0'Beat It' brought rock and pop together in a way few could have imagined. With Eddie Van Halen’s searing guitar solo slicing through the track, this 1983 anthem from *Thriller* encouraged listeners to walk away from violence without losing their edge. Jackson’s urgent vocals and tight production helped make it one of his most powerful and enduring songs. More than just a crossover hit, 'Beat It' proved that pop could be bold, raw, and unapologetically real. Its aggressive energy, socially aware lyrics, and unforgettable guitar riff secured it a permanent place in the pop culture hall of fame.
Thriller
#33.0When you think of pop spectacle, 'Thriller' stands above the rest. The title track of Jackson’s best-selling album, it merged horror film aesthetics with funk and disco to create a cultural moment that continues to inspire. With Vincent Price’s iconic narration and a groundbreaking music video that redefined the medium, 'Thriller' became more than a song—it became an event. From its spooky sound effects to its danceable groove, 'Thriller' captured the imaginations of millions. The video’s choreography remains one of the most emulated in history, and the track’s fusion of theatrical flair and sonic innovation ensures its legendary status.
Smooth Criminal
#44.0'Annie, are you OK?' With that chilling line, 'Smooth Criminal' launched into one of the most adrenaline-fueled performances in Jackson’s catalog. Released in 1988 on *Bad*, the song features rapid-fire rhythms, syncopated beats, and a noir-ish story of violence and urgency. It’s a sonic thriller that keeps listeners on edge from start to finish. Jackson’s lean, aggressive vocal delivery matches the song’s driving pace, and the music video—with its signature gravity-defying lean—helped elevate 'Smooth Criminal' into iconic status. It’s not just a song—it’s a full sensory experience of danger, drama, and dance.
Bad
#55.0With its explosive energy and street-smart swagger, 'Bad' was Michael Jackson’s emphatic declaration of attitude. Released in 1987 as the title track of his follow-up to *Thriller*, the song found Jackson shedding his softer image for something bolder. The accompanying Martin Scorsese-directed short film only amplified its message—Jackson was ready to dominate the next era of pop. 'Bad' was more than a song—it was a rebranding, a sharp pivot that showed he could reinvent himself with style. From the tight choreography to the unforgettable synth stabs, the track has become a staple of Jackson’s identity and a fan-favorite on any playlist.
Man in the Mirror
#66.0A powerful anthem of introspection and change, 'Man in the Mirror' captured Michael Jackson at his most soulful and socially conscious. Released in 1988, the song stood out not just for its gospel-inspired crescendo but for its heartfelt plea for self-betterment and global compassion. Penned by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard, it tapped into the spiritual core of Jackson’s message. The song’s gradual build, from simple piano chords to a full gospel choir, mirrors the journey from reflection to transformation. It remains a timeless reminder that meaningful change begins with ourselves—a message that still resonates deeply today.
Earth Song
#77.0'Earth Song' is perhaps Jackson’s most ambitious protest ballad—an emotional outcry for the planet and the vulnerable. Released in 1995, it fused blues, gospel, and opera into a towering environmental and humanitarian anthem. His voice aches with urgency as he asks haunting questions about war, nature, and humanity’s failings. Accompanied by a powerful video showing destruction and renewal across the globe, 'Earth Song' became a rallying cry for awareness. It showcased Jackson not just as a pop star, but as a messenger using his art to plead for a better world.
Black or White
#88.0'Black or White' was Jackson’s rallying cry for racial harmony in the early '90s—a track that blended rock, rap, and pop into a global sensation. Opening with a fiery guitar riff and followed by a high-energy rhythm, the song tore through genre and cultural boundaries with a simple message: unity. Its iconic morphing video—featuring faces of every color and background—drove home the message that we’re all connected. Controversial, bold, and anthemic, 'Black or White' proved that pop music could have a conscience and a call to action.
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough
#99.0Disco never sounded so refined. With 'Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough', Jackson launched his solo career into the stratosphere in 1979. The track’s pulsating rhythm, falsetto vocals, and funk-infused instrumentation made it an instant dance floor staple. This was Jackson breaking free and stepping into his own spotlight. It remains a masterclass in groove and energy, and it laid the foundation for the pop domination that would follow in the next decade.
Rock with You
#1010.0Smooth, sultry, and effortless—'Rock with You' was Jackson at his most romantic and refined. Released at the end of the disco era, the song’s mellow groove and whispery vocals gave it a timeless allure that continues to charm listeners today. The track invites listeners to lose themselves in the music, and in each other. It’s a love letter to late-night slow dances and twinkling disco balls, wrapped in one of Jackson’s most polished performances.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
#1111.0Opening the *Thriller* album with a jolt of electricity, 'Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’' is a feverish swirl of paranoia, energy, and layered rhythm. Its lyrics dart between family drama and media criticism, all backed by an Afrobeat-inspired groove and that famous chant: 'Mama-se, mama-sa, mama-coo-sa.' The song is a sonic adrenaline rush that shows off Jackson’s mastery of vocal rhythm. It’s chaotic, catchy, and completely unforgettable—a true testament to his genre-bending genius.
They Don't Care About Us
#1212.0One of Jackson’s most confrontational tracks, 'They Don’t Care About Us' is a raw, percussive outcry against injustice and systemic oppression. Released in 1995, the song uses marching drums and aggressive rhythm to amplify its angry message—Jackson wasn’t just entertaining here, he was protesting. The lyrics sparked global controversy, and the two music videos—one filmed in a Brazilian favela, the other in a prison—drove the message home. It remains one of his boldest, most politically charged songs, showing how pop music could be a weapon of awareness.
The Way You Make Me Feel
#1313.0With 'The Way You Make Me Feel', Jackson shifted gears into romantic territory, layering charm and swagger into one irresistible groove. Released in 1987, the track plays like a pursuit—playful, persistent, and completely infectious. Its bluesy, urban sound and kinetic music video showcased Jackson’s chemistry and charisma. This track proved he could seduce audiences just as easily as he could electrify them.
Human Nature
#1414.0Ethereal and reflective, 'Human Nature' is a quiet standout from *Thriller*, offering a gentler side of Jackson’s vocal artistry. Written by Steve Porcaro of Toto and produced with Quincy Jones’ finesse, it’s a song that drifts like a late-night breeze over the city. Jackson’s vocal phrasing here is delicate, almost whispered—perfectly capturing the song’s emotional complexity. It’s an ode to curiosity, beauty, and melancholy, and one of the finest examples of mood-setting in pop.
Dirty Diana
#1515.0‘Dirty Diana’ dives into the world of temptation and toxic fandom, with Jackson delivering a rock-tinged warning about the dangers of fame and seduction. Its blistering guitar riffs and stark lyrics set it apart from his usual romantic ballads. The intensity of the track, both vocally and instrumentally, creates a sense of unease and danger. It’s raw, it’s real, and it adds a darker shade to Jackson’s colorful musical palette.
Give in to Me
#1616.0'Give in to Me' is Jackson’s most underrated rock ballad—a slow-burning cry for connection delivered with surprising vulnerability. Featuring Slash of Guns N' Roses on guitar, the track simmers with emotional tension and eruptive power. It's a plea masked as a demand, a rock song that aches more than it shouts. Jackson’s restrained yet powerful delivery makes it a haunting entry in his catalog of love songs.
You are Not Alone
#1717.0A tender ballad of isolation and comfort, 'You Are Not Alone' became a late-career hit for Jackson, thanks in part to R. Kelly’s songwriting. Its slow tempo and lush harmonies allowed Jackson to deliver one of his most emotionally bare performances. Despite the controversy surrounding its writer, the song remains a gentle and empathetic anthem for anyone who's felt lost or abandoned. It’s Jackson at his most comforting, reaching through the speaker to say: you matter.
Scream
#1818.0A furious duet with sister Janet Jackson, 'Scream' let Michael finally vent about the pressures of fame and the media circus surrounding him. It’s industrial, sharp, and angry—a sound unlike anything else in his catalog. The video, one of the most expensive ever made, mirrored its futuristic angst and featured the iconic sibling chemistry. 'Scream' is catharsis wrapped in beat-driven fury.
Leave Me Alone
#1919.0‘Leave Me Alone’ is sarcasm dressed as funk. Hidden as a bonus track on *Bad*, it became an anthem of media fatigue and personal boundaries. The quirky, animated music video skewered tabloids and myths, making the song even more resonant. Jackson’s delivery is equal parts exasperated and energized, capturing the exhaustion of living under a microscope. It's playful, punchy, and deeply personal.
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
#2020.0'P.Y.T.' is Jackson at his most flirtatious, delivering synth-driven funk with a gleam in his eye. Produced by Quincy Jones, the track is one of *Thriller*’s hidden gems, full of energy and futuristic production flourishes. It’s a celebration of attraction, wrapped in robotic vocoders and electric optimism. Short, sweet, and endlessly replayable—it’s pure pop candy.
You Rock My World
#2121.0'You Rock My World' signaled a return to Jackson’s romantic roots in the early 2000s. With its silky production and charming melody, it echoes the soul-driven energy of his earlier hits. The song, while more restrained than his classic work, shows Jackson still had a magnetic presence. It’s smooth, sophisticated, and irresistibly catchy.
Remember the Time
#2222.0'Remember the Time' is a velvety blend of New Jack Swing and ancient mystique. Its Egyptian-themed video and slinky groove made it an early '90s standout. Jackson’s vocals glide over the beat with ease, and the track’s hypnotic rhythm makes it impossible to ignore. A nostalgic ode to past love, it’s as smooth as it is unforgettable.
We are the World
#2323.0Though technically a group effort, Jackson’s influence on 'We Are the World' is undeniable. Co-written with Lionel Richie, this charity single brought together dozens of the biggest artists of the time for a cause-driven anthem. Jackson’s vocal sections are some of the most memorable, and the song’s legacy as a humanitarian milestone still echoes decades later. It’s proof that music can unify across genres, borders, and egos.
Another Part of Me
#2424.0'Another Part of Me' carries a spiritual groove, first featured in Jackson’s 3D Disney short film *Captain EO*. Its lyrics promote unity and love, delivered with a relentless, funky drive. Though it’s not as widely known as some of his other hits, its infectious energy and positive message make it a standout. It’s a small gem in the *Bad* era that deserves its flowers.
Ghosts
#2525.0'Ghosts' is Jackson at his most theatrical and experimental. Originally released with a 40-minute short film, the song plays like a haunted house ride through Jackson’s psyche. With its eerie production and horror-themed visuals, it’s a darker, artsier take on the themes he explored in 'Thriller.' It’s as much a mood as a song—strange, stylish, and mesmerizing.
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