Legends need no introduction, and yes, Michael Jackson was a legend if not the biggest music legend that ever lived. He is still one of the best-selling artists with sales of over 350 million records, and his music still can be found everywhere from commercials, radio, and in film.
The Best 80s Michael Jackson Songs
We have all heard the King of Pop, be it in the 1980s or even in his later work. He had a four-decade career, and it’s spellbinding. Indeed, some of his work is not all great, but no one can deny his contribution to music, dance, fashion, as well as philanthropy.
The King of Pop has a long list of hit songs, way more than any artist can dream of charting. Here, we have compiled a list of the Best Michael Jackson Songs of the 1980s:
1. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (1982)
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ is just one of those timeless songs that you can’t stop dancing to. Released in 1982 off the legendary “Thriller” album, the song became an instant hit.
The melody has a uniquely disco sound as a throwback to the 70s, yet it is a uniquely 80s music hit.
The song was the 4th top 10 single off the Thriller album, and it climbed up as high as #5 on the charts.
2. Man In The Mirror (1988)
Man in the Mirror is tragic; there is no other word for it. Most people would say it’s not an upbeat song. Yet, you can’t stop but give your due attention to it when it comes on the radio.
The song gives you good and evil, with music and lyrics by Garrett and Ballard. Michael and Quincy Jones produced it.
The song was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, and it remains ingrained in our memories as one of Michael’s best hits from the 1980s.
3. Beat It (1983)
Beat it is a song from his iconic studio album Thriller. The lyrics of the song have no great significance, but that’s not a big deal because Jackson is famous for his mastery of sound.
It was produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. It was a new genre for Michael, and he explored it and made it his own. During his Thriller album, Jackson was at the top of his career. Beat it remains one of his most popular songs even till this day.
4. Billie Jean (1983)
Epic Records released Billie Jean as a second single off of Thriller. Again, Jackson wrote it and produced it with Quincy Jones.
The song blends funk, dance-pop as well as post-disco and rhythm and blues. It was on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Black Singles chart within three weeks of its release.
The song has a mix of anger, passion, and complexity. It is interesting to listen to this song with a nifty melody. Billie Jean is arguably Michael Jackson’s most famous song.
5. Rock With You (1979)
Rock With You is a pleasure on its own. Even though it was released in 1979, we had to include it in our list as an honorable mention because even three years after its release, people couldn’t stop listening to this beautiful work. This song made it evident that Jackson was a rising star and really put him on the map as an artist.
It is a Disco and Funk song. Even though Rod Temperton wrote it, Jackson’s voice makes you forget the authorship.
A music video released for the song featured Jackson in a sparkly suit where he sang to his heart’s content.
Summing Up
Going through a list of Michael Jackson songs, we all feel like updating our Spotify list. Well, wait no longer and get your list updated. These are the best Michael Jackson songs of the 1980s, and we guarantee they will take you back to a time when you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing his songs.
If you have more on your mind, please drop a comment below and share your insights with us. We would love your recommendations.
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