10. Smooth Criminal: Although the Smooth Criminal video became highly popular due to its storyline and Jackson’s impressive delivery, the song itself almost didn’t make it to the “Bad” album. Although it reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, its fast beat and rock-pop texture stood out like a sore thumb among Michael Jackson’s previous pop hits.

9. Ben: Ben was written by Walter Scharf and Don Black and was intended for Donny Osmond; but as he was on tour at the time, the song was consequently offered to Michael Jackson. The young Michael recorded the song in 1972 for Motown and also became the theme song for the 1972 horror flick of the same name.

8. Human Nature: Written by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis, Human Nature peaked at number 2 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary and 7 on Billboard Hot 100. Human Nature is the fifth single from MJ’s Thriller album, which became a highly-successfully albunm at the time. The song was garnered positive reviews from critics and fans alike and has been covered by various American and international artists.

7. Man in the Mirror: In 1988, Man in the Mirror peaked at number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the same slot for the next two weeks. Later on, it was nominated for the Grammy’s as Record of the Year. The song’s use of gospel choir backup music later on became popular and the same style was applied by other artists, including David Bowie. Man in the Mirror was named the perfect song for charity causes due to its uplifting and positive message.

6. Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough: Perhaps one of Michael Jackson’s most successful hits of all time, “Don’t Stop till you get enough” was released as the fifth carrier single of his 1979 album, Off the Wall. It peaked at number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and was MJ’s first hit to have reached the spot. The song eventually became platinum and further solidified young Michael Jackson’s place in music histroy.

5. Bad: Bad peaked at number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and further gave him the persona of a highly-versatile artist. The phrase “Who’s Bad?” was mentioned a few times in the song and later became a highly-used line in popular culture. The Bad music video was directed by Martin Scorsese in 1987 and featured Jackson along with dancers dressed in leather-gangster clothing. “Bad” was parodied by parody genius, Weird Al Yankovic a few years later.

4. We Are the World: We are the World was first use for viral marketing campaigns for various charity foundations. It was performed by USA for Africa, a large singing choir along with Michael Jackson for their charity programs. Oftentimes dubbed as the most powerful song on Earth, “We are the World” helped USA for Africa raise at least $63 million for African hunger victims.

3. Thriller: Although the song, “Thriller” is often played on the radio during Halloween, the album and song itself made headllines for becoming the most successful album of all time. Thriller spent up to 4 weeks in Billboard Hot 100.

2. Billie Jean: If there’s one thing you should know about Bille Jean, you should never underestimate her. This song earned Michael Jackson 2 Grammy’s, 1 American Music Award and an induction into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame. After the release of Billie Jean, Michael Jackson eventually became a popular pop-star ready to take his throne in the music industry.

1. Beat It: Beat It could be considered one of Michael Jackson’s most acclaimed songs. It won 2 Grammy’s, 2 American Music Awards and the music video of which was included into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame; but what makes Beat It more powerful is its music video which includes Eddie Van Halen on the guitar.