Michael Jackson’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs

Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get EnoughMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Official Video – Upscaled)

A track credited as the first song on the 1979 album Off the Wall with music producer Quincy Jones.

Quincy skillfully sets Michael’s clear, translucent falsetto against a light, upbeat groove—as expected from him.

It’s also interesting that Michael’s brother Randy and Janet Jackson—who was later even rumored by some to be the same person as Michael—appear together on the track on percussion.

I Want You BackMaikeru Jakuson

I Want You Back – The Jackson 5

A song released in November ’69 as their debut single from Motown Records.

In Japan, it’s titled “Kaette Hoshii no” (“I Want You Back”).

This track has also been sampled by many artists, including Jay-Z.

On the album version it fades out, but that final shout from Michael—“I want you back!”—is irresistible.

Honestly, “Michael, I want you back.” At the time, Michael was publicly said to be eight years old, but he was actually eleven.

I’ll Be ThereMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson & Jackson 5 singing – I’ll Be There Acapella

Released in August 1970.

It became a number-one hit for five consecutive weeks.

Artists like Mariah Carey have also covered it.

What’s wonderful about this song is the beautiful harmony with his older brother Jermaine.

There are many rumors about the Jackson family’s relationships, but this track simply moves you with each brother’s singing voice.

In the latter half of the song, Michael sings with a shout that gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I hear it.

Rock With YouMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Rock With You (Official Video – Upscaled)

A track from the album Off the Wall.

It swept to a proud number one in both the Pop and R&B categories.

Even though it’s a pop song, am I the only one who somehow senses Michael’s melancholy in it? In both the music video and on tour, Michael appears in this song wearing a glitter-covered outfit, and I still remember how brilliantly he shone under the lights.

Ah, Michael, how dazzling you are!

We Are Here To Change The WorldMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – We Are Here To Change The World / Another Part Of Me (Captain EO)

A song produced solely for a Disneyland 3D attraction that opened in ’86.

It has a somewhat Asian, “oriental” tone that feels soothing, and when combined with Michael’s dance it becomes even more thrilling, with the voltage rising to a peak in the latter half.

Back then the audio was never released (the end theme, “Another Part Of Me,” was included on the album BAD at Quincy Jones’s suggestion), so I can’t tell you how many times I lined up just to hear this.

I always thought it felt a bit like the Star Wars universe—and no wonder: it was produced by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

What a lavish team! Thanks to the 3D, Michael’s dazzling smile appeared right in front of you—irresistible for fans.

Ah, I wish Disney would revive it again…

SAY SAY SAYMaikeru Jakuson

Say Say Say by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson

It was released in 1981 as a duet with Paul McCartney and appears on Paul’s album.

The song’s lyrics are about a man fed up with being toyed with by a woman, but the music video has a comical setup you’d never expect from the track.

It starts with a little skit by Michael and Paul, then shows the two dressed as clowns doing a magic show and old-time street performances.

Above all…

they’re both adorable! Thanks to this music video, the song probably became an even bigger hit.

Beat ItMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

Released in April 1983 as the third single from the album Thriller, it hit No.

1 on both the Pop and R&B charts.

It’s no surprise that the album is listed in Guinness as the best-selling album in the world.

This track, one of the most rock ’n’ roll–leaning on the album, features Eddie Van Halen—then at the peak of his fame—on guitar, and the mid-song guitar solo surely electrified many aspiring band kids at the time.

It was, of course, performed on tour as well, with Michael making a dramatic entrance on a crane and dancers delivering powerful acrobatics—one of the highest-energy moments of the show.