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.

Leave Me AloneMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Leave Me Alone (Official Video)

It’s included on the album “BAD,” and was also made into a short film in Michael’s first starring movie, “Moonwalker.” The song’s somewhat nostalgic tone is very pleasant, but in the visuals, various rumors about Michael fly around comically: “He has a room for Elizabeth Taylor,” “He owns the Elephant Man’s bones,” and of course, “about his plastic surgery.” In the end, he destroys a theme park that’s like a mass of rumors, as if he were Gulliver.

Perhaps it’s the fate that comes with being a mega-star.

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!