GLOBALRPH MUSICATLASMichael Jackson: Artist Essentials
Start with tightly constructed pop and dance records, then explore softer vocals, album grooves and carefully credited duets.
01list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Begin with the precise bass-and-drum pulse and the way the vocal works around its spaces.
Annual appearances: 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
02list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The buoyant falsetto and detailed percussion make a joyful introduction to the dance records.
Annual appearances: 1979
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
03list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Hear how the clipped pop structure accommodates a much harder guitar texture.
Annual appearances: 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
04list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A supple groove and light vocal touch give this performance an unusually easy flow.
Annual appearances: 1979 | 1980
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
05list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Let the interlocking rhythm parts carry you through the long, increasingly layered finish.
Annual appearances: 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
06list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The airy keyboard setting exposes the quieter edges of the vocal.
Annual appearances: 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
07list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Short vocal bursts and sharply placed rhythmic details make the arrangement feel tightly wound.
Annual appearances: 1987 | 1989
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
08list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Follow the movement from a restrained opening to a broad, communal-sounding climax.
Annual appearances: 1988
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
09list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The lean guitar figure and direct refrain offer a brisk change of texture.
Annual appearances: 1991 | 1992
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
10list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Treat the studio track as a carefully paced piece of musical theater, with atmosphere between the hooks.
Annual appearances: 1984
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
11list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The clipped accents and emphatic phrasing make a forceful next step into the catalog.
Annual appearances: 1987
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
12list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A swinging rhythm gives the vocal room to tease, push and pull against the beat.
Annual appearances: 1988
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
13list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The light rhythmic motion and layered voices make this a natural companion to Rock with You.
Annual appearances: 1979 | 1980
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
14list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen to the small percussion and keyboard details that animate the smooth vocal surface.
Annual appearances: 1991 | 1992
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
15list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The rougher guitar sound and escalating vocal drama reveal a more abrasive side.
Annual appearances: 1988
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
16list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Quick vocal exchanges and bright electronic colors make a compact, playful detour.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
17list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The spare setting puts phrasing, breath and vulnerability at the center.
Annual appearances: 1980
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
18list
orderMichael Jackson with Siedah Garrett
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The exchange with Siedah Garrett gradually becomes a shared, sustained melodic line.
Annual appearances: 1987
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson with Siedah Garrett
Role in this collection: Primary artist; duet with Siedah Garrett
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
Siedah Garrett: official discography
The duet partner lists I Just Can't Stop Loving You under Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
19list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A measured pace and layered vocal finish make this a quieter point of entry into later material.
Annual appearances: 1995
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Official original album catalog establishes 1995 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
20list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Allow the long build to unfold from soft opening to the forceful final section.
Annual appearances: 1995
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Official original album catalog establishes 1995 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
21list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The spacious, rain-darkened sound gives the vocal room to hover above the rhythm.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Official original album catalog establishes 1995 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
22list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The marching pulse and repeated phrases make rhythm the central organizing force.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Official original album catalog establishes 1995 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
23list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1972 (year verified)
Original single: Ben
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The early solo voice brings a plain, melodic directness that contrasts with the later productions.
Annual appearances: 1972
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1972 (year verified)
The label-owned chronology explicitly dates the original solo release, not the later compilation.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: Ben
uDiscover Music / Universal Music: The Definitive Collection chronology
Explicitly dates the original solo releases Got to Be There to 1971, and Ben and I Wanna Be Where You Are to 1972. The 2009 compilation and 2026 reissue dates are not used. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
24list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original single: Got to Be There
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen to the youthful lead move from gentle lines into ringing high phrases.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (year verified)
The label-owned chronology explicitly dates the original solo release, not the later compilation.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: Got to Be There
uDiscover Music / Universal Music: The Definitive Collection chronology
Explicitly dates the original solo releases Got to Be There to 1971, and Ben and I Wanna Be Where You Are to 1972. The 2009 compilation and 2026 reissue dates are not used. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
25list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1972 (year verified)
Original single: I Wanna Be Where You Are
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The crisp rhythm and nimble melody make this early solo performance immediately inviting.
Annual appearances: 1972
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1972 (year verified)
The label-owned chronology explicitly dates the original solo release, not the later compilation.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: I Wanna Be Where You Are
uDiscover Music / Universal Music: The Definitive Collection chronology
Explicitly dates the original solo releases Got to Be There to 1971, and Ben and I Wanna Be Where You Are to 1972. The 2009 compilation and 2026 reissue dates are not used. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
26list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A particularly rewarding stop for hearing the voice function as part of the percussion.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
27list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The softer attack and fluid harmonies offer an elegant, less insistent groove.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
28list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: Off the Wall
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen to the bass movement and the way the vocal joins the band's rhythmic conversation.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Off the Wall
Michael Jackson: Off the Wall
Official original album catalog establishes 1979 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
29list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A patient ballad whose extended final passage rewards listening beyond the refrain.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
30list
orderMichael Jackson with Paul McCartney
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: Thriller
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The contrast between Jackson and McCartney gives this light duet its conversational character.
Annual appearances: 1982 | 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson with Paul McCartney
Role in this collection: Primary artist; duet with Paul McCartney
Original album: Thriller
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Official original album catalog establishes 1982 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
Michael Jackson official store: Thriller track credits
Identifies The Girl Is Mine as the duet with Paul McCartney and states that Thriller was originally released in 1982. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
31list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A hushed atmosphere and layered vocal textures make a distinctive album-track discovery.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
32list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original album: Bad
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The insistent groove and sharply repeating phrases create a deliberately enclosed feeling.
Annual appearances: 1989
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1987 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Bad
Michael Jackson: Bad
Official original album catalog establishes 1987 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
33list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The sparse, close-up rhythmic details are the main reason to spend time with this track.
Annual appearances: 1992
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
34list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: An uneasy bass pulse and gradually accumulating voices give the arrangement its tension.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
35list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The heavier guitar setting draws out a rougher and more sustained vocal attack.
Annual appearances: 1993
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
36list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original album: Dangerous
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The extended album version moves through several textures before settling into its central refrain.
Annual appearances: 1993
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1991 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Dangerous
Michael Jackson: Dangerous
Official original album catalog establishes 1991 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
37list
orderMichael Jackson with Janet Jackson
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Two distinct vocal personalities push against the track's hard-edged electronic rhythm.
Annual appearances: 1995
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1995 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson with Janet Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist; duet with Janet Jackson
Original album: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Michael Jackson: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I
Official original album catalog establishes 1995 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
Michael Jackson official store: HIStory Continues
Identifies Scream as a duet with Janet Jackson and distinguishes the original 1995 material from the later vinyl edition. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
38list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original album: Invincible
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A relaxed but detailed groove makes an accessible entry into the later studio sound.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Invincible
Michael Jackson: Invincible
Official original album catalog establishes 2001 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
39list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original album: Invincible
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The floating melody and soft layered vocals reveal a more delicate late-career performance.
Annual appearances: 2002
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Invincible
Michael Jackson: Invincible
Official original album catalog establishes 2001 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
40list
orderMichael Jackson
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original album: Invincible
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Close with an unhurried track whose smooth surface rewards attention to its vocal layers.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 2001 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Michael Jackson
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Invincible
Michael Jackson: Invincible
Official original album catalog establishes 2001 and identifies the track. Year precision accommodates pre-album singles in the same year; old hits on the HIStory compilation disc are not dated 1995. | Reviewed 2026-10-17