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As difficult as it was to narrow down, here are my picks for the Top 10 Michael Jackson songs. These are in no particular order.
"Childhood" (HIStory - Past, Present and Future - Book 1)
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Michael Jackson did his best to explain himself to us in this raw song. This is the MJ song that makes me think he seemed to have actually lived the life of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. As the 5 year old front man for the Jackson 5, Michael had the star power of a seasoned veteran. He gave straight forward answers in interviews like a business professional. By the end Michael had shrunken to a stick figure. His interviews were short, with childlike answers. He only spoke of love, in a sing-song whisper of a voice.
"Will You Be There" (Dangerous and Free Willy)
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Another Michael Jackson song that will make you cry. The stage presentation of the song shows how lonely being King can be. He knew the love was there, but was never allowed close enough to actually feel it. I will leave it for Michael to say:
"In our darkest hour
In my deepest despair
Will you still care?
Will you be there?"
"I'll Be There" (Jackson 5 Third Album)
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Michael Jackson touched the world with the opening line of this tune. Simple lyrics sung from the heart at an age that should not know such things yet. It seemed an old soul was inside this adolescent. Jermaine Jackson provided the perfect harmony that added credibility to the song. This one is an anthem on it's own.
"The Way You Make Me Feel" (Bad)
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Likely an odd pick for this high on the best of Jackson list, but the smooth rhythms and snappy lyrics had me on the first listen. It's the feeling of infatuation that you get when you spot that someone from across the room and the chase is on. Puts me in a good mood every time I hear it.
"Man In the Mirror" (Bad)
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Another emotional anthem from Michael Jackson. The powerful lyrics almost demand you stand up and do something. The main theme is that you cannot control others, the change has to start from within. He seemed to be obsessed with changing himself. Trying to find the real Michael as he changed uncontrollably with age.
"She's Out of My Life" (Off the Wall)
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A real heart breaker, this classic. Grab the tissue, girl or guy. Best break up song ever. (Warning: Combining this song with no. 1 & 2 on the list may cause a Ben & Jerry binge!) We've all been there and Michael gave us this heartfelt song to grieve for lost relationships.
"Ben" (from the motion picture Ben)
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The song just fits for that special friend. I know the song is sung to a pet rat, and I too was disturbed at first. Then I kept hearing it on the radio. It got in my head (and not in that annoying way, more like elevator background music). Everything about the song feels comfortable and safe. With Michael's pure adolescent voice and the simple lyrics, pure brilliance.
"Billie Jean" (Thriller)
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Four opening chords... and the world went crazy. There is hardly a person in the world that does not know the intro and beat of Billie Jean. I think it got over played on the radio, and I had other favorites from the Thriller album. This was also the song that featured the 'Moon Walk'. When Michael performed it on the 25th anniversary of Motown, history was made.
"Never Can Say Good-bye" (Jackson 5 - Maybe Tomorrow)
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Even at a very young age, Michael Jackson could pull off the angst of the heart torn lover. This is still the perfect make-out music. So many young artists try songs about lost loves, none can pull it off like Michael could. In 1971 this single showed again that this group was more than bubblegum pop songs.
"Thriller" (Thriller)
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This one broke all the rules. Relying on a pulsing bass beat and dance moves that changed the world. The lyrics are too commercial for me, but the music is mesmerizing. We all learned to dance with this song and album. Michael Jackson showed us what he had been working on, and it was incredible. Taking MTV videos to a new dimension and showing what hard work could produce. It will never be my favorite Michael Jackson song, but it led to the some amazing stuff.
I send out a special mention to "Ease On Down the Road" from The Wiz, the list could go on and on. One of the most touching videos/songs ever recorded is "We Are the World". The philanthropic effort to feed those starving in Africa brought the world together through song. Michael Jackson will be able to do that forever.
How would your list of favorite Michael Jackson songs look?
References: http://www.jackson5abc.com/singles/
Photo credit: By White House Photo Office ([1]) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
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