Showing posts with label Beat It. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beat It. Show all posts

Monday, November 28, 2022

Michael Jackson's Top 100 Songs

Michael Jackson

Top 100 Songs

R&B/pop singer/songwriter and dancer born 8/29/1958 in Gary, Indiana. Died 6/25/2009. The 7th of 9 children, he was born into one of history’s most musical families. Achieved fame at 11 years old with his brothers in the Jackson 5 (69-76); the group later became The Jacksons (76-84). Launched a solo career (72-09) while simultaneously working in The Jackson 5.

His 1979 Off the Wall album became only the second in history to score 4 top 10 hits. His 1982 Thriller album, with an estimated 60+ million sales worldwide, became the best-selling album in history; it was the first album to score 7 top 10 hits, fueled in part by breaking down the racial barrier on MTV with some of the most iconic videos of all time. His 1987 Bad album was the 1st to score 5 #1 songs.

Two of his songs (“Billie Jean” and “Beat It”) are featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era 1954-1999. Thriller is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Albums of All Time.

For a complete list of this act’s DMDB honors, check out the DMDB Music Maker Encyclopedia entry.

Click here to see other acts’ best-of lists.

Awards:

Top 100 Songs

Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards.

* Jackson 5, ** The Jacksons. Noted below are songs which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (US), Cashbox (CB), R&B chart (RB), adult contemporary chart (AC), UK chart (UK), Canadian chart (CN), and Australian chart (AU).

DMDB Top 1%:

1. Billie Jean (1982) #1 US,CB,RB,UK, CN,AU
2. Beat It (1982) #1 US,CB,RB,CN
3. We Are the World (U.S.A. for Africa, 1985) #1 US,CB,AC,UK,CN,AU
4. I Want You Back * (1969) #1 US,CB,RB
5. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979) #1 US,CB,RB,AU
6. I’ll Be There * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB
7. Thriller (1982)
8. ABC * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB
9. Say, Say, Say (with Paul McCartney, 1983) #1 US,CB,CN
10. Black or White (1991) #1 US,CB,UK,CN,AU
11. Rock with You (1979) #1 US,CB,RB

DMDB Top 2%:

12. Remember the Time (1991) #1 CB,RB
13. The Way You Make Me Feel (1987) #1 US,CB,RB

DMDB Top 5%:

14. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (1982)
15. Man in the Mirror (1987) #1 US,CB,RB
16. Bad (1987) #1 US,CB,RB
17. Ben (1972) #1 US,AU
18. Somebody’s Watching Me (Rockwell w/ Michael Jackson, 1984) #1 RB
19. You Are Not Alone (1995) #1 US,CB,RB,UK
20. The Love You Save * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB

21. Shake Your Body Down to the Ground ** (1978)
22. Smooth Criminal (1987)
23. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett, 1987) #1 US,CB,RB,AC,UK
24. Got to Be There (1971) #1 CB
25. The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney, 1982) #1 RB,AC
26. Rockin’ Robin (1971) #1 CB
27. Dancing Machine * (1973) #1 CB,RB
28. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (1982) #1 CN

DMDB Top 10%:

29. Scream (with Janet Jackson, 1995)
30. Earth Song (1995) #1 UK

31. State of Shock ** (with Mick Jagger, (1984)
32. She’s Out of My Life (1979)
33. Heal the World (1991)
34. Dirty Diana (1987) #1 US,CB
35. Human Nature (1982)
36. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town * (1970)
37. Will You Be There? (1991)
38. Off the Wall (1979)
39. Never Can Say Goodbye * (1971)
40. Love Never Felt So Good (w/ Justin Timberlake, 2014)

41. Enjoy Yourself ** (1976)
42. In the Closet (1991) #1 CB,RB
43. Farewell My Summer Love (1973)
44. Jam (1991)

DMDB Top 20%:

45. You Rock My World (2001)
46. They Don’t Care About Us (1995)
47. Another Part of Me (1987) #1 RB
48. Eat It (Weird Al Yankovic parody of “Beat It,” 1984)
49. Torture ** (1984)
50. Ease on Down the Road (with Diana Ross, 1978)

51. Can You Feel It ** (1980)
52. Who Is It (1991)
53. Mama’s Pearl * (1970) #1 CB
54. Come Together (1988)
55. One Day in Your Life (1975) #1 UK
56. Heartbreak Hotel (This Place Hotel) ** (1980)
57. Blame It on the Boogie ** (1978)
58. Blood on the Dance Floor (1997) #1 UK
59. Stranger in Moscow (1995)
60. Lovely One ** (1980)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

61. Lookin’ Through the Window * (1972)
62. I Wanna Be Where You Are (1971)
63. With a Child’s Heart (1973)
64. We’re Almost There (1975)
65. Little Bitty Pretty One * (1972)
66. Show You the Way to Go ** (1976) #1 UK
67. Who’s Lovin’ You * (1969)
68. Hold My Hand (with Akon, 2010)
69. Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (w/ Jermaine Jackson, 1984)
70. Childhood (1995)

71. I Am Love * (1974)
72. Ain’t No Sunshine (1971)
73. Don’t Matter to Me (w/ Drake, 2018)
74. Sugar Daddy * (1971)
75. Maybe Tomorrow * (1971)
76. Corner of the Sky * (1972)
77. Hallelujah Day * (1973)
78. Just a Little Bit of You (1975)
79. Walk Right Now ** (1980)
80. Leave Me Alone (1987)

81. Eaten Alive (w/ Diana Ross, 1985)
82. Goin’ Places ** (1977)
83. Get It (with Stevie Wonder, 1987)
84. Body ** (1984)
85. Whatever You Got, I Want * (1974)
86. Forever Came Today * (1975)
87. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus * (1970)
88. The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with will.i.am., 2008)
89. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (with Akon, 2008)
90. Fat (Weird Al Yankovic parody of “Bad,” 1988)

91. Give in to Me (1991)
92. Smile (1995)
93. Get It Together * (1973)
94. Butterflies (2001)
95. The Man (with Paul McCartney, 1983)
96. This Is It (with the Jacksons, 2009)
97. You Can’t Win (1978)
98. One More Chance (2003)
99. Gone Too Soon (1991)
100. Happy (1973)

Resources and Related Links:

First posted 8/29/2013; last updated 11/28/2022.

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

Dave's Music Database Hall of Fame: Song Inductees (April 2021)

Originally posted 4/22/2021.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the DMDB blog on January 22, 2019, Dave’s Music Database launched its own Hall of Fame. This is the ninth set of song inductees. These inductees were selected because of their iconic presence on MTV in the 1980s. These are the 11 highest-ranked ‘80s songs on the overall DMDB list that make the DMDB’s list of the “Top 100 Videos of All Time”). It does not include previously inducted songs “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1982) and “Every Breath You Take” by the Police (1983).

Michael Jackson “Beat It” (1982)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

The one-two punch of Jackson’s #1 songs “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” from his monstrous Thriller album sent him into the superstar stratosphere. With Eddie Van Halen on guitar, it was the most rock-oriented song Jackson had ever done. He also broke down racial barriers as one of the first black artists to get massive airplay on MTV. The iconic video was a mini-movie version of West Side Story with rival gangs facing off in a choreographed rumble. Read more.

Michael Jackson “Thriller” (1982)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

This was the seventh and final single from Jackson’s album of the same name. It became the first album in history with seven top-ten hits. Jackson tapped director John Landis, who’d done An American Werewolf in London, to direct the nearly-fourteen-minute, zombie-themed mini movie which served as the video for the song. It became what the Library of Congress called “the most famous music video of all time.” It was the first video to be inducted into the National Film Registry in 2009. Read more.

Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams Are Made of This” (1983)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart were in the British pop group the Tourists in the latter half of the ‘70s before forming the new wave duo the Eurythmics in 1981. They released one album which went nowhere and then three singles from their second album before they found success with the title cut. It reached #2 in the UK and topped the charts in the United States, giving them what is arguably their signature song. The video, with its surreal imagery, is considered a classic of the early-MTV era. Read more.

Cyndi Lauper “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

New wave singer Robert Hazard originally wrote and recorded this song in 1979. In his hands, it came across as misogynistic, but the remake by Lauper turned it into a sing-along party anthem for women’s empowerment. It was her first single as a solo artist and went all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video, in which she got friends, family, and business assocates to serve as a volunteer cast, was a fun-filled romp that showcased her quirky look and sense of style – and played a huge role in making her a star. Read more.

Van Halen “Jump” (1983)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

In the late ‘70s, Van Halen established themselves as one of the most popular hard rock acts, thanks to Eddie Van Halen’s legendary prowess on guitar and David Lee Roth’s frontman-extrordinaire schtick. When Eddie presented the band with the synth-driven “Jump,” they initially rejected it as too much of a departure. Roth thought it would look like they were selling out for radio airplay. When producer Ted Templeman heard it, he convinced Roth to give the song lyrics and the result wasn’t just the band’s first top-10 pop hit, but a huge #1. The performance video captured the band’s charisma and playfulness and especially turned Roth into an early star of MTV. Read more.

A-ha “Take on Me” (1984)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

The pop trio A-ha first recorded “Take on Me” in 1984 and it reached #3 in their native Norway. However, after they re-recorded the song and a new video, it became an international hit. Steve Barron, who’d done Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” directed the revolutionary video which combined live action with pencil-sketch animation. It took 16 weeks to make, but got heavy rotation on MTV and won six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. The success of the video sent the song all the way to #1 on the U.S. pop charts. Read more.

Dire Straits “Money for Nothing” (1985)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

Steve Barron has a hand in three of the most important music videos ever made with Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” A-ha’s “Take on Me,” and Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing.” The video used innovative computer animation to bring to life the band’s song about working-class guys who lambast rock stars for garnering massive paychecks without having to work for their money. It gave the group a #1 hit in the United States. Read more.

Peter Gabriel “Sledgehammer” (1986)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

Gabriel was the lead singer for the British progressive rock band Genesis from 1967 to 1975 and then went solo. More than a decade later, he had the biggest success of his career with “Sledgehammer,” a #1 song fueled by a wildly inventive video which incorporated Claymation, stop motion, and pixilation. It eventually became MTV’s most played video of all time. Read more.

Run-D.M.C. with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry “Walk This Way” (1986)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

The rock band Aerosmith had a top-10 hit with this song from their 1975 album Toys in the Attic. More than a decade later, the rap group Run-D.M.C. remade the song. It became even bigger, becoming the first rap song to hit the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. The video humorously presented Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry as Run-D.M.C’s neighbors trying to out-blast each other before they unite on stage to perform together. Read more.

Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (1987)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

The 1980s saw the rise of hair bands, which were pop-metal groups with decadent images outfitted in tight leather pants and – of course – the massive ozone-destroying, hairsprayed-to-the-extreme poofed-up hair. Guns N’ Roses managed to simultaneously check all the boxes while simultaneously giving the genre a grittier vibe. However, it was “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” a sentimental love ballad, which gave the group a #1 hit and made the band an inescapable presence on MTV. Read more.

Madonna “Like a Prayer” (1989)

Inducted April 2021 as “MTV in the ‘80s”

Madonna became a massive star and the Queen of MTV because of her ability to craft catchy pop songs and ooze charisma while always finding new ways to generate press with one controversy or another. The gospel-flavored “Like a Prayer” raised eyebrows with its mix of sex and religion, especially through its video fueled by images of burning crosses and Madonna kissing a black saint. In 2005, it was voted the most groundbreaking music video of all time. Read more.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson: A Retrospective, 1969-2009

Michael Jackson

A Retrospective: 1969-2009

Born: Michael Joseph Jackson

When: August 29, 1958

Where: Gary, Indiana

Died: June 25, 2009

Early Years:

R&B/pop singer/songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson was born the seventh of nine children. From an early age, his talents for music and dancing had become apparent. His father, steelworker Joe Jackson, was a strict, “often ill-tempered disciplinarian” AMG who saw to his children living a very regimented life. Because his mother was a Jehovah’s Witness, the children were also largely sheltered from the outside world.

In 1962, Joe created a family musical group with his three oldest sons. Michael joined the next year, “quickly establishing himself as a dynamic stage performer. His dead-on mastery of James Brown’s dance moves and soulful, mature-beyond-his-years vocals made him a natural focal point, especially given his incredibly young age.” AMG

For more about Michael’s career, read the comments about the albums highlighted on this page.

Sales:

Album Sales (in millions): 89.0 US, 500.0 world
Singles Sales (in millions): 79.38 world

Links:

Awards:

Studio Albums (1979-2001):


Song titles are followed by the dates they charted (if applicable) and chart peaks. Click for codes to charts. The raised letter codes refer to the compilations on which they song is featured (see below).

Compilations:

Top 100 Songs

These are the top Michael Jackson songs as ranked by the DMDB. Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards.

* Jackson 5, ** The Jacksons. Noted below are songs which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (US), Cashbox (CB), R&B chart (RB), adult contemporary chart (AC), UK chart (UK), Canadian chart (CN), and Australian chart (AU

DMDB Top 1%:

1. Billie Jean (1982) #1 US,CB,RB,UK, CN,AU
2. Beat It (1982) #1 US,CB,RB,CN
3. We Are the World (U.S.A. for Africa, 1985) #1 US, CB, AC, UK, CN, AU
4. I Want You Back * (1969) #1 US,CB,RB
5. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979) #1 US,CB,RB,AU
6. I’ll Be There * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB
7. Thriller (1982)
8. ABC * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB
9. Say, Say, Say (with Paul McCartney, 1983) #1 US,CB,CN
10. Black or White (1991) #1 US,CB,UK,CN,AU
11. Rock with You (1979) #1 US,CB,RB

DMDB Top 2%:

12. Remember the Time (1991) #1 CB,RB
13. The Way You Make Me Feel (1987) #1 US,CB,RB

DMDB Top 5%:

14. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (1982)
15. Man in the Mirror (1987) #1 US,CB,RB
16. Bad (1987) #1 US,CB,RB
17. Ben (1972) #1 US,AU
18. Somebody’s Watching Me (Rockwell w/ Michael Jackson, 1984) #1 RB
19. You Are Not Alone (1995) #1 US,CB,RB,UK
20. The Love You Save * (1970) #1 US,CB,RB

21. Shake Your Body Down to the Ground ** (1978)
22. Smooth Criminal (1987)
23. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett, 1987) #1 US,CB,RB,AC,UK
24. Got to Be There (1971) #1 CB
25. The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney, 1982) #1 RB,AC
26. Rockin’ Robin (1971) #1 CB
27. Dancing Machine * (1973) #1 CB,RB
28. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (1982) #1 CN

DMDB Top 10%:

29. Scream (with Janet Jackson, 1995)
30. Earth Song (1995) #1 UK

31. State of Shock ** (with Mick Jagger, (1984)
32. She’s Out of My Life (1979)
33. Heal the World (1991)
34. Dirty Diana (1987) #1 US,CB
35. Human Nature (1982)
36. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town * (1970)
37. Will You Be There? (1991)
38. Off the Wall (1979)
39. Never Can Say Goodbye * (1971)
40. Love Never Felt So Good (w/ Justin Timberlake, 2014)

41. Enjoy Yourself ** (1976)
42. In the Closet (1991) #1 CB,RB
43. Farewell My Summer Love (1973)
44. Jam (1991)

DMDB Top 20%:

45. You Rock My World (2001)
46. They Don’t Care About Us (1995)
47. Another Part of Me (1987) #1 RB
48. Eat It (Weird Al Yankovic parody of “Beat It,” 1984)
49. Torture ** (1984)
50. Ease on Down the Road (with Diana Ross, 1978)

51. Can You Feel It ** (1980)
52. Who Is It (1991)
53. Mama’s Pearl * (1970) #1 CB
54. Come Together (1988)
55. One Day in Your Life (1975) #1 UK
56. Heartbreak Hotel (This Place Hotel) ** (1980)
57. Blame It on the Boogie ** (1978)
58. Blood on the Dance Floor (1997) #1 UK
59. Stranger in Moscow (1995)
60. Lovely One ** (1980)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

61. Lookin’ Through the Window * (1972)
62. I Wanna Be Where You Are (1971)
63. With a Child’s Heart (1973)
64. We’re Almost There (1975)
65. Little Bitty Pretty One * (1972)
66. Show You the Way to Go ** (1976) #1 UK
67. Who’s Lovin’ You * (1969)
68. Hold My Hand (with Akon, 2010)
69. Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming (w/ Jermaine Jackson, 1984)
70. Childhood (1995)

71. I Am Love * (1974)
72. Ain’t No Sunshine (1971)
73. Don’t Matter to Me (w/ Drake, 2018)
74. Sugar Daddy * (1971)
75. Maybe Tomorrow * (1971)
76. Corner of the Sky * (1972)
77. Hallelujah Day * (1973)
78. Just a Little Bit of You (1975)
79. Walk Right Now ** (1980)
80. Leave Me Alone (1987)

81. Eaten Alive (w/ Diana Ross, 1985)
82. Goin’ Places ** (1977)
83. Get It (with Stevie Wonder, 1987)
84. Body ** (1984)
85. Whatever You Got, I Want * (1974)
86. Forever Came Today * (1975)
87. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus * (1970)
88. The Girl Is Mine 2008 (with will.i.am., 2008)
89. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 (with Akon, 2008)
90. Fat (Weird Al Yankovic parody of “Bad,” 1988)

91. Give in to Me (1991)
92. Smile (1995)
93. Get It Together * (1973)
94. Butterflies (2001)
95. The Man (with Paul McCartney, 1983)
96. This Is It (with the Jacksons, 2009)
97. You Can’t Win (1978)
98. One More Chance (2003)
99. Gone Too Soon (1991)
100. Happy (1973)

Anthology

The Jackson 5/Michael Jackson/Jermaine Jackson

Recorded: 1969-1975

Released: June 15, 1976

Peak: 84 US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU

Sales (in millions): -- US, 0.06 UK, 0.75 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: pop/R&B

Rating:

4.425 out of 5.00 (average of 14 ratings)

Tracks:

J5 = Jackson 5, MJ = Michael Jackson, JJ = Jermaine Jackson

  1. I Want You Back (J5, 10/7/69, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 2 HR, 1 RB, 2 UK, 2 CN, 77 AU, 4 DF) EA, A76, A77, A86, A00
  2. Who’s Lovin’ You (J5, 10/7/69, 48 RB, 36 UK, 5 DF) A86, A00
  3. ABC (J5, 2/24/70, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RB, 8 UK, 3 CN, 14 AU, 2 DF) EA, A76, A77, A86, A00
  4. Don’t Know Why I Love You (J5, album cut, 5/8/70) A76, A86
  5. I Found That Girl (J5, album cut, 5/8/70) A76, A86, A00
  6. The Young Folks (J5, album cut, 5/8/70) A00
  7. I’ll Bet You (J5, album cut, 5/8/70) A00
  8. The Love You Save (J5, 5/16/70, 1 BB, 1 CB, 4 GR, 1 HR, 1 RB, 7 UK, 8 CN, 59 AU, 9 DF) EA, A76, A77, A86, A00
  9. I’ll Be There (J5, 8/28/70, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 24 AC, 1 RB, 4 UK, 10 CN, 31 AU, 2 DF) A76, A77, A86, A00
  10. Goin’ Back to Indiana (J5, album cut, 9/8/70) A76, A86, A00
  11. Darling Dear (J5, album cut, 9/8/70) A00
  12. Mama’s Pearl (J5, 1/7/71, 2 BB, 1 CB, 8 GR, 2 HR, 2 RB, 25 UK, 3 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  13. Never Can Say Goodbye (J5, 3/16/71, 6 BB, 2 BA, 1 CB, 5 GR, 2 HR, 1 RB, 33 UK, 14 CN, 77 AU, 20 DF) A76, A77, A86, A00
  14. Maybe Tomorrow (J5, 7/9/71, 20 BB, 16 CB, 26 GR, 18 HR, 3 RB, 22 CN) A76, A86, A00
  15. Got to Be There (MJ, 10/7/71, 4 BB, 1 CB, 2 GR, 4 HR, 14 AC, 4 RB, 5 UK, 3 CN, 83 AU, 7 DF) A76, A77, A86, EA
  16. I’m So Happy (J5, recorded 10/71) A00
  17. Sugar Daddy (J5, 11/23/71, 10 BB, 6 CB, 10 GR, 7 HR, 3 RB, 11 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  18. Rockin’ Robin (MJ, 2/17/72, 2 BB, 1 CB, 2 GR, 2 HR, 2 RB, 3 UK, 13 CN, 16 AU, 6 DF) A76, A77, A86, EA
  19. Love Song (J5, recorded 3/72) A00
  20. Little Bitty Pretty One (J5, 4/4/72, 13 BB, 5 CB, 21 GR, 7 HR, 8 RB, 24 CN, 47 AU) A76, A77, A86, A00
  21. It’s Great to Be Here (J5, album cut, 4/12/71) A00
  22. I Wanna Be Where You Are (MJ, 5/2/72, 16 BB, 7 CB, 30 GR, 10 HR, 2 RB, 57 CN) A76, A77, A86
  23. Lookin’ Through the Windows (J5, 6/23/72, 16 BB, 15 CB, 31 GR, 19 HR, 5 RB, 9 UK, 69 UK) A76, A77, A86, A00
  24. Ben (MJ, 8/5/72, 1 BB,2 CB, 6 GR, 2 HR, 3 AC, 5 RB, 7 UK, 6 CN, 1 AU, 8 DF) A76, A77, A86, NO, EA
  25. Ain’t No Sunshine (MJ, 8/19/72, 8 UK) A77
  26. That’s How Love Goes (JJ, 9/16/72, 46 BB, 23 RB) A76, A77, A86
  27. Corner of the Sky (J5, 10/21/72, 18 BB, 12 CB, 25 GR, 18 HR, 9 RB, 35 CN) A76, A86, A00
  28. Daddy’s Home (JJ, 12/9/72, 9 BB, 7 CB, 3 GR, 6 HR, 3 RB, 3 CN, 27 AU, 12 DF) A76, A77, A86, A00
  29. Doctor My Eyes (J5, 2/2/73, 9 UK) A77, A00
  30. Hallelujah Day (J5, 2/26/73, 28 BB, 21 CB, 34 GR, 31 HR, 20 UK, 31 AU) A76, A77, A86, A00
  31. Touch (J5, album cut, 3/29/73) A00
  32. Morning Glow (MJ, album cut, 4/13/73) A77
  33. Get It Together (J5, 8/3/73, 28 BB, 24 CB, 36 HR, 2 RB, 88 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  34. Skywriter (J5, 8/24/73, 25 UK, 87 AU) A76, A77, A86
  35. Hum Along and Dance (J5, album cut, 9/21/73) A00
  36. Music and Me (MJ, 10/73, --) A77
  37. Dancing Machine (J5, 2/19/74, 2 BB, 1 CB, 4 GR, 1 HR, 4 RR, 1 RB, 53 UK, 2 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  38. The Boogie Man (J5, 4/26/74, 58 UK) A76, A77, A86
  39. The Life of the Party (J5, 11/29/74, --) A77, A00
  40. I Am Love (J5, 12/23/74, 15 BB, 18 CB, 34 GR, 17 HR, 39 RR, 5 RB, 45 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  41. Whatever You Got, I Want (J5, 10/1/74, 38 BB, 27 CB, 58 HR, 3 RB, 25 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  42. We’re Almost There (MJ, 2/17/75, 54 BB, 57 CB, 50 HR, 7 RB, 46 UK, 69 CN) A76, A77, A86
  43. Just a Little Bit of You (MJ, 5/17/75, 23 BB, 30 CB, 28 HR, 4 RB, 43 CN) A76, A77, A86
  44. Body Language (Do the Love Dance) (J5, album cut, 5/15/75) A76, A86
  45. Forever Came Today (J5, 6/10/75, 60 BB, 55 CB, 57 HR, 6 RB, 79 CN) A76, A77, A86, A00
  46. All I Do Is Think of You (J5, 11/5/75, 50 RB) A76, A86, A00
  47. Let’s Get Serious (JJ, 3/22/80, 9 BB, 9 CB, 30 GR, 17 HR, 1 RB, 8 UK, 24 AU, 11 DF) A86
  48. You’re Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me (JJ, 7/12/80, 34 BB, 46 CB, 72 HR, 32 RB) A86
  49. Let Me Tickle Your Fancy (JJ, 7/24/82, 18 BB, 22 CB, 33 GR, 5 RB) A86

Recording dates unknown:

  • Love Don’t Want to Leave (JJ) A76, A86
  • Teenage Symphony (J5) A86
  • I Hear a Symphony (J5) A86
  • I Was Made to Love Her (J5) A86
  • Medley: Sing a Simple Song/Can You Remember (live) (J5) A00
  • Mama, I Got a Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No) (J5) A00
  • It’s Too Late to Change the Time (J5) A00
  • We’re Here to Entertain You (J5) A00

About the Album:

In 1968, Michael and his brothers were signed to Motown as The Jackson 5. Michael was only eleven years old when they released their debut single, I Want You Back. That song – and the group’s next three singles (ABC, The Love You Save, and I’ll Be There) all went to #1, making them the first group in pop history to reach the top with their first four singles.

By 1972, Michael released his first solo album while continuing to work with his brothers. He had top-five hits with Got to Be There and a cover of Bobby Day’s Rockin’ Robin and had his first #1 with Ben. The latter was “the title song from a children’s thriller about a young boy who befriends Ben, the highly intelligent leader of a gang of homicidal rats. Given the subject matter, the song was surprisingly sincere and sentimental, and even earned an Oscar nomination.” AMG

Off the Wall

Michael Jackson

Released: August 10, 1979

Peak: 3 US, 116 RB, 5 UK, 4 CN, 12 AU, 8 DF

Sales (in millions): 8.0 US, 1.97 UK, 20.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.418 out of 5.00 (average of 29 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (7/10/79, 1 US, 1 RB, 3 UK, 3 CN, 1 AU, 4x platinum) EJ, HB, NO, EA
  2. Rock with You (11/3/79, 1 US, 1 RB, 21 AC, 7 UK, 3 CN, 4 AU, 2x platinum) HB, NO, EA
  3. Working Day and Night
  4. Get on the Floor
  5. Off the Wall (2/2/80, 10 US, 5 RB, 7 UK, 11 CN, 94 AU, platinum) EA
  6. Girlfriend (7/16/80, 41 UK)
  7. She’s Out of My Life (4/18/80, 10 US, 43 RB, 4 AC, 3 UK, 15 CN, 17 AU, gold) HB, EA
  8. I Can’t Help It
  9. It’s the Falling in Love
  10. Burn This Disco Out

About the Album:

In 1976, Michael and his brothers (except Jermaine) left Motown for Epic Records and became known as The Jacksons. In 1978, he starred alongside Diana Ross in the musical The Wiz, a retelling of The Wizard of Oz featuring an all-black cast. He met Quincy Jones doing the movie and tapped him to produce his 1979 album Off the Wall. It was “an immaculately crafted set of funky disco-pop, smooth soul, and lush, sentimental pop ballads” AMG that became only the second album in history (after Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours) to produce four top-ten songs (including the #1 hits Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and Rock with You) on the Billboard Hot 100. Read more on the DMDB page for this album.

Triumph

The Jacksons

Released: September 26, 1980

Peak: 10 US, 12 RB, 13 UK, 7 CN, 13 AU

Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, -- UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B

Rating:

4.124 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Can You Feel It (3/5/81, 77 BB, 75 CB, 68 HR, 30 RB, 6 UK, 17 DF) EJ, EA
  2. Lovely One (9/26/80, 12 BB, 10 CB, 13 GR, 9 HR, 12 RR, 2 RB, 29 UK) EJ
  3. Your Ways
  4. Everybody
  5. Heartbreak Hotel (aka “This Place Hotel”) (12/6/80, 22 BB, 21 CB, 25 GR, 19 HR, 2 RB, 44 UK, 27 DF) EJ
  6. Time Waits for No One
  7. Walk Right Now (6/27/81, 73 BB, 76 CB, 74 HR, 50 RB, 7 UK, 35 DF) EJ
  8. Give It Up
  9. Wondering Who

About the Album:

Considering that this was sandwiched in between Michael Jackson’s biggest blockbuster solo efforts, it’s surprising this wasn’t bigger than it was. While Off the Wall and Thriller produced eleven top-ten hits and sold more than 90 million copies, this album stalled at #10, produced zero top-ten hits, and sold a mere three million copies (decent, but paltry compared to MJ’s solo output).

Thriller

Michael Jackson

Released: November 30, 1982

Peak: 137 US, 137 RB, 18 UK, 113 CN, 111 AU, 15 DF

Sales (in millions): 33.0 US, 4.27 UK, 72.4 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.582 out of 5.00 (average of 31 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Michael Jackson) [6:02] (5/27/83, 5 US, 6 CB, 2 RR, 5 RB, 8 UK, 1 CN, 25 AU, sales: 1.2 million) HB, EA
  2. Baby Be Mine (Rod Temperton) [4:20]
  3. The Girl Is Mine (Michael Jackson) [3:41] (with Paul McCartney, 10/18/82, 2 US, 3 CB, 4 RR, 1 RB, 1 AC, 8 UK, 8 CN, 4 AU, sales: 1 million, airplay: 1 million) HB, EA
  4. Thriller (Rod Temperton) [5:57] (11/19/83, 4 US, 4 CB, 11 RR, 24 AC, 3 RB, 42 AR, 10 UK, 3 CN, 3 AU, sales: 9.52 million) HB, NO, EA
  5. Beat It (Michael Jackson) [4:18] (2/26/83, 13 US, 12 CB, 11 RR, 11 RB, 14 AR, 3 UK, 13 CN, 2 AU, sales: 7.95 million) HB, NO, EA
  6. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson) [4:54] (1/22/83, 17 US, 16 CB, 12 RR, 9 AC, 19 RB, 11 UK, 12 CN, 15 AU, sales: 9.5 million) HB, NO, EA
  7. Human Nature (Steve Porcaro/John Bettis) [4:07] (7/3/83, 7 US, 10 CB, 2 RR, 2 AC, 27 RB, 11 CN, 63 AU, sales: 1 million) EA
  8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (James Ingram/Quincy Jones) [3:58] (9/19/83, 10 US, 15 CB, 10 RR, 37 AC, 46 RB, 11 UK, 17 CN, 40 AU, sales: 2.25 million) EA
  9. The Lady in My Life (Rod Temperton) [4:59]

About the Album:

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson reached superstar status, thanks to his 1982 Thriller album. It “refined the strengths of Off the Wall; the dance and rock tracks were more driving, the pop tunes and ballads softer and more soulful, and all of it was recognizably Michael.” AMG

It was the first album in history to generate seven top-ten songs and went on to become the biggest selling album of all time. The album’s success was fueled in part by breaking down the racial barrier on MTV with “elaborately conceived video clips that revolutionized the way music videos were made.” AMG The video for Thriller is widely celebrated as the top video of all time.

He also cemented his iconic status when he introduced his moonwalk dance on Motown’s 25th anniversary television special on May 16, 1983. He snagged a record eight Grammys for Thriller and landed a huge endorsement deal with Pepsi. Toward the tail-end of Thriller’s monumental chart run, he also landed another #1 hit with Say, Say, Say, a 1983 duet with Paul McCartney.

Thriller is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Albums of All Time while two of its songs, Billie Jean and Beat It, are featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era 1954-1999.

Read more on the DMDB page for this album.

Victory

The Jacksons

Released: July 2, 1984

Peak: 4 US, 3 RB, 3 UK, 1 CN, 9 AU, 5 DF

Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.1 UK, 7.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B

Rating:

3.377 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Torture (7/20/84, 17 BB, 16 CB, 16 GR, 14 RR, 12 RB, 26 UK, 32 AU, 21 DF)
  2. Wait
  3. One More Chance
  4. Be Not Always
  5. State of Shock [with Mick Jagger] (6/5/84, 3 BB, 3 CB, 3 GR, 3 RR, 4 RB, 42 AR, 14 UK, 10 AU, 2 DF) EJ
  6. We Can Change the World
  7. The Hurt
  8. Body (10/27/84, 47 BB, 30a RB, 94 UK, 34 DF)

About the Album:

In 1984, Michael Jackson had become the biggest star on the planet, thanks to the blockbuster success of his Thriller album. It set high expectations for his reunion tour and album with his brothers. Victory is the only Jacksons’ album to feature all six brothers and is the last to feature Michael Jackson. Since the group’s last album, 1980’s Triumph, Michael became a superstar with 1982’s Thriller which translated into a mega-tour in support of the Victory album. It “is a competent album of slick contemporary R&B, occasionally goosed toward greatness by the appearance of one of pop music's most identifiable voices. Which is the same thing you can say about nearly the entire Jackson 5/Jacksons catalog.” WR

The album isn’t so much a collective effort by the brothers as it is solo songs (at least one from each brother) cobbled together. Michael is featured on State of Shock alongside Mick Jagger. Jermaine duets with Michael on Torture. “The tracks by other group members went virtually ignored.” WR Videos were done for “Torture” and Body; neither Michael nor Jermaine appeared in either one.

WR William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Bad

Michael Jackson

Released: August 31, 1987

Peak: 16 US, 118 RB, 11 UK, 11 CN, 2 AU, 5 DF

Sales (in millions): 10.0 US, 3.9 UK, 35.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.284 out of 5.00 (average of 25 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Bad (9/19/87, 1 US, 3 UK, 1 RB, 33 AC) HB, NO, EA
  2. The Way You Make Me Feel (11/21/87, 1 US, 3 UK, 1 RB, 9 AC) HB, NO, EA
  3. Speed Demon
  4. Liberian Girl (7/15/89, 13 UK)
  5. Just Good Friends (with Stevie Wonder)
  6. Another Part of Me (7/23/88, 10a US, 15 UK, 1 RB, 44 AC) EA
  7. Man in the Mirror (2/6/88, 1 US, 21 UK, 1 RB, 2 AC) HB, NO, EA
  8. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett) (8/8/87, 1 US, 1 UK, 1 RB, 1 AC, sales: ½ million) HB, NO, EA
  9. Dirty Diana (5/7/88, 1 US, 4 UK, 2a RB) NO, EA
  10. Smooth Criminal (11/12/88, 7 US, 8 UK, 2 RB) NO, EA
  11. Leave Me Alone (2/25/89, 2 UK) EA *

* bonus track on CD

About the Album:

By this stage in Michael’s career, he was tabloid fodder. Rumors swirled that his “soft-spoken, still girlish voice” AMG was due to hormone treatments. It was said that he slept in a hyperbaric chamber to slow the aging process. He was said to have purchased the skeleton of John Merrick, the Elephant Man. He “bought a large ranch in California which he dubbed Neverland and filled it with amusement park rides and animals…which…fueled the public’s perception of him as a somewhat bizarre eccentric obsessed with recapturing his childhood.” AMG He “bought a large ranch in California which he dubbed Neverland, and filled it with amusement park rides and animals…which…fueled the public’s perception of him as a somewhat bizarre eccentric obsessed with recapturing his childhood.” AMG He underwent several cosmetic surgeries, which spurred accusations that he was deliberately trying to look whiter. He later revealed that he had vitiligo, a condition in which destroys skin pigmentation.

Musically, he co-wrote “We Are the World” in 1985 with Lionel Richie. The charity single to benefit starving people in Africa became one of the most successful songs of all time. Jackson would also make music headlines when he bought the rights to the Beatles catalog that year, a move that cost him his friendship with Paul McCartney.

He also “re-entered the studio with Quincy Jones to begin the near-impossible task of crafting a follow-up to Thriller.” AMG While it didn’t sell as much as its predecessor (no album has), it was still a blockbuster that was fueled by “a lengthy world tour that featured a typically spectacular, elaborate stage show” AMG Read more on the DMDB page for this album.

The Essential Jacksons

The Jacksons

Recorded: 1976-1989

Released: March 9, 2004

Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, 78 AU

Sales (in millions): --

Genre: pop/R&B

Rating:

4.314 out of 5.00 (average of 7 ratings)

Tracks: (1) Enjoy Yourself (2) Show You the Way to Go (3) Goin’ Places (4) Find Me a Girl (5) Blame It on the Boogie (6) Shake Your Body Down to the Ground (7) Lovely One (8) Heartbreak Hotel (aka “This Place Hotel”) (9) Can You Feel It (10) Walk Right Now (11) State of Shock (with Mick Jagger) (12) 2300 Jackson Street (13) Nothin’ That Compares 2 U (14) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (live)

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • Enjoy Yourself (9/29/76, 6 BB, 4 CB, 14 GR, 7 HR, 10 RR, 2 RB, 42 UK, 21 DF) EJ, EA
  • Show You the Way to Go (1/6/77, 28 BB, 45 CB, 34 GR, 35 HR, 6 RB, 1 UK) EJ
  • Goin’ Places (10/8/77, 52 BB, 55 CB, 61 HR, 8 RB, 26 UK) EJ
  • Find Me a Girl (album cut, 10/8/77) EJ
  • Blame It on the Boogie (9/2/78, 54 BB, 63 CB, 55 HR, 3 RB, 8 UK, 4 AU) EJ, EA
  • Shake Your Body Down to the Ground (12/8/78, 7 BB, 5 CB, 3 GR, 3 HR, 6 RR, 3 RB, 4 UK, 59 AU, 13 DF) EJ, EA
  • 2300 Jackson Street (3/16/89, 76 UK) EJ
  • Nothin’ That Compares 2 U (6/3/89, 77 BB, 33 UK, 89 AU) EJ

About the Album:

In 1976, the Jackson 5 left Motown and signed a deal with Epic Records. Jermaine Jackson left the group and was replaced by his brother Randy. They renamed themselves The Jacksons. This collection covers their tenure with Epic Records.

Dangerous

Michael Jackson

Released: November 26, 1991

Peak: 14 US, 112 RB, 11 UK, 3 CN, 16 AU, 9 DF

Sales (in millions): 8.0 US, 1.98 UK, 32.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.105 out of 5.00 (average of 25 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Jam (7/11/92, 21a US, 13 UK, 3 RB)
  2. Why You Wanna Trip on Me
  3. In the Closet (4/25/92, 5a US, 8 UK, 1 RB, sales: ½ million) EA
  4. She Drives Me Wild
  5. Remember the Time (1/25/92, 1a US, 3 UK, 1a RB, 15 AC, sales: ½ million) HB, EA
  6. Can’t Let Her Get Away
  7. Heal the World (12/5/92, 24a US, 2 UK, 62 RB, 9 AC) HB, EA
  8. Black or White (11/23/91, 1 US, 1 UK, 3 RB, 23 AC, sales: 1 million) HB, NO, EA
  9. Who Is It? (7/25/92, 14 US, 10 UK, 6 RB) EA
  10. Give in to Me (2/27/93, 2 UK)
  11. Will You Be There? (7/10/93, 6a US, 9 UK, 53 RB, 5 AC, sales: ½ million) EA
  12. Keep the Faith
  13. Gone Too Soon (12/18/93, 33 UK)
  14. Dangerous EA

About the Album:

Jackson took another hiatus after 1987’s Bad, finally returning four years later with Dangerous. He turned to new jack swing producer Teddy Riley to update his sound. The now self-dubbed “King of Pop” launched the new album with an elaborate video for Black and White, which generated controversy because of a sequence in which Jackson “shouted, grabbed his crotch, and smashed car windows in a bizarre display that seemed at odds with the song’s harmonious message.” AMG

Read more on the DMDB page for this album.

HIStory Begins

Michael Jackson

Recorded: 1978-1991

Released: June 20, 1995

Peak: 12 US, 11 UK, 15 CN, 13 AU, 12 DF

Sales (in millions): 7.0 US, 1.2 UK, 22.0 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

3.896 out of 5.00 (average of 25 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: (1) Billie Jean (2) The Way You Make Me Feel (3) Black or White (4) Rock with You (5) She’s Out of My Life (6) Bad (7) I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (with Siedah Garrett) (8) Man in the Mirror (9) Thriller (10) Beat It (11) The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney) (12) Remember the Time (13) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (14) Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (15) Heal the World

About the Album:

In the four years since his last album, Michael’s name never seemed to leave the tabloids. People raised eyebrows over the revelation that he often invited children to his house for sleepovers. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy who was a frequent visitor to Neverland. While no criminal charges were ever filed, he paid the family a settlement estimated to be 18 to 20 million dollars. Many thought it “was tantamount to an admission of guilt;” AMG “in the court of public opinion, the charges seemed all too plausible: Jackson was near-universally perceived as a weirdo.” AMG His marriage to Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 was seen as “a desperate ploy to rehabilitate his image,” AMG a charge which gained more credence when the couple broke up just 19 months later.

Back on the musical front, Michael released History in 1995. The collection was comprised of two discs – one was a new studio album while the other was a collection of his post-Motown solo material. It included nine #1 songs, but still overlooked his #1 hits Say, Say, Say and Dirty Diana.

HIStory Continues

Michael Jackson
Released: June 20, 1995

Peak: 12 US, 11 UK, 15 CN, 13 AU, 12 DF

Sales (in millions): 7.0 US, 1.2 UK, 22.0 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

3.896 out of 5.00 (average of 25 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Scream (with Janet Jackson) (5/31/95, 5 US, 2 RB, 32 AC, 3 UK, sales: 1.0 m)
  2. They Don’t Care about Us (4/20/96, 30 US, 10 RB, 4 UK)
  3. Stranger in Moscow (11/16/96, 91 US, 50 RB, 4 UK)
  4. This Time Around (7/1/95, 23a RB)
  5. Earth Song (12/9/95, 1 UK) NO
  6. D.S.
  7. Money
  8. Come Together
  9. You Are Not Alone (8/12/95, 1 US, 1 RB, 7 AC, 1 UK, sales: 1.0 m) NO, EA
  10. Childhood
  11. Tabloid Junkie
  12. 2 Bad
  13. History
  14. Little Susie
  15. Smile

About the Album:

The first disc for Michael Jackson’s HIStory is a retrospective covering his biggest hits from 1979 to 1992 while the second disc – called HIStory Continues – is entirely new material, “which also happens to be the first material he released since being accused of child molestation. HIStory Continues is easily the most personal album Jackson has recorded. References to the scandal permeate almost every song, creating a thick atmosphere of paranoia.” STE

“If Jackson’s music had been the equal of Thriller or Bad, the nervous, vindictive lyrics wouldn’t have been quite as overbearing. However, HIStory Continues reiterates musical ideas Jackson had been exploring since Bad. Jackson certainly tries to stay contemporary, yet he has a tendency to smooth out all of his rougher musical edges with show-biz schmaltz.” STE

“Occasionally, Jackson produces some well-crafted pop that ranks with his best material: R. Kelly’s You Are Not Alone is seductive, Scream improves on the slamming beats of his earlier single Jam, and Stranger in Moscow is one of his most haunting ballads.” STE

“You Are Not Alone” gave MJ another career highlight when it became the first song to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. Nevertheless, HIStory Continues stands as his weakest album since the mid-‘70s.” STE Overall, though, the HIStory album underperformed, at least partly due to people being unwilling to plop down the extra cost of a double-CD collection that featured a disc of material most fans already owned.

STE All Music Guide review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Invincible

Michael Jackson

Released: October 30, 2001

Peak: 11 US, 14 RB, 11 UK, 1 CN, 11 AU

Sales (in millions): 2.1 US, 0.3 UK, 10.0 world (includes US + UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

3.043 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Tracks:

  1. Unbreakable (2/19/02, --)
  2. Heartbreaker
  3. Invincible
  4. Break of Dawn NO
  5. Heaven Can Wait (3/2/02, 70a RB)
  6. You Rock My World (9/8/01, 9a US, 11a RB, 2 UK) NO, EA
  7. Butterflies (11/3/01, 14 US, 2a RB)
  8. Speechless
  9. 2000 Watts
  10. You Are My Life
  11. Privacy
  12. Don’t Walk Away
  13. Cry (12/4/01, 25 UK)
  14. The Lost Children
  15. Whatever Happens
  16. Threatened

About the Album:

Jackson married Debbie Rowe, a nurse, in 1996. They had two children, son Prince Michael Jackson, Jr. and daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. They divorced in late 1999.

In 2001, MJ was back with another album. The album title Invincible came across as wishful thinking as this was not the same person who’d captivated the world in the 1980s. Hhis “fading reputation as a trailblazer, a truly ugly public scandal, and swirling rumors about his diminishing finances, along with a huge wait between albums…resulted in Jackson being deep down in the hole, needing to surge back out with a record that not only proved his talents, but his staying power.” STE

“So, faced with a make-or-break record…he’s reined in by a desire to prove himself” STE “with a dogged, near-maniacal desire to craft something hip enough for the clubs and melodic enough for mainstream radio…Since he was exceptionally talented and smart enough to surround himself with first-rate collaborators, this does pay off on occasion, even when it feels a little too calculated or when it feels a little padded.” STE

“Ultimately, the record runs too long, losing steam halfway through, as it turns to a series of rants about Privacy or a deadly stretch of uncomfortably treacly, sub-‘Man in the Mirror’ songs about The Lost Children, or when he says that he can’t change the world by himself on Cry.” STE

“Fortunately, Jackson was clever enough to front-load this record, loading the first seven songs with really good, edgy dance numbers – even the opening Unbreakable isn’t sunk by the creepy resurrection of Biggie Smalls – and lovely ballads, highlighted by Break of Dawn and Butterflies with its Bacharach-styled horns.” STE

“Even if these are too self-conscious and a little mechanical (which they are), they still have a spark and sound better than anything Jackson had done since Dangerous. That’s not enough to make Invincible the comeback Jackson needed – he really would have had to have an album that sounded free instead of constrained for that to work – but it does offer a reminder that he could really craft good pop. If only he had been fueled, not constrained, by his obsessions, this could have been really interesting.” STE

STE All Music Guide review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Number Ones

Michael Jackson

Recorded: 1978-2003

Released: November 17, 2003

Peak: 16 US (catalog chart), 12 UK, 11 CN, 2 AU

Sales (in millions): 5.3 US, 3.0 UK, 11.0 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.313 out of 5.00 (average of 21 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: (1) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (2) Rock with You (3) Billie Jean (4) Beat It (5) Thriller (6) I Just Can’t Stop Loving You [w/ Siedah Garrett] (7) Bad (8) Smooth Criminal (9) The Way You Make Me Feel (10) Man in the Mirror (11) Dirty Diana (12) Black or White (13) You Are Not Alone (14) Earth Song (15) You Rock My World (16) Break of Dawn (17) One More Chance (18) Ben [live]

Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums:

  • One More Chance (10/25/03, 83 US, 40 RB, 5 UK) NO

* chart information for original studio version

About the Album:

Jackson’s HIStory collection mistakenly paired a new studio album with a compilation. Number Ones is a more appropriately free-standing greatest-hits set which “was released in the wake of the 2000 blockbuster Beatles 1, which rewrote the rules of modern-day hits collections from major artists.” STE

The album doesn’t completely follow the #1 rule, including songs like Break of Dawn, which was never even a single, and “the requisite previously unreleased song, the OK slow jam One More Chance.” STE It also omits “Say, Say, Say,” Jackson’s 1983 #1 hit with Paul McCartney. There are also plenty of important top-ten hits which are overlooked, including “Off the Wall” and She’s Out of My Life” from 1979’s Off the Wall, “The Girl Is Mine” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” from Thriller, “Remember the Time” from Dangerous, and “Scream” from HIStory. It would also be nice to see “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’,” MJ’s 1984 duet with his brother Jeramine that garnered enough radio airplay that it would have been a top-ten hit had it been released as a single.

It all makes it apparent that “the perfect Michael Jackson hits collection has yet to be assembled.” STE Regardless of its imperfections, Number Ones was a multi-platinum, #1 album. In the wake of Jackson’s death in 2009, the album soared back to the top, although in the United States it was technically classified as a catalog album and ineligible for the Billboard album chart at the time.

In MJ’s personal life, he continued to court controversy since the release of the History album. His nose caved in from a botched cosmetic surgery, he dangled his eleven-month old baby (nicknamed Blanket) over a hotel balcony in Germany, and was accused again (although acquitted in 2005) of child molestation.

The Essential Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson/The Jackson 5/The Jacksons

Recorded: 1969-2001

Released: July 19, 2005

Peak: 33 US, 17 UK, 4 CN, 17 AU

Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 1.76 UK, 8.43 world (includes US and UK)

Genre: pop/R&B/dance

Rating:

4.336 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks, Disc 1 (North American version): (1) I Want You Back (2) ABC (3) The Love You Save (4) Got to Be There (5) Rockin’ Robin (6) Ben (7) Enjoy Yourself (8) Blame It on the Boogie (9) Shake Your Body Down to the Ground (10) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (11) Rock with You (12) Off the Wall (13) She’s Out of My Life (14) Can You Feel It (15) The Girl Is Mine (16) Billie Jean (17) Beat It (18) Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (19) Human Nature (20) P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) (21) Thriller

Tracks, Disc 2 (North American version): (1) Bad (2) I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (3) Leave Me Alone (4) The Way You Make Me Feel (5) Man in the Mirror (6) Dirty Diana (7) Another Part of Me (8) Smooth Criminal (9) Black or White (10) Heal the World (11) Remember the Time (12) In the Closet (13) Who Is It (14) Will You Be There (15) Dangerous (16) You Are Not Alone (17) You Rock My World

About the Album:

This is certainly a more comprehensive collection than either HIStory Begins or Number Ones because it expands to a two-disc set and covers Michael’s material with his brothers in the Jackson 5. However, there are still some maddening omissions such as the Jackson 5’s #1 hit “I’ll Be There,” MJ’s 1983 #1 hit with Paul McCartney “Say, Say, Say,” the Jacksons’ 1984 top-five hit with Mick Jagger “State of Shock,” and MJ’s duet with sister Janet on 1995’s “Scream” (a top-five hit). Certainly an artist of MJ’s stature is hard to anthologize in a mere two discs, but at least some of these songs could have made the cut instead of songs like “Leave Me Alone” and “Dangerous.”

Michael wouldn’t release a new studio album again in his lifetime. In 2009, he racked up a potential $400 million for a series of 50 concert dates at London’s O2 concert venue. Sadly, however, he died from cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009. The documentary, This Is It, was released to capture his rehearsals for the intended comeback concert. It became the biggest-grossing music documentary of all time and was accompanied by a chart-topping soundtrack.

Resources and Related Links:

First posted 8/29/2010; last updated 5/8/2024.

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