Friday 5: Five of the Best Michael Jackson Songs

Published on Friday, January 14 2011

Written by Wes Ferguson

Do you remember the time? Somewhere under the cloud of controversy about the new Michael Jackson album and the ongoing trial surrounding his death, there is the music that made him famous.

Fans are split on the release of the new album, Michael, because some say it was released after his death, without his final touches, and therefore not a completed work of a master musician.

Anyone who’s seen This Is It can attest to his attention to detail and control of everything around him.

A better tribute may have been a re-mastered collection of his best work? Nobody asked me! Anyways, let’s remember the King of Pop in our own way -- 5 of the very best MJ songs of all time:

1. "Beat It"

In the rather impossible task of picking ONLY FIVE of his best, I have to go start with the song that solidified MJ as a solo superstar.

2. "Will You Be There (Free Willy Song)"

A personal fave that seems underappreciated for its beauty and message. That damn movie made me cry, too.

3. "Man in the Mirror"

Truly powerful, introspective, and one of Michael's best songs ever.

4. "Smooth Criminal"

A dramatic, dance-tastic, fast-paced, and stylish track that introduced the world to his patented anti-gravity lean, a second favorite to the moonwalk.

5. "Black or White"

Continuing to prove pop songs can have a social message, MJ manages to convey the need for equality in this upbeat pop song.

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