List of songs recorded by Michael Jackson

An African American man in his mid-twenties wearing a sequined military jacket and dark sunglasses. He walks and waves his right hand, which is adorned with a white glove. His left hand is bare.
Michael Jackson in 1984

American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson recorded songs for ten studio albums, two posthumous studio albums, seventy two compilation albums, three soundtrack albums, one live album and seven remix albums. He has provided background vocals for songs recorded by other artists, as well as featured on duets.

Jackson debuted on the professional music scene at age five as a member of the Jackson 5. The group set a chart record when its first four singles—"I Want You Back" (1969), "ABC" (1970), "The Love You Save" (1970), and "I'll Be There" (1970)—peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. As Jackson began to emerge as a solo performer in the early 1970s, he maintained ties to the Jackson 5 and Motown. Between 1972 and 1975, Michael released four solo studio albums with Motown: Got to Be There (1972), Ben (1972), Music & Me (1973), and Forever, Michael (1975).[1] "Got to Be There" and "Ben", the title tracks from his first two solo albums, became successful singles, as did a cover of Bobby Day's "Rockin' Robin".[2] In June 1975, the Jackson 5 signed with Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records, and released six more albums between 1976 and 1984. Michael, the group's lead songwriter during this time, wrote hits such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" (1979), "This Place Hotel" (1980), and "Can You Feel It" (1980). Jackson's fifth solo album, Off the Wall (1979), co-produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. Songwriters for the album included Jackson, Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney. Off the Wall was the first solo album to generate four top 10 hits in the United States: "Off the Wall", "She's Out of My Life", and the chart-topping singles "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You".[3][4] This album helped Jackson win three awards at the American Music Awards and a Grammy Award for his solo efforts.[5][6][7] Jackson recorded with Queen singer Freddie Mercury from 1981 to 1983, including a demo of "State of Shock", "Victory", and "There Must Be More to Life Than This".[8] Jackson went on to record the single "State of Shock" with Mick Jagger for the Jacksons' album Victory (1984).[9] In 1982, Jackson combined his interests in songwriting and film when he contributed the song "Someone in the Dark" to the storybook for the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The song, with Jones as its producer, won a Grammy for Best Recording for Children in 1983.[10]

Jackson's sixth album, Thriller, was released in late 1982. The album earned Jackson seven Grammys[10] and eight American Music Awards.[11] Thriller was the first album to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'".[12] Jackson's seventh album Bad (1987) produced nine singles with seven charting in the United States. Five of these singles ("I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana") reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, a record for most number-one Hot 100 singles from any one album.[13][14] In 1991, he released his eighth album, Dangerous, co-produced with Teddy Riley. The album produced four top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including one number-one hit "Black or White", "Remember the Time", "In the Closet" and "Will You Be There" which produced and performed by Jackson the theme for the film Free Willy.[15] In June 1995, Jackson released his ninth album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, a double album. The first disc, HIStory Begins, is a 15-track greatest hits album. The second disc, HIStory Continues, contains 13 original songs and two cover versions. The album features hits like "Scream", a duet with Jackson's youngest sister Janet Jackson, "Earth Song", "They Don't Care About Us", and "You Are Not Alone". "You Are Not Alone" holds the Guinness World Record for the first song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[16][17] Jackson worked with collaborators including Teddy Riley and Rodney Jerkins to produce his tenth solo album, Invincible (2001). Invincible spawned three singles, "You Rock My World", "Cry", and "Butterflies".

Michael Jackson's recorded music also encompasses providing background vocals for other artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Janet Jackson, Barry Gibb, and 3T. He collaborated with singers and musicians including the Jackson 5, Paul McCartney, and Freddie Mercury.

Songs

Diana Ross.
Diana Ross was featured in several songs with Jackson like "Eaten Alive" and "A Brand New Day".
Paul McCartney.
Paul McCartney was featured in "Say Say Say", "The Man", and "The Girl Is Mine".
Janet Jackson.
Janet Jackson was featured in "2300 Jackson Street" and "Scream".
Contents

List of songs, showing title, year of release, originating album, writer(s), notes and references.
Title Year Album Writer(s) Notes Ref.
"2 Bad" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
Bruce Swedien
René Moore
Dallas Austin
Shaquille O'Neal
[18]
"2000 Watts" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Tyrese Gibson
Jaron Henson
  • Backing vocals by Riley
[19]
"2300 Jackson Street" 1989 2300 Jackson Street Jermaine Jackson
Jackie Jackson
Tito Jackson
Randy Jackson
Gene Griffin
Aaron Hall
[20]
"A Brand New Day" 1978 The Wiz Luther Vandross [21]
"A Place with No Name" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
Elliot "Dr. Freeze" Straite
Dewey Bunnell
[22]
"Ain't No Sunshine" 1972 Got to Be There Bill Withers
  • Bill Withers cover
[23]
"Al Capone" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson [24]
"All in Your Name" 2002 Barry Gibb
Michael Jackson
[25]
"All the Things You Are" 1973 Music & Me Oscar Hammerstein II
Jerome Kern
[26]
"Another Part of Me" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson [27]
"Baby Be Mine" 1982 Thriller Rod Temperton [28]
"Bad" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson [29]
"Be a Lion" 1978 The Wiz Charlie Smalls [30]
"Beat It" 1982 Thriller Michael Jackson [31]
"Beautiful Girl" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
  • Previously unreleased demo recorded between 1998 and 2004 during the Invincible sessions
[32]
"Behind the Mask" 2010 Michael Michael Jackson
Chris Mosdell
Ryuichi Sakamoto
  • Featuring additional background vocals by Shanice
  • Greg Philinganes recorded this song on the album Pulse (1984) with the contribution of Michael's background vocals
  • An agreement to share the royalties equally between Jackson, Chris Mosdell and Ryuichi Sakamoto broke down when the management of Yellow Magic Orchestra disagreed which prevented the song to be released on Jackson's sixth studio album, Thriller (1982)
  • Demo released on Thriller 40 (2022)
[33]
"Ben" 1972 Ben Walter Scharf
Don Black
  • Theme from Ben (1972)
[34]
"Best of Joy" 2010 Michael Michael Jackson
  • Evolved from "The Toy"
  • One of the last songs that Jackson recorded during his lifetime, having recorded it in 2009, the year of his death
  • Was slated to premiere during the final This Is It concert
[35]
"Billie Jean" 1982 Thriller Michael Jackson
  • 1981 demo released on Thriller (Special Edition) (2001) and deluxe editions of the Thriller 25 (2008) and Thriller 40 (2022) albums
  • Remix with Kanye West released on Thriller 25
[36]
"Black or White" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Bill Bottrell
  • Rap by L.T.B.
[37]
"Blood on the Dance Floor" 1997 Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
  • Originally recorded for the Dangerous album
[38]
"Blue Gangsta" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
Elliot "Dr. Freeze" Straite
  • Recorded in 1998
[39]
"Break of Dawn" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Elliot "Dr. Freeze" Straite
  • Background vocals by Elliot Straite (Dr. Freeze)
[40]
"Burn This Disco Out" 1979 Off the Wall Rod Temperton
  • Recorded in June 1979
[41]
"Butterflies" 2001 Invincible Andre Harris
Marsha Ambrosius
  • Remix with Eve
[42]
"Call on Me" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Fonce Mizell
Larry Mizell
  • Original version released on Anthology (1995)
  • Working title "Fussin' and Fightin'"
[43]
"Can't Get Outta the Rain" 1982 Michael Jackson
Quincy Jones
[44]
"Can't Let Her Get Away" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
  • Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien and Riley in 1991.
  • Sometimes incorrectly referred to as "I Can't Let Her Get Away".
[45]
"Carousel" 2001 Thriller (Special Edition) Michael Sembello
Don Freeman
  • Short version released on Thriller (Special Edition) (2001) and the deluxe edition of Thriller 25 (2008)
  • Full version released on several editions of King of Pop (2008), The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection (2013) and Thriller 40 (2022)
[46]
"Centipede" 1984 Centipede Michael Jackson [47]
"Cheater" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Greg Phillinganes
  • Recorded in 1987
[48]
"Chicago" 2014 Xscape Cory Rooney
  • Recorded in 1999 under the title "She Was Lovin' Me"
[49]
"Childhood" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson [50]
"Cinderella Stay Awhile" 1975 Forever, Michael Michael Burnett Sutton
Mack David
  • Recorded in December 1974 and produced by Hal Davis
[51]
"Come Together" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I John Lennon
Paul McCartney
  • The Beatles cover
  • Recorded in 1988 for the film Moonwalker (1988)
  • Full version released on the single "Remember the Time" (1992)
  • Edited version released on HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
[52]
"Cry" 2001 Invincible R. Kelly
  • Recorded in 2000
[53]
"D.S." 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
  • Guitar by Slash
[54]
"Dangerous" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Bill Bottrell
Teddy Riley
  • Evolved from "Streetwalker"
  • Early version released on The Ultimate Collection (2004)
[55]
"Dapper-Dan" 1975 Forever, Michael Don Fletcher [56]
"Dear Michael" 1975 Forever, Michael Hal Davis
Elliot Willensky
  • Recorded in December 1974
[57]
"Dirty Diana" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson [58]
"Do You Know Where Your Children Are" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
  • Also known as "12 O'Clock"
  • Written and recorded in 1984 and 1986
  • Failed to make the Bad album
[59]
"Doggin' Around" 1973 Music & Me Lena Agree
  • 1960 song written by Lena Agree and originally performed by Jackie Wilson.
[60]
"Don't Be Messin' 'Round" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
  • Features Jackson playing the piano
[61]
"Don't Let It Get You Down" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Mel Larson
Jerry Marcellino
Deke Richards
  • Original version released on Anthology (1995)
[62]
"Don't Matter to Me" 2018 Scorpion Michael Jackson
Paul Anka
Aubrey Graham
Noah Shebib
Paul Jefferies
Nana Rogues
Negin Djafari
  • Drake with Jackson
  • Original vocals by Jackson recorded in 1983
[63]
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" 1979 Off the Wall Michael Jackson
  • 1978 demo released on Off the Wall (Special Edition) (2001)
[64]
"Don't Walk Away" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Richard Stites
Reed Vertelney
[65]
"Earth Song" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
  • Originally written and composed by Jackson under the title "What About Us" in 1988
[66]
"Ease on Down the Road" 1978 The Wiz Charlie Smalls [67]
"Eaten Alive" 1985 Eaten Alive Barry Gibb
Maurice Gibb
Michael Jackson
  • Diana Ross with Jackson and Barry Gibb
  • A solo version was recorded by Jackson but remains unreleased
[68]
"Euphoria" 1973 Music & Me Leon Ware
Jacqueline Hilliard
[69]
"Everybody's Somebody's Fool" 1972 Ben Gladys Hampton
Regina Adams
Ace Adams
  • Originally recorded by Connie Francis
[70]
"Fall Again" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Walter Afanasieff
Robin Thicke
  • A demo of the song was recorded in 1999
[71]
"Farewell My Summer Love" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Keni St. Lewis
  • Original version released on Anthology (1995)
  • Working title "Let Me Count the Ways"
[72]
"Fly Away" 2001 Bad (Special Edition) Michael Jackson [73]
"For All Time" 2008 Thriller 25 Michael Sherwood
Steve Porcaro
  • Recorded during the Thriller sessions
  • Later reworked during the Dangerous sessions
  • Released on Thriller 25 (2008)
"Free" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
"Get It" 1987 Characters Stevie Wonder
  • Wonder with Jackson
"Get on the Floor" 1979 Off the Wall Michael Jackson
Louis Johnson
"Ghosts" 1997 Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
"Girl Don't Take Your Love from Me" 1972 Got to Be There Willie Hutch
"Girl You're So Together" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Keni St. Lewis
  • Original version released on Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (2009)
"Girlfriend" 1979 Off the Wall Paul McCartney
  • Wings cover
  • Originally written for Jackson
"Give In to Me" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Bill Bottrell
  • Guitar by Slash
"Gone Too Soon" 1991 Dangerous Larry Grossman
Buz Kohan
  • Dedicated to the memory of Jackson's friend Ryan White
"Got the Hots" 2008 Thriller 25 (Japanese Edition) Rod Temperton
  • Later released on several editions of King of Pop (2008), The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection (2013) and Thriller 40 (2022)
"Got to Be There" 1972 Got to Be There Elliot Willensky
  • First solo single by Jackson
[74]
"Greatest Show on Earth" 1972 Ben Mel Larson
Jerry Marcellino
"Happy" 1973 Music & Me Michel Legrand
Smokey Robinson
  • Love theme from Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
"Heal the World" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
  • Version with Jackson's spoken words released on a very rare promo titled Signature Series (1992)
"Heartbreaker" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
Mischke Butler
Norman Gregg
  • Rap performed by Fats
"Heaven Can Wait" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Andreao Heard
Nate Smith
Teron Beal
Eritza Laues
Kenny Quiller
"Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Al Green
Mabon Hodges
  • Original version released on Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (2009)
"HIStory" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
James Harris III
Terry Lewis
"Hold My Hand" 2010 Michael Aliaune Thiam
Giorgio Tuinfort
Claude Kelly
  • With Akon
  • Originally recorded in 2008
"Hollywood Tonight" 2010 Michael Michael Jackson
Brad Buxer
"Human Nature" 1982 Thriller Steve Porcaro
John Bettis
"I Can't Help It" 1979 Off the Wall Stevie Wonder
Susaye Greene
"(I Can't Make It) Another Day" 2010 Michael Lenny Kravitz
  • With Lenny Kravitz
  • Drums by Dave Grohl (of Foo Fighters and formerly of Nirvana) were recorded, but didn't make the final cut
  • Also known as "Another Day"
  • Includes vocals from "We've Had Enough"
  • Rewritten by Lenny Kravitz and retitled "Storm" featuring Jay-Z on Kravitz's album Baptism (2004)
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
"(I Like) The Way You Love Me" 2010 Michael Michael Jackson
  • Demo titled "The Way You Love Me" released on The Ultimate Collection (2004)
  • Failed to make the Invincible album
"I Wanna Be Where You Are" 1972 Got to Be There Arthur "T-Boy" Ross
Leon Ware
"If'n I Was God" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday Robert B. Sherman
Richard M. Sherman
"I'll Come Home to You" 1975 Forever, Michael Freddie Perren
Christine Yarian
"I'm in Love Again" 1980 Love Lives Forever Minnie Riperton
Richard Rudolph
  • Virtual duet by Riperton and Jackson
"I'm So Blue" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
"In Our Small Way" 1972 Got to Be There Beatrice Verdi
Christine Yarian
  • Later released on Ben (1972)
"In the Back" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Glen Ballard
  • Written and recorded in 1994
  • Worked on in 1997 for inclusion on the Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix album
"In the Closet" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
"Invincible" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
Norman Gregg
  • Rap performed by Fats
"Is It Scary" 1997 Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Michael Jackson
James Harris III
Terry Lewis
"It's the Falling in Love" 1979 Off the Wall Carole Bayer Sager
David Foster
"Jam" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Bruce Swedien
René Moore
"Je Ne Veux Pas la Fin de Nous" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
Christine Decroix
"Johnny Raven" 1973 Music & Me Billy Page
"Just a Little Bit of You" 1975 Forever, Michael Edward Holland, Jr.
Brian Holland
"Just Friends" 1981 Sometimes Late at Night Carole Bayer Sager
Burt Bacharach
Peter Allen
  • Bayer Sager with Jackson
"Just Good Friends" 1987 Bad Terry Britten
Graham Lyle
"Keep the Faith" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Glen Ballard
Siedah Garrett
"Leave Me Alone" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
  • Released on later reissues and on the CD edition of Bad (1987)
"Liberian Girl" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
  • Spoken part by Letta Mbulu
  • Evolved from "Pyramid Girl" which was written in 1983 for the Jacksons' Victory album (1984)
"Little Christmas Tree" 1973 A Motown Christmas George S. Clinton
Artie Wayne
"Little Susie" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
"Lonely Teardrops" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday Berry Gordy
Gwen Gordy
Tyran Carlo
"Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" 1972 Got to Be There Holland–Dozier–Holland
"Love Never Felt So Good" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
Paul Anka
  • Two versions released as singles, solo and duet with Justin Timberlake
  • Written in 1983 for the Jacksons' Victory album (1984)
  • Recorded by Johnny Mathis and released on his 1984 album A Special Part of Me
"Love's Gone Bad" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday Holland–Dozier–Holland
  • The Jackson 5 version released on Boogie (1979)
"Loving You" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
  • Jackson wrote and recorded the track in the mid-80s before bringing the multitrack tapes to his trusted engineer, Matt Forger, to mix
"Man in the Mirror" 1987 Bad Glen Ballard
Siedah Garrett
"Maria (You Were the Only One)" 1972 Got to Be There Lawrence Brown
Linda Glover
George Gordy
Allen Story
"Melodie" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Mel Larson
Jerry Marcellino
Deke Richards
  • Original version released on Anthology (1995)
"Mind Is the Magic" 1995 Dreams & Illusions Michael Jackson
Bryan Loren
  • Written by Jackson and Loren in 1989 for Siegfried & Roy's Beyond Belief Show
  • Jackson gave his permission for Siegfried & Roy to release this song on their German album Dreams & Illusions (1995)
"Money" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
"Monkey Business" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Bill Bottrell
  • Originally recorded in 1989 for the Dangerous album
"Morning Glow" 1973 Music & Me Stephen Schwartz
"Morphine" 1997 Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Michael Jackson
  • Guitar by Slash
  • Also known as "Just Say No"
  • Uses samples from the 1980 film The Elephant Man
"Much Too Soon" 2010 Michael Michael Jackson
"Music and Me" 1973 Music & Me Jerry Marcellino
Mel Larson
Don Fenceton
Mike Cannon
"My Girl" 1972 Ben Smokey Robinson
Ronald White
"Night Time Lover" 1980 La Toya Jackson La Toya Jackson
Michael Jackson
  • La Toya with Michael
"Off the Wall" 1979 Off the Wall Rod Temperton
"On the Line" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
  • Originally recorded by Jackson for the Spike Lee film Get on the Bus in 1996
  • Short version with a fade out was included on a 3-track minimax CD single, which was released as part of the Deluxe Collector Box Set of Michael Jackson's Ghosts on December 11, 1997, in the United Kingdom; the full length version of the song was later released on The Ultimate Collection (2004)
"One Day in Your Life" 1975 Forever, Michael Sam Brown III
Renée Armand
"One More Chance" 2003 Number Ones R. Kelly
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" 1982 Thriller James Ingram
Quincy Jones
"People Make the World Go 'Round" 1972 Ben Thom Bell
Linda Creed
"Planet Earth" 2009 This Is It Michael Jackson
  • Poem, published in the liner notes of Dangerous (1991)
"Price of Fame" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
  • Had been scheduled as the theme for a Pepsi commercial starring Jackson, but was replaced by "Bad"
"Privacy" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
Bernard Belle
  • Guitar by Slash
"Remember the Time" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Bernard Belle
"Rock with You" 1979 Off the Wall Rod Temperton
"Rockin' Robin" 1972 Got to Be There Leon Rene
"Save Me" 1980 Old Crest on a New Wave Jim Krueger
"Say Say Say" 1983 Pipes of Peace Paul McCartney
Michael Jackson
  • Paul McCartney with Jackson
"Scared of the Moon" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Buz Kohan
"Scream" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
Janet Jackson
James Harris III
Terry Lewis
  • Duet with Janet Jackson
"She Drives Me Wild" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Aqil Davidson
"She's Out of My Life" 1979 Off the Wall Tom Bahler
  • Demo released on This Is It (2009)
"She's Trouble" 2022 Thriller 40 Sue Shifrin
Bill Livsey
Terry Britten
  • Failed to make the Thriller album
  • Also known as "Trouble"
"Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day" 1972 Ben Stevie Wonder
Sylvia Moy
Henry Cosby
  • Stevie Wonder cover
"Shout" 2001 Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Claude Forbes
Roy Hamilton
Samuel Hoskins
Carmen Lampson
  • B-side of "Cry" (2001)
  • Intended to be released on Invincible (2001), but was replaced with "You Are My Life" at the last minute
  • Later released on The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection (2013)
"Slave to the Rhythm" 2014 Xscape L.A. Reid
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Daryl Simmons
Kevin Roberson
  • Recorded during the Dangerous sessions in 1991
"Smile" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Charlie Chaplin
John Turner
Geoffrey Parsons
  • Originally an instrumental theme from Charlie Chaplin's 1936 film Modern Times
  • Vocal cover of lyrics originally sung by Nat King Cole
"Smooth Criminal" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
  • Evolved from "Al Capone"
"Somebody's Watching Me" 1984 Somebody's Watching Me Kennedy Gordy
"Someone in the Dark" 1982 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Alan Bergman
Marilyn Bergman
Rod Temperton
  • Originally released on the audiobook for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
  • A short "closing version" of the song was included only in the audiobook for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
  • Later released in an extended edit on Thriller (Special Edition) (2001), The Ultimate Collection (2004) and the deluxe edition of Thriller 25 (2008)
"Someone Put Your Hand Out" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
  • Released in May 1992 as an exclusive Pepsi promotional single
  • Edited version intended for Bad (Special Edition) (2001) but failed to make the final cut
  • Later released on The Ultimate Collection (2004)
"Song Groove (a.k.a. Abortion Papers)" 2012 Bad 25 Michael Jackson
  • Also known as "Abortion Papers" and "Song Groove"
"Speechless" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
"Speed Demon" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
  • Remix with Nero released on Bad 25 (2012)
"Stranger in Moscow" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
"Starlight" 2022 Thriller 40 Rod Temperton
  • Evolved into "Thriller"
"Streetwalker" 2001 Bad (Special Edition) Michael Jackson
  • Evolved into "Dangerous"
"Sunset Driver" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
  • Originally scheduled to appear on the special edition reissue of Off the Wall in 2001
  • Later released on Thriller 40 (2022)
"Superfly Sister" 1997 Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix Michael Jackson
Bryan Loren
  • Originally recorded for the Dangerous album
"Tabloid Junkie" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
James Harris III
Terry Lewis
"Take Me Back" 1975 Forever, Michael Edward Holland, Jr.
Brian Holland
"Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)" 1984 Dynamite Michael Omartian
Bruce Sudano
Jay Gruska
"That's What Love Is Made Of" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday William "Smokey" Robinson
Robert Rogers
Warren Moore
"The Girl Is Mine" 1982 Thriller Michael Jackson
"The Lady in My Life" 1982 Thriller Rod Temperton
"The Lost Children" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
  • Features Jackson's son Prince and Aldo Cascio
"The Man" 1983 Pipes of Peace Paul McCartney
Michael Jackson
  • McCartney with Jackson
"The Toy" 2022 Thriller 40 Michael Jackson
  • Failed to make the Thriller album
  • Evolved into "Best of Joy"
"The Way You Make Me Feel" 1987 Bad Michael Jackson
  • Evolved from "Hot Fever" which was written in 1985
"There Must Be More to Life Than This" 2014 Queen Forever Freddie Mercury
  • Mercury and Jackson recorded the song as a duet during 1981–1983 along with two other songs, "Victory" and "State of Shock"; the latter was re-recorded with Mick Jagger and released on the Jacksons' Victory album (1984)
  • Released as a solo track by Mercury on his album Mr. Bad Guy (1985)
  • Reworked duet version released on Queen's album Queen Forever (2014)
"They Don't Care About Us" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
"This Is It" 2009 This Is It Michael Jackson
Paul Anka
"This Time Around" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I Michael Jackson
Dallas Austin
Bruce Swedien
René Moore
Christopher Wallase
"Threatened" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
  • Contains snippets of Rod Serling's narration from the TV show The Twilight Zone
"Thriller" 1982 Thriller Rod Temperton
  • Spoken rap by Vincent Price
  • Second rap verse released on Thriller (Special Edition) (2001) and the deluxe edition of Thriller 25 (2008)
  • Evolved from "Starlight"
"To Make My Father Proud" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Bob Crewe
Larry Weiss
  • Original version released on Anthology (1995)
"Todo Mi Amor Eres Tú" 2001 Bad (Special Edition) Michael Jackson
Rubén Blades
"Todo Para Ti" 2001 Michael Jackson
Rubén Blades
"Too Young" 1973 Music & Me Sidney Lippman
Sylvia Dee
"Touch the One You Love" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Artie Wayne
George S. Clinton
  • Original version released on Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (2009)
"Twenty-Five Miles" 1987 The Original Soul of Michael Jackson Edwin Starr
Bert Berns
Jerry Ragovoy
Johnny Bristol
Harvey Fuqua
  • Edwin Starr cover
  • Original version released on Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (2009)
"Unbreakable" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
Nora Payne
Robert Smith
Christopher Wallace
"Up Again" 1973 Music & Me Freddie Perren
Christine Yarian
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" 1982 Thriller Michael Jackson
  • Demo released on This Is It (2009) and the deluxe edition of Thriller 40 (2022)
  • Remix with Akon released on Thriller 25 (2008) and includes new vocals recorded by Jackson in 2007
"We Are Here to Change the World" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
John Barnes
"We Are the World" 1985 We Are the World Michael Jackson
Lionel Richie
"We're Almost There" 1975 Forever, Michael Edward Holland, Jr.
Brian Holland
"We've Got a Good Thing Going" 1972 Ben Berry Gordy
Freddie Perren
Alphonzo Mizell
Deke Richards
"We've Got Forever" 1975 Forever, Michael Elliot Willensky
"We've Had Enough" 2004 The Ultimate Collection Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
LaShawn Daniels
Carole Bayer Sager
"What a Lovely Way to Go" 2022 Thriller 40 Michael Jackson
  • Written in the late 1970s, originally titled "What a Lonely Way to Go"
  • Failed to make the Off the Wall and Thriller albums
"What Goes Around Comes Around" 1972 Ben Allen Levinsky
Arthur Stokes
Dana Meyers
Floyd Weatherspoon
"What More Can I Give" 2001 Michael Jackson
"Whatever Happens" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Teddy Riley
Gil Cang
Jasmine Quay
Geoffrey Williams
"Whatzupwitu" 1993 Love's Alright Eddie Murphy
Trenten Gumbs
  • Murphy with Jackson
"When I Come of Age" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday Weldon Dean Parks
Don Fletcher
Hal Davis
"Who Do You Know" 2022 Thriller 40 Michael Jackson
  • Written in 1980
  • Failed to make the Thriller album
"Who Is It" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
"Who's Lookin' for a Lover" 1986 Looking Back to Yesterday Jacqueline Dalya Hilliard
Leon Ware
"Why" 1995 Brotherhood Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
  • 3T with Jackson
  • A solo version was recorded by Jackson but remains unreleased
"Why You Wanna Trip on Me" 1991 Dangerous Teddy Riley
Bernard Belle
"Will You Be There" 1991 Dangerous Michael Jackson
"Wings of My Love" 1972 Got to Be There Berry Gordy
Freddie Perren
Alphonzo Mizell
Deke Richards
"With a Child's Heart" 1973 Music & Me Sylvia Moy
Henry Cosby
Vicki Basemore
"Workin' Day and Night" 1979 Off the Wall Michael Jackson
  • 1978 demo released on Off the Wall (Special Edition) (2001)
"Xscape" 2014 Xscape Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
  • Also known as "Escape"
  • Recorded during the Invincible sessions
"You Are My Life" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Carole Bayer Sager
John McClain
  • Written for Jackson's children
"You Are Not Alone" 1995 HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I R. Kelly
"You Are There" 1975 Forever, Michael Sam Brown III
Randy Meitzenheimer
Christine Yarian
"You Can Cry on My Shoulder" 1972 Ben Berry Gordy
"You Can't Win" 1978 The Wiz Charlie Smalls
"You Rock My World" 2001 Invincible Michael Jackson
Rodney Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
LaShawn Daniels
Nora Payne
"You've Got a Friend" 1972 Got to Be There Carole King
  • Carole King cover
"You've Really Got a Hold on Me" 1984 Farewell My Summer Love Smokey Robinson
Ronald White
Robert Rogers
  • The Miracles cover
  • Original version released on Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (2009)
  • The Jackson 5 version released on The Ultimate Rarities Collection 1: Motown Sings Motown Treasures (1998)

Songs with background vocals contributions

List of songs, showing title, year of release, originating album, writer(s), notes and references.
Title Year Album Writer(s) Notes Ref.
"All Eyez on Me" 2002 All Eyez on Me Monica Arnold
LaShawn Daniels
James Ingram
Quincy Jones
  • Monica with Jackson's background vocals from "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" with ad-libs taken from the Invincible recording sessions
[75]
"All I Do" 1980 Hotter than July Stevie Wonder
Clarence Paul
Morris Broadnax
  • Wonder with backing vocals by Jackson
[76]
"Do the Bartman" 1990 The Simpsons Sing the Blues Bryan Loren
Michael Jackson
[77]
"Don't Let a Woman (Make a Fool Out of You)" 1982 Synapse Gap (Mundo Total) Joe King Carrasco
Johnny Perez
  • Joe King Carrasco and the Crowns featuring background vocals by Jackson
[78]
"Don't Stand Another Chance" 1984 Dream Street Janet Jackson
Marlon Jackson
John Barnes
[79]
"Girls, Girls, Girls, Pt. 2" 2001 The Blueprint Tom Brock
Shawn Carter
Justin Smith
"Goin' Back to Alabama" 1981 Share Your Love Lionel Richie
"Here to Love You" 1978 Minute by Minute Michael McDonald
"I Need You" 1995 Brotherhood Eric Carmen
  • Eric Carmen cover
  • 3T with Jackson on backing vocals
"It's Not Worth It" 2002 Full Moon LaShawn Daniels
Fred Jerkins III
Rodney Jerkins
  • Brandy with backing vocals of Jackson from "Ride with Me"
"Low" 2018 Raise Vibration Lenny Kravitz
  • Kravitz with backing vocals by Jackson
"Minute by Minute" 1978 Minute by Minute Michael McDonald
Lester Abrams
"Muscles" 1982 Silk Electric Michael Jackson
"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" 1982 Wolf Norman Whitfield
Barrett Strong
"Ride with Me" 2006 Versatility Rodney Jerkins
  • Instrumental, Jerkins with backing vocals by Jackson
"Somethin' Special" 1981 The Dude Rod Temperton
"So Why" 1982 Wolf John Gibson
  • Bill Wolfer with backing vocals by Jackson
"State of Independence" 1982 Donna Summer Jon Anderson
Vangelis
"The Dude" 1981 The Dude Rod Temperton
Patti Austin
"This Had to Be" 1980 Light Up the Night Michael Jackson
Louis Johnson
George Johnson
"To Satisfy You" 1992 Music for the New World Bryan Loren
Michael Jackson
  • Loren with backing vocals by Jackson
"Turn on the Action" 1981 The Dude Rod Temperton
"Who's Right, Who's Wrong" 1979 Keep the Fire Kenny Loggins
Richard Page
  • Loggins with backing vocals by Jackson
"Yeah" 1993 Love's Alright Eddie Murphy
  • Murphy with backing vocals by Jackson and various artists

See also

References

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  2. ^ Taraborrelli, 2009, pp. 98–9.
  3. ^ George, 2004, pp. 37–8.
  4. ^ "Aug 29, 1958: Michael Jackson is born". History. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  5. ^ "Donna Summer and Michael Jackson sweep Annual American Music Awards". The Ledger. Associated Press. January 20, 1980. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  6. ^ Peters, Ida (February 2, 1980). "Donna No. 1, Pop and Soul; Michael Jackson King of Soul". The Afro-American. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  7. ^ Geore, 2004, pp. 37–8.
  8. ^ "Freddie Mercury - Collaborations". Ultimatequeen.co.uk. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  9. ^ Campbell, 1993.
  10. ^ a b "Past Winners Search: Michael Jackson". The Recording Academy. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
  11. ^ "Michael Jackson sweeps American Music Awards". Daily News. Associated Press. January 17, 1984. Retrieved June 16, 2010.
  12. ^ Lewis Jones, 2005, p. 47.
  13. ^ Leopold, Todd (June 6, 2005). "Michael Jackson: A life in the spotlight" (Press release). CNN.
  14. ^ Cocks, Jay (September 14, 1987). "Music: The Badder They Come". Time. Retrieved April 25, 2010.
  15. ^ Willman, Chris (November 24, 1991). "Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  16. ^ "The return of the King of Pop". Today. June 8, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  17. ^ "Michael Jackson's best selling studio albums". The Daily Telegraph. June 26, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
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  19. ^ Michael Jackson : Invincible - NME
  20. ^ The Jacksons 2300 Jackson Street Chart History | Billboard
  21. ^ Halstead, Craig; Chris Cadman (2003). Michael Jackson: The Solo Years. Authors OnLine. ISBN 0-7552-0091-8.
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  32. ^ Rolling Stone (2004) review
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  35. ^ Michael Jackson's 'Michael' Track-By-Track | Billboard
  36. ^ Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" Moonwalked to No. 1 on the Hot 100: Rewinding the Charts, 1983 | Billboard
  37. ^ Black and White: how Dangerous kicked off Michael Jackson's race paradox | Music | The Guardian
  38. ^ 50 Best Michael Jackson Songs – Rolling Stone
  39. ^ Michael Jackson Gets Fierce and Sultry on ‘Blue Gangsta,’ ‘Loving You’ Off Posthumous New Album ‘Xscape’ – Rolling Stone
  40. ^ Michael Jackson's 'Invincible' - Los Angeles Times
  41. ^ Burn This Disco Out - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
  42. ^ Michael Jackson Butterflies Chart History | Billboard
  43. ^ "Farewell My Summer Love". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  44. ^ Can't Get Outta the Rain - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
  45. ^ Can't Let Her Get Away - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
  46. ^ Carousel - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
  47. ^ "RIAA Gold & Platinum certification". BMI. 5 October 2004. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
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  50. ^ Michael Jackson Scream/Childhood Chart History | Billboard
  51. ^ Cinderella Stay Awhile - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
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  57. ^ Dear Michael - Michael Jackson | Song Info | AllMusic
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