You may not agree with his lifestyle or personal choices. You may thing he was strange or weird. But one thing was certain, Michael Jackson was arguably one of the best musicians and greatest entertainers of all time. So in a show of respect for the joy his music brought to most of our lives we at the Pulp List have decided to do a tribute listing the top 10 Michael Jackson songs of all time.
10. They Don’t Really Care About Us – HIStory Vol. 1
The only song on our list that was not a mega hit, “They Don’t Really Care About Us” was a Michael doing what he does best on the HIStory Disc 1. Album. It’s a lyrical tribute to those that have suffered persecution because of who they are. Michael stirred up some controversy on the track as well, using a few slurs meant to show ignorance, but inciting protest as they were taken out of context. The song would be re-released with the lyrics changed, but the song was still dynamite.
9. Who Is It – Dangerous
This song is musically as good as any other and Michael’s superb writing shines through as he chose the theme of infidelity in scripting the lyrics. It is vintage MJ with its smooth vibe and penetrating subject matter. The video was directed by David Fincher before he started making mega big screen hits and takes on a futuristic feel that is reminiscent of the beats.
8. Dirty Diana – Dangerous Bad
Dirty Diana is an amusing and fun song about “groupies” and their constant need to do anything and everything possible to be close to the stars they covet. The video features Steve Stevens former guitarist for Billy Idol and a young Sheryl Crow playing the sultry enthusiast for Michael’s affection.
7. Rock With You – Off The Wall
“Rock With You” is an early Michael disco track that has made many dance floors spin with excitement. The song was produced before videos became common place and is a very simple groovy dance tune that has spawned countless covers. With lights glowing from every corner you see Michael smiling big and enjoying the moment as we have all done when listening to this song.
6. Thriller – Thriller
Known more for the video and album than the song, “Thriller” may be the most monumental album in the history of music. The album has sold millions of copies, was loaded with seven top ten hits and would take home eight Grammys. The video may have formally launched the video generation and was a mini movie in itself. At almost fifteen minutes it was loaded with dancing, acting and plenty of special effects. Director John Landis put together a remarkable feat for its time. The song is underestimated as it is a tremendous dance song that gets everyone moving. Its reach is limitless as you can see in the above video of a southeast Asian prison performing it as part of their discipline routine. When you combine the beats and the pseudo-rap by screen legend Vincent Price, you have an eternal song. Thriller was a defining moment in Michael’s career and would propel him to the status of greatest entertainer in the world.
5. Man in the Mirror – Bad
Michael Jackson was arguably the greatest entertainer ever, but there is no arguing his humanitarian efforts. He donated millions to charity and was always helping children and the under privileged around the world. Some people say it reflects is dissatisfaction with his own physical appearance but I believe “Man in the mirror” was his call to humanity to take a look at itself and make the necessary changes to heal the world from suffering. It would later serve as the calling card of another groundbreaking American and his bid for the presidency. With his grunts and echoes ever apparent, Michael gave us a song to live by.
4. Don’t Stop Till You get Enough – Off The Wall
As with “Rock With You”, Michael gave us the ultimate in disco anthems. It is a timeless effort that was the first release on the Off the Wall album and the first song Michael had creative control over. There was a mild controversy as to what the lyrics were inferring and his mother, being a devout “Jehovah’s Witness” was concerned that it had sexual overtones. Michael came out later and assured everyone that the song was about whatever you want it to be about, but it was not about sex. Whether or not it was about sex is a moot point as the song is amazing in its ability to fill the dance floor.
3. Beat It – Thriller
Michael’s anti-gang anthem was one of his most successful ever and featured many cameos including Eddie Van Halen (who didn’t want to be in the video because he thought the song was only average) and Michael De Lorenzo (NY Undercover star). The song was the third single off of Thriller and would become an international sensation hitting #1 in numerous countries. It also provided a springboard for Weird Al as his spoof song “Eat It” would propel him to fame.
2. Smooth Criminal – Bad
When Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker” video was released it was centered around a song off the “Bad” Album entitled “Smooth Criminal”. The song was about child abuse and the video featured Michael as a golden age gangster with Tommy Gun and all. Michael is able to save a few kids from the villain, do a ten minute choreographed dance routine and deliver a colorful and amusing performance at the same time. The aforementioned dance routines in the video are second to none and Joe Pesci as the “baddie” makes it even more special. Smooth Criminal is a perfect song and will always by my favorite.
1. Billie Jean – Thriller
What can we say about “Billie Jean”? The beats, the hook, the groove and a vintage Michael singing and dancing his way “on the floor in the round”. This single was the reason Thriller went to #1 and is arguably Michael’s greatest song. Honored with tons of awards and accolades “Billie Jean”, was never about a single girl, but as with “Dirty Diana” speaks about the groupies that troubled he and his brothers throughout the years. Whoever she or they were, the song made Michael a sensation and would set in motion a domino effect of hit songs by the man that ruled the music world and was best known as the “King of pop”. Love him or hate him, you have to respect the music as no one created more buzz or delivered more hits than Michael Jackson.
Dirty Diana isn’t from Dangerous, it’s from Bad.
This is a great list but what about PYT?? Can you make an honorable mention category? The site looks great, good luck.
Filling a dance floor is no way to judge a song. “Ben” was one of his all-time best, and speaks to the heart of every misbegotten, lonely outcast in the world.
And you should have included some of his early songs when it was the Jackson 5, because Michael WAS the
Jackson 5, and anyone old enough to remember his youthful performances knows it.
“Stranger in Moscow” from HIStory
All of these are amazing videos and songs. Many more spring to mind, including ‘black or white’, and ‘do you remember’ – that makes me cry now as I remember the time that my best friend and I briefly met Michael in Jamaica. Even as a teenager in that brief meeting I felt deeply his strength, gentleness, shyness, compassion and sincerity. I was happy that he actually stopped walking when he reached us, held out his hand and shyly said “Hi, I’m Michael.” (As if we didn’t know who he was.)
Of note, I am sure that some Artistes would love to take over the title of ‘King of Pop’, but in my humble opinion, even if someone else were to be proclaimed (self- or otherwise), there really can neve be another King of Pop. Look at all of Michael’s accomplishments: He broke down enormous racial, cultural and global barriers with his incredible and as yet unsurpassable talent; Won the award of Entertainer of The Millenium!; Donated more to excellent causes than any other entertainer, possibly than anyone else; Never gave up his desire (may I go as far as to say his need) for humanity to stop destroying ourselves and the world we live in; His love for all children of the world; and on a more personal level for him, his love for his own children. What lucky children to have known him as their Daddy. With all of this on record forever, this amazing man has become a legend. How can you ever dethrone a legend? Please, respect him and his accomplishments and create your own accomplishments and be happy with where you are at the moment. Do this in memory and in of Michael.
Reading all of this back, I’m not sure this is the forum for this expression, but I want to share these feelings with anyone who loved Michael Jackson’s amazing talent and felt compassion for this beautiful yet lonely soul.
This is awsome Kia jon, very nice job. I will be visiting your site more. Well done.
Nader
Hello, what about ” The way you make me feel”….Killer video, classic too!!!! ( I think that’s the name of it)?
t looks like a great website! I just skimmed through it. He needs to add to it some more lists and stuff, but i am sure he already knows this. It is nice and easy to navigate. I like that it has the videos, pictures, and audio. Great idea for a site. Good luck!
~Kimberlie
Firstly, great site. Secondly, my eyes have been opened. I thought I was very familiar with pretty much all of Michael’s music, but as I recognized only half the songs on this list, I had to admit that there are quite a few albums/songs left to explore. Thanks for whetting my appetite – now I want to hear/see more!
u r the one of great person in my life michael.