Top 25 Michael Jackson Songs

Confession.

A year ago, I was bored in a long car ride and I was listening to a Michael Jackson mix. My mother asked me what my favorite MJ album was. I said, as a whole, it probably was Bad. Then she asked me what my favorite Michael Jackson song was. I was reluctant to answer. I had no idea. So I whipped out my laptop and compiled a list of my favorite songs from the legendary singer/songwriter. As I inched higher on the countdown, it became more difficult for me to order the songs in some kind of order. I could call it a tie in many places, especially the top 5, but I did my best in editing and re-editing this list. In ascending order, I list my "Top 25 Michael Jackson Songs**" (with random commentary of course).

**This list only includes songs from the "Off the Wall" album and later.

25. Ghosts (HIStory)

      Creepy, yet fun. Also I am in love with a steppers remix to the song that I am unable to find that I heard once years ago. If you know of this remix, please don't hesitate to tell me!!!
24. Whatever Happens (Invincible)

      Carlos Santana FTW.
23. Blood on the Dance Floor (HIStory)

      Makes you wanna hit the dance floor, without the blood part.
22. Scream ft. Janet Jackson (HIStory)

      No song gave the middle finger to the tabloid media quite like this one. Add in one Janet and about $7 million and you've got Jackson magic.
21. The Way You Make Feel (Bad)

      Oh, I will make my future husband sing this song to me -- at least once -- while I strut around in some stilettos and a mini-dress. HAHAHA...I'm serious.

Hee Hee!

20. Will You Be There? (Dangerous)

      All I have to say is...FREE WILLYYY!
19. You Are Not Alone (HIStory)

      The ending to this song gets me every time, no lie. 
18. Thriller (Thriller)

      If the video to this song doesn't make your "best music videos of all time" list, you have issues my friend.
17. Black and White (Dangerous)

      I'm not gonna spend my life being a color. 
16. Bad (Bad)

      I got one thing to say...YOU AIN'T BAD, YOU AIN'T NOTHIN!

Who's bad!

15. Human Nature (Thriller)

      Got that slow-dance-at-a-1984-prom-with-Jake-Ryan-sixteen-candles feel. Heh.
14. Keep the Faith (Dangerous)

      Inspirational lyrics. Quite the jam and a half.
13. Heal the World (Dangerous)

      Stop existing and start living. 
12. The Lady in My Life (Thriller)

      Baby-makin' music done right.
11. Earth Song (HIStory)

      This is the only song on this list that I discovered after MJ's passing. Totally underrated ballad.  

10. Liberian Girl (Bad)

     I recall when I was younger thinking this song was "Librarian Girl." To my surprise, the video wasn't about Liberians or Librarians though, but a plethora of random celebrity cameos. Anyways, it's a sexy song. Shout out to Liberia and their epic women. 
9. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough (Off the Wall)

     I'm not stopping, MJ, I'm not stopping...wait what?
8. Who Is It? (Dangerous)

     I always was in love with this song and think of it as my favorite song off of "Dangerous."
7. Stranger in Moscow (HIStory)

     Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard from any artist.
6. Dirty Diana (Bad)

     Diana's a hot mess of a broad; but whoever she is, kudos to her for inspiring MJ to write such a kick-ass song.

5. Smooth Criminal (Bad)

     Smooth indeed. My favorite Michael Jackson music video...hands down.
4. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Thriller)

     I could listen to this song on repeat. Mamasay, mamasa, mamacoosa. 
3. They Don't Care About Us (HIStory)

     I love its anger, its controversy. It's simple, yet complex. I love it beyond explanation.
2. Beat It (Thriller)

     Insightful message + Van Halen guitar break + frickin' awesome dance moves + that red jacket = amazingness
1. Billie Jean (Thriller)

     I know, I know. My favorite Michael Jackson song is a little on the predictable side. SO WHAT? You can kiss my metaphorical white glitter glove if you don't like it lol. The song is timeless bliss. Plus, that BASS line. 

R.I.P. M.J. 8/29/58-6/25/09

So even if you are not a Michael Jackson fan, I'm pretty sure you music-lovers out there can think of an artist with an impressive and extensive catalog. I challenge you to randomly order your favorite songs. Or at least give a top 10. Why? Maybe to kill boredom. Or maybe for further exploration and appreciation of your favorite musicians. Undoubtedly, Michael Jackson is an iconic figure in music period. He inspires and will continue to inspire an innumerable amount of artists. And even though he is no longer with us, his music and influence remains a driving factor in music past, present, and future. Gone too soon but still lives on.

~L~