The 20 Best Songs by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s best songs include the dance-floor pull of “Billie Jean,” the rock edge of “Beat It,” and the hopeful message of “Man in the Mirror.” His solo catalogue has plenty of room for gentle ballads alongside those big pop hits.

These 20 picks bring together familiar favorites and a few quieter tracks, from Off the Wall to Invincible. Whether you want to dance, sing along, or slow things down, there is a song here to suit the moment.

1. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

That opening bass line gives ‘Billie Jean’ its pull before Jackson sings a word. His tightly phrased vocal sits over a steady beat, while the story follows a man disputing a woman's claim about their relationship.

The tension never gets in the way of the groove. For a first taste of Jackson's solo music, this is a strong place to start.

2. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson

‘Beat It’ brings rock guitar into Jackson's pop sound, with a sharp riff and a chorus made for singing along. Its message is straightforward: walking away from a confrontation can be the sensible choice.

Jackson sounds urgent throughout, and the guitar solo adds another burst of energy. Choose this one when you want something with more bite than his smoother dance tracks.

3. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

‘Thriller’ turns a spooky story into an inviting dance track. The bass, bright synthesizers, and theatrical vocal create a playful sense of suspense that carries through to Vincent Price's spoken appearance.

The famous short film adds its own story and choreography, but the recording is a party favorite in its own right. It is an obvious pick for a Halloween playlist.

4. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

‘Man in the Mirror’ asks listeners to begin changing the world by looking at their own actions. Jackson starts with a restrained delivery before the backing voices build the song into a gospel-flavored singalong.

Its appeal comes from the mix of a personal message and a chorus that feels shared. It fits a playlist about fresh starts, kindness, or taking responsibility.

5. “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson

The clipped rhythm and quick vocal phrases in ‘Smooth Criminal’ create a sense of pursuit. Jackson tells a tense story about Annie and repeatedly asks whether she is all right, keeping the listener inside the unfolding scene.

The polished dance routine in the video matches that precision. Even without the visuals, the bass line and tightly packed arrangement make this one hard to sit still through.

6. “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson

‘Rock With You’ is one of Jackson's warmest dance songs. His soft vocal glides over a disco groove, inviting someone to share a night on the dance floor.

There is an ease to the performance that makes it a good choice for a relaxed party or a romantic playlist. The chorus stays light, even as the rhythm keeps moving.

7. “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson

Jackson's high voice and the busy disco arrangement give ‘Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough’ an immediate lift. Strings, horns, and percussion keep the track moving without crowding out the melody.

It is a natural follow-up to ‘Rock With You’ when you want to raise the energy. The repeated hook also makes it easy for a roomful of people to join in.

8. “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

A swinging rhythm sets the pace for ‘The Way You Make Me Feel.’ Jackson sounds excited and confident as he sings about the rush of attraction, with little vocal accents answering the beat.

The song has a loose, playful feel despite its carefully arranged backing vocals. Add it to a feel-good playlist when you want a love song with plenty of movement.

9. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson

‘Black or White’ pairs a bright guitar riff with a message about racial equality. Jackson keeps the main melody direct, and the chorus is easy to remember after a single listen.

The lively beat makes the message approachable without losing its point. This is a good pick for listeners who like the guitar-driven side of his pop music.

10. “Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson

‘Remember the Time’ looks back on a romance through shared memories. Its shuffling beat and layered harmonies give the song a relaxed R&B feel, while Jackson's voice moves between tenderness and excitement.

The video places the story in a lavish ancient Egyptian setting. The song itself works just as well as a nostalgic love-song choice, especially beside his earlier ballads.

11. “Bad” by Michael Jackson

‘Bad’ is built around a punchy bass line and Jackson's assertive delivery. The repeated title becomes a confident challenge, with sharp backing vocals giving the chorus extra force.

It is a useful change of pace after the gentler songs on this list. The dance sequence in the shortened official video brings that same bold attitude to the screen.

12. “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson

‘Human Nature’ slows the pace with soft synthesizers and a delicate vocal. Its nighttime city setting gives the song a restless mood, as curiosity pulls the narrator toward the world outside.

Jackson leaves space between phrases, allowing the melody to do much of the work. It is a lovely choice for a quiet evening or the calmer stretch of a playlist.

13. “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'” by Michael Jackson

‘Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'’ opens Thriller with a fast, layered rhythm. Jackson sings about gossip and conflict, while the percussion and answering vocals create a busy, almost breathless sound.

The extended chant at the end is a large part of its dance-floor appeal. Pick it when you want a track that keeps gathering momentum instead of settling down after the chorus.

14. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson

‘P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)’ is a bright flirtation set to a bouncing funk-pop beat. Jackson's quick phrasing, playful backing vocals, and electronic touches give the track a cheerful rush.

It makes a lively companion to ‘The Way You Make Me Feel.’ The hook does most of the work here, making it a good choice when you want something light and danceable.

15. “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson

‘Heal the World’ is a gentle appeal for compassion and a better future for children. Jackson keeps the opening intimate, then widens the song with a chorus that invites everyone to sing together.

Its slower tempo gives the message room to land. For a hopeful playlist or a gathering centered on kindness, it is one of his most straightforward choices.

16. “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson

‘Earth Song’ begins quietly and grows into one of Jackson's most dramatic performances. The lyrics ask what has happened to the natural world and to people caught in suffering, with the music becoming more urgent as those questions accumulate.

The choir and impassioned final section give it a different weight from his dance hits. Save this one for when you want to listen closely rather than keep a party moving.

17. “Will You Be There” by Michael Jackson

‘Will You Be There’ asks for companionship and support when life feels difficult. Jackson's lead vocal and the choral backing give the song a reassuring warmth, even as the words admit uncertainty.

The song also featured in Free Willy, and the official video combines film scenes with performance footage. Its broad, singable refrain makes it a comforting addition to a playlist about friendship.

18. “Stranger in Moscow” by Michael Jackson

‘Stranger in Moscow’ explores loneliness through a restrained vocal and a measured beat. The arrangement feels cool and spacious, matching the narrator's sense of being disconnected from the people around him.

The rain-soaked black-and-white video suits the song's mood. This is a rewarding listen if you prefer Jackson's quieter storytelling to his brighter party records.

19. “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson

‘Leave Me Alone’ has a firm, repeating groove and a chorus that draws a clear boundary. Jackson's voice pushes back against unwanted attention, while the backing vocals keep the track catchy.

The animated official video takes a playful swipe at the spectacle surrounding fame. That mix of frustration and humor gives the song a character of its own among the Bad-era tracks.

20. “You Rock My World” by Michael Jackson

‘You Rock My World’ brings a smooth R&B groove to Jackson's later solo catalogue. He sings about being swept up in love, with layered vocals and a steady rhythm carrying the chorus.

Its easy pace makes it a good partner for ‘Remember the Time.’ It also gives this playlist a taste of Invincible after the better-known songs from his earlier albums.

Final Thoughts

Start with “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Rock With You” for an energetic introduction to Michael Jackson. Then try “Human Nature” or “Stranger in Moscow” to hear his more restrained side. Together, these songs show how much variety there is behind his familiar hits.

Featured Image Credits (Top): Zoran Veselinovic, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Featured Image Credits (Bottom): Zoran Veselinovic, CC BY-SA 2.0.