37 catalog entries, grouped by year.
Start with tightly constructed pop and dance records, then explore softer vocals, album grooves and carefully credited duets.
40 selections with release evidence; 12 beyond the yearly lists.
Michael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio setting. His recordings in the 1980s and 1990s were closely accompanied by dance and ambitious music-video production. The Jackson 5 and the Jacksons remain group identities in their own right; his solo albums should not be treated as replacements for those earlier credits.
Michael Jackson - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Jackson 5 childhood and separate adult solo career, Off the Wall and Thriller musical styles, and later dance and music-video work. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
Michael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusThe movie of the same name about a boy and his rat
View background statusYoung love and desire
View background statusA cover of Bobby Day's 1958 hit
View background statusA soul ballad about persevering through hard times in a relationship.
View background statusThe euphoria of being in love
View background statusWritten by Rod Temperton, encouraging people to enjoy life and have fun.
View background statusThe joy of dancing with a romantic partner
View background statusWritten by Rod Temperton, encouraging people to enjoy life and have fun.
View background statusWritten by Rod Temperton, aiming to create a smooth, romantic dance track.
View background statusRelease: 1979Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #65A poignant ballad about lost love, written by Tom Bahler.
View background statusAlthough recorded in 1975, this ballad was released as a single in 1981.
View background statusFeatured a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen and aimed to blend rock and R&B.
View background statusJackson described Billie Jean as a composite of women whose claims he had encountered around his brothers while the Jackson 5 toured. The song dramatizes a disputed paternity claim. Other biographical accounts...
Read background and sourcesToto keyboardist Steve Porcaro's official biography identifies him as the songwriter behind Human Nature and explains that he had not intended to submit it to Michael Jackson. Producer Quincy Jones heard the song...
Read background and sourcesRelease: 1982Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #68Originally written for his sister La Toya, Jackson kept it for "Thriller."
View background statusRelease: 1982Source checked | List year differs from verified release
Source year-end #78The song was inspired by Jackson's love for horror movies and desire to create a fun, scary song.
View background statusToughness and street credibility
View background statusA fictional crime story and Jackson's fascination with the 1930s
View background statusThe perils of fame and temptation
View background statusThe need for personal change to make a difference in the world
View background statusRelease: 1987Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #36The excitement of romantic attraction
View background statusMichael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusInspired by Jackson's fascination with 1930s gangster films and the idea of a charismatic criminal.
View background statusA call for racial harmony and acceptance.
View background statusNostalgia for a past relationship
View background statusA call for racial harmony and acceptance.
View background statusA plea for global unity and care for children.
View background statusMichael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusA nostalgic song about a past romance.
View background statusMichael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusJackson's desire to make a positive impact on the world and promote unity.
View background statusRelease: 1991Source checked | List year differs from verified release
Source year-end #47The song, featured in the film "Free Willy," explores themes of faith and support.
View background statusMichael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusMichael Jackson moved from childhood performances with the Jackson 5 into a separate adult solo career. Off the Wall combined funk, disco and soul, while Thriller brought pop, rock and R&B into a broader studio...
View background statusWritten by R. Kelly as a message of support and comfort.
View background statusCo-writer Marsha Ambrosius recalled that the song began with her crush on a man working at a McDonald's in London. Jackson heard it on her Floetry demo and invited her to work with him during the Invincible sessions....
Read background and sources1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.