Michael Jackson’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs

I Want You BackMichael Jackson

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 ThereMichael Jackson

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 AloneMichael Jackson

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 YouMichael Jackson

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 WorldMichael Jackson

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 SAYMichael Jackson

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.

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

Smooth CriminalMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)

Released in November 1988 as the seventh single from Bad.

Even non-fans are surely familiar with the “zero gravity” dance move in the music video, where he leans forward while standing.

The latter half becomes even more electrifying as Michael’s ad-libs layer over the powerful, punchy rhythm, making it the peak of his live performances.

His look—white suit and hat—is almost identical to that of Hollywood megastar Fred Astaire in the film The Band Wagon, presumably to evoke that world.

By the way, I’ll never forget how a certain top comedian at the time (in their own way) faithfully recreated this piece as a Michael parody.