Michael Jackson was an extraordinary artist whose impact on the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. From his early days as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to his groundbreaking solo career, Jackson’s influence and artistry knew no bounds. He was a trailblazer, redefining the boundaries of music, dance, and performance, while leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans worldwide. In his discography, Jackson gifted us with a plethora of unforgettable albums that continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
In this article, we will embark on a journey into the 10 best albums by Michael Jackson. Each album showcases Jackson’s incredible range as an artist, his ability to captivate listeners with his distinct vocals, and his penchant for innovation. Whether it’s his infectious dance-pop hits or his introspective ballads, Jackson’s albums offer a glimpse into the brilliance and artistry of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. And, as usual, you can let us know your thoughts in the comments section below:
“Off the Wall” (1979)
“Off the Wall” marked a significant turning point in Michael Jackson’s career. It was his first solo album as an adult artist and demonstrated his artistic maturity and growth. Produced by Quincy Jones, the album seamlessly blended elements of pop, disco, and R&B, showcasing Jackson’s versatility and ability to cross genres. The infectious energy and smooth vocals of tracks like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” captivated audiences worldwide and cemented Jackson’s status as a solo superstar.
“Off the Wall” not only solidified Jackson’s solo career but also set the stage for his groundbreaking future endeavours. The album became a blueprint for his success, showcasing his ability to craft catchy melodies, experiment with different musical styles, and infuse his music with irresistible rhythms. With its sleek production, infectious hooks, and Jackson’s charismatic delivery, “Off the Wall” remains a timeless classic that influenced countless artists in the decades to come.
“Bad” (1987)
Following the monumental success of “Thriller,” Michael Jackson faced the challenge of living up to his own legacy with his next album, “Bad.” And he delivered. With its edgier sound and further exploration of social issues, “Bad” showcased Jackson’s artistic growth and evolution. Collaborating once again with Quincy Jones, Jackson pushed musical boundaries, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and dance into his signature pop sound.
The album featured iconic tracks like “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man in the Mirror,” and the title track “Bad,” all of which topped the charts and became timeless classics. Jackson’s impeccable vocal delivery, powerful lyrics, and infectious energy resonated with listeners, solidifying his status as a global superstar. “Bad” not only produced chart-topping hits but also shattered records, including becoming the first album to generate five consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Dangerous” (1991)
Released in 1991, “Dangerous” further demonstrated Michael Jackson’s ability to innovate and push the boundaries of popular music. The album incorporated elements of new jack swing, funk, and rock, creating a distinctive sound that captivated audiences. With hits like “Black or White,” “Remember the Time,” and “In the Closet,” Jackson continued to dominate the charts and captivate fans worldwide.
“Dangerous” also marked a significant shift in Jackson’s lyrical content, as he addressed social issues, environmental concerns, and personal introspection. The album’s lead single, “Black or White,” tackled themes of racial harmony and unity, while “Heal the World” aimed to inspire positive change and compassion. “Dangerous” showcased Jackson’s ability to create thought-provoking music while maintaining his signature pop sensibility.
“Invincible” (2001)
Despite being his final studio album released during his lifetime, “Invincible” showcased Michael Jackson’s enduring talent and creativity. The album featured a mix of R&B, pop, and rock influences, highlighting Jackson’s ability to adapt to evolving musical landscapes. Although not as commercially successful as his earlier works, “Invincible” still produced notable hits like “Butterflies” and “You Rock My World.”
With its slick production and heartfelt ballads, “Invincible” served as a reminder of Jackson’s musical brilliance and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. The album also demonstrated Jackson’s commitment to exploring new sounds and collaborations, as seen in his tracks featuring artists like Carlos Santana and Notorious B.I.G. “Invincible” stands as a testament to Jackson’s unwavering dedication to his craft, even in the face of personal and professional challenges.
“HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” (1995)
Released as a double-disc album, “HIStory” was a unique project that combined a collection of Jackson’s greatest hits with a disc of new material. The album not only celebrated Jackson’s remarkable career up until that point but also offered a glimpse into his personal struggles and reflections on fame.
Songs like “Scream” (a duet with his sister Janet Jackson), “Earth Song,” and “They Don’t Care About Us” showcased Jackson’s ability to tackle important social issues, infusing his music with powerful messages. The album’s exploration of personal and societal themes set it apart from Jackson’s previous works, highlighting his growth as an artist. “HIStory” remains a powerful testament to Jackson’s impact on popular culture and his ability to use his platform to address significant issues.
“Ben” (1972)
“Ben” marked Michael Jackson’s second solo studio album, released when he was just 14 years old. The album’s title track, “Ben,” became Jackson’s first solo number-one hit, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities and emotional range even at such a young age.
While “Ben” leaned towards a softer pop sound, it demonstrated Jackson’s ability to convey heartfelt emotions with his music. The album solidified Jackson’s status as a rising star and hinted at the incredible success that lay ahead in his career.
“Xscape” (2014)
“Xscape” was a posthumous album released in 2014, featuring previously unreleased tracks from Jackson’s archives. The album was a collaborative effort, with producers contemporizing the recorded demos and unfinished songs.
“Xscape” breathed new life into Jackson’s music, providing fans with a fresh perspective on his artistry. Songs like “Love Never Felt So Good” (a duet with Justin Timberlake) and “Slave to the Rhythm” showcased Jackson’s timeless appeal and reminded the world of his enduring legacy.
“The Jackson 5 Christmas Album” (1970)
While not a solo album, “The Jackson 5 Christmas Album” deserves a special mention for its enduring popularity and festive cheer. Released in 1970, the album featured the Jackson 5’s energetic and soulful renditions of classic Christmas songs.
From the joyful “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” to the heartfelt “Give Love on Christmas Day,” the album captured the youthful exuberance and harmonies that made the Jackson 5 a sensation. With their infectious charm and undeniable talent, the Jackson 5 brought holiday cheer to fans around the world and created a timeless Christmas classic.
“Forever, Michael” (1975)
“Forever, Michael” marked Michael Jackson’s fourth solo studio album and showcased his transition from child star to young adult artist. While not as commercially successful as his later albums, it highlighted Jackson’s evolving sound and artistic direction.
The album featured the hit single “We’re Almost There” and demonstrated Jackson’s ability to captivate audiences with his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence. “Forever, Michael” was a stepping stone in Jackson’s journey towards establishing himself as a solo artist and foreshadowed the immense success that would come later in his career.
“Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix” (1997)
“Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix” was a remix album released as a companion to Jackson’s greatest hits compilation, “HIStory.” The album featured remixes of some of Jackson’s previous hits, along with new tracks like the title track “Blood on the Dance Floor” and “Ghosts.”
The remixes injected new energy into Jackson’s iconic songs, creating a fresh and dynamic listening experience. While not as widely recognized as his other albums, “Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix” showcased Jackson’s ability to reinvent his music and stay relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
There we have it, our list of 10 best albums from the legendary Michael Jackson. Which one is your favourite out of our picks? Let us know in the comments below: