The Top Ten Michael Jackson Songs of All Time

When Michael Jackson was alive he lived at the epicenter of a crazy world obsessed with his ever increasingly bizarre moves. In a country full of "Tabloid Junkies" (the name of one of his songs, ironically), he was undoubtedly the king. Charlie Sheen, Lindsey Lohan and all of the rest who will come after them are just pretenders to his throne.

There was Bubbles the Chimp, his hyperbaric chamber that he supposedly slept in, his apparent obsession with Liz Taylor and Diana Ross, his baby dangling drama, the sheets he used to cover his adorable children's faces and of course those unfortunate child molestation rumors. But after his unfortunate and untimely death all of this has been largely forgotten leaving behind only his massive legacy of pop hits.

Sure, there is always Madonna, Elvis and The Beatles who stand with him as the inventors of what we now see going on in the music world. But in his particular niche which mixed R&B and pop with a decidedly societal consciousness (see "We are the World"), no one will ever come close to Michael's overwhelming power and undeniable talent. Who cares if he didn't really have a nose at the end when he could perform like that?

So maybe there's still hope for poor Lindsey. Except for that whole unfortunate lack of talent on her part. Michael's legacy stands the test of time despite the drama that surrounded his life since such a young age because of his undeniable talent. And that is something that no tabloid, no rumor and no negative statements can ever take away from the world. As follows are the ten greatest songs by Michael Jackson.

Man in the Mirror

No matter how badly things are going in your life, one listen to this song can snap you out of it by helping you realize that you could have it so much worse. So go on, listen to Mike and have a look at the man (or woman) in the mirror and think about what you can do to make the world a better place. This song is much better at conveying this sentiment even than the slightly cheesy "We are the World."

Thriller

Zombies plus the best video dance sequence ever made equals pop music gold. A must listen each and every Halloween.

Scream

Finally, Michael calls in sister Janet and gives the tabloids a verbal smack down. A true pop gem and it's a shame Michael isn't here anymore to perform this duet with his awesome little sister.

Earth Song

Before Al Gore made it cool to be "green," Michael made a lyrical call to the world to be more aware of the plight of the natural world on our planet. And Michael did it without trying to make money off being "green," unlike Mr. Gore. All proceeds from this song went to Greenpeace.

You are Not Alone

Sure, the video where he is naked with Lisa Marie Presley is super creepy but the song's message is beautiful and timeless. Plus, it features some of the most challenging vocals Michael ever attempted in a song. The fact that he left in his breathlessness when hitting the long notes near the end added to the emotional depth.

Billie Jean

The greatest drum and bass beat in pop culture history and very mysterious lyrics add up to one of the most atmospherically intense Michael Jackson songs in history. The video made you wish square lights would light up everywhere you stepped. But I guess you have to be MJ to have that happen.

Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough

This is Michael at the very start of his solo career and stands as one of the greatest disco tracks ever recorded. Don't stop dancing to this song until you get enough. That may take more than one listen.

Rock With You

Without this song, there would be no Justin Timberlake. See JT's "Rock Your Body" for proof.

Beat It

Sure, the lyrics may be a little cheesy and Weird Al Yankovic's "Eat it" turned it into a bit of a joke, but the groove and rhythm of this track makes it one of Michael's most danceable songs ever.

Black or White

The video could have done without a Macaulay Culkin cameo but this song speaks, yet again, to Michael's incredible heart for social injustice in the world. You see, just like Michael himself post Vitiligo, it doesn't matter if you are black or white.

Source: Michaeljackson.com