Michael Jackson’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs

Who’s Lovin’YouMaikeru Jakuson

The Jackson 5 “Who’s Loving You” on The Ed Sullivan Show

A song released as the B-side to the debut single “I Want You Back.” The original is by Smokey Robinson.

It’s well known that when Michael auditioned for Motown Records, he sang “Tobacco Road,” a song by an American country singer, and Motown founder Berry Gordy was absolutely floored when he heard it.

Michael could master everything from blues to pop at that age.

Simply outstanding.

ABCMaikeru Jakuson

The Jackson 5 – ABC

In April 1970, this song leapt past the Beatles’ “Let It Be” to the top of the charts.

There’s even a theory that it was originally titled “ABCD,” but since Michael frequently sings “ABC,” perhaps that was just a working title before the song was finished.

Naughty by Nature’s “O.P.P.” is based on this track, and I also recall it being used in commercials for an English conversation school in Japan.

It’s an extremely boyish, cute song.

Michael’s glory with “ABC” had already begun here.

BADMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson – Bad (Official Long Video Version) 1/2

Released in September 1987 as the second single from the album BAD.

The synth’s electrical rhythm is very striking.

The music video was directed by socially conscious filmmaker Martin Scorsese, known for works like Taxi Driver, and it feels like a modern-day West Side Story.

It’s even more polished than Thriller and truly worthy of the title King of Pop.

Incidentally, Michael plays a student in the video, but to me—as a junior high schooler at the time—he didn’t look like one… Well, he was a king, after all.

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.

State Of ShockMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger ~ State of Shock

After brother Jermaine’s departure, younger brother Randy joined, and in 1984 the Jacksons released Victory—their only album as a six-piece.

This song was the first single from that record.

Featuring a collaboration with Mick Jagger, it turned into a rock tune with intensely ringing guitars.

It reached No.

3 on the pop chart.

Interestingly, it was originally supposed to be a duet with Queen’s Freddie Mercury, but apparently they had a falling out, leading to the collaboration with Mick instead.

We’re lucky these days—you can also hear the Freddie version.

It’s truly a clash of two distinct personalities.

Hmm, it’s hard to pick a favorite between them.