Which Songs Did Michael Jackson Write?

Michael Jackson, often referred to as the King of Pop, was not only an incredible vocalist and dancer but also a talented songwriter. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous songs, both for himself and other artists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable songs that Michael Jackson wrote.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Jackson wrote a significant number of songs during his career.
• He wrote songs for both himself and other artists.
• Some of his most popular and successful songs were co-written with other musicians.

The Early Years

Even at a young age, Michael Jackson showed his songwriting abilities. In his early years as a member of The Jackson 5, he co-wrote songs such as “ABC” and “I’ll Be There”, which became huge hits and showcased his talent both as a performer and a songwriter.

• Michael Jackson co-wrote popular songs during his time with The Jackson 5.
• His ability to write catchy and memorable tunes was evident from a young age.

The Thriller Era

One of the most iconic periods of Michael Jackson‘s career was the release of his album “Thriller” in 1982. Although many of the songs on the album were written by other songwriters, Jackson contributed to multiple tracks. He co-wrote the hits “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “Beat It”, both of which became chart-toppers and cemented his superstar status.

• Michael Jackson co-wrote several songs on his iconic “Thriller” album.
• His collaboration with other songwriters resulted in some of his biggest hits.

Late Career and Posthumous Releases

As Michael Jackson‘s career progressed, he continued to write songs for his own albums, including “Bad” and “Dangerous”. Additionally, he wrote songs for other artists, such as “We Are the World” for the charity supergroup USA for Africa. Even after his untimely death, new music continues to be released posthumously, with some of the songs being co-written by Jackson.

• Michael Jackson’s songwriting contributions extended throughout his entire career.
• His writing skills remained strong even during his later years and after his passing.

Michael Jackson’s Songwriting Legacy

Michael Jackson left behind an incredible legacy as both a performer and a songwriter. His songs continue to be remembered and cherished by fans around the world. From his early hits with The Jackson 5 to his solo career, Jackson’s talent for writing catchy and impactful songs was undeniable.

• Michael Jackson’s songwriting talents contributed to his enduring legacy.
• His ability to create music that resonated with audiences set him apart.

Notable Collaborations

Michael Jackson also collaborated with other songwriters on some of his most successful tracks. One notable example is his partnership with legendary songwriter Rod Temperton, who co-wrote hits like “Thriller” and “Rock with You”. These collaborations contributed to the timeless quality of Jackson’s music.

1. Michael Jackson collaborated with various talented songwriters throughout his career.
2. His work with Rod Temperton resulted in some of his most iconic songs.

Posthumous Releases

Following Michael Jackson‘s passing, his estate and record label have released several albums featuring unreleased recordings and demos. These posthumous releases, including the album “Xscape”, have showcased Jackson’s songwriting skills even after his death.

• Michael Jackson’s posthumous releases demonstrate the breadth of his songwriting catalog.
• His music continues to captivate audiences long after his passing.

Common Misconceptions

1. Michael Jackson wrote all of his songs

One common misconception about Michael Jackson is that he wrote all of his songs. While Jackson was indeed a talented songwriter, he did not solely write all of his music. In fact, many of his biggest hits were written by other artists.

• Some of Michael Jackson’s most famous songs were actually written by Quincy Jones, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.”
• Jackson collaborated with songwriters such as Rod Temperton, who wrote his hit “Thriller.”
• Although he may not have composed all of his songs, Jackson’s unique musical style and powerful performances made them iconic.

2. All of Michael Jackson’s songs were original compositions

Another misconception is that all of Michael Jackson‘s songs were original compositions. While he did release many original songs throughout his career, he also recorded cover versions of other artists’ songs.

• One notable cover version by Jackson is “Come Together” by The Beatles.
• His rendition of “Smile” was originally written by Charlie Chaplin.
• These cover songs showcased Jackson’s versatility as an artist and his ability to put his own unique spin on familiar tunes.

3. Michael Jackson wrote all of his lyrics

A common misconception is that Michael Jackson wrote all of his song lyrics. While Jackson did contribute to the lyric writing process on some of his songs, he often worked closely with lyricists to create the final product.

• Jackson collaborated with songwriter Siedah Garrett on the lyrics for “Man in the Mirror.”
• He also teamed up with lyricist Glen Ballard for the lyrics of “Man in the Mirror.”
• These collaborations allowed Jackson to bring different perspectives and ideas to his music, resulting in powerful and impactful lyrics.

4. All of Michael Jackson’s songs were commercially successful

It is a misconception to assume that all of Michael Jackson‘s songs were commercially successful. While he had numerous chart-topping hits, not every song he released achieved the same level of success.

• Songs like “Stranger in Moscow” and “Blood on the Dance Floor” did not achieve the same commercial success as some of his other hits.
• Despite not reaching the top of the charts, these songs still showcased Jackson’s artistry and musical innovation.
• Commercial success does not always determine the quality or impact of a song.

5. Michael Jackson’s songwriting career ended with his passing

One common misconception is that Michael Jackson‘s songwriting career ended with his passing. However, after his death, posthumous albums containing unreleased tracks and unfinished recordings were released.

• Albums such as “Michael” and “Xscape” featured songs that were either completed by other artists or finished by producers utilizing Jackson’s recorded vocals.
• These posthumous releases kept Jackson’s songwriting and music alive for his fans to enjoy even after his passing.
• While his physical presence may have been gone, his musical legacy continued to evolve.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Solo Discography

Michael Jackson had a remarkable career as a solo artist, releasing numerous albums that captivated audiences worldwide. This table showcases his solo discography, including the release year and total sales of each album.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Grammy Awards

Michael Jackson‘s exceptional talent was widely recognized and honored by the music industry. This table presents the Grammy Awards received by him, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to music.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Guinness World Records

Michael Jackson‘s impact on the music industry is unparalleled, earning him numerous Guinness World Records. Here are some of the notable records held by the legendary artist.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Billboard Hot 100 Hits

Michael Jackson consistently achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing his ability to create chart-topping hits. This table highlights some of his most popular songs and their peak positions on the chart.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Songwriting Collaborators

Michael Jackson‘s ability to collaborate with talented songwriters enriched his music with diverse styles and unique perspectives. This table presents some of the notable songwriters he worked alongside.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk Performances

Michael Jackson popularized the moonwalk, a mesmerizing dance move that captivated audiences worldwide. This table lists some of his iconic moonwalk performances and the respective events.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Music Videos

Michael Jackson‘s music videos were groundbreaking in their production, storytelling, and choreography. This table highlights some of his most iconic and influential music videos.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Humanitarian Achievements

Beyond his musical talents, Michael Jackson was dedicated to using his platform for humanitarian causes. This table showcases some of his notable philanthropic efforts and contributions.

Table: Michael Jackson’s Guinness World Records (continued)

Michael Jackson‘s extraordinary achievements extended to numerous Guinness World Records. Here are some more astounding records held by the King of Pop.

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael Jackson wrote and performed numerous iconic songs that left an indelible mark on popular music. From his groundbreaking music videos to his philanthropic endeavors, Jackson’s influence extended far beyond the stage. His unforgettable contributions and remarkable achievements solidify his legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Songs Did Michael Jackson Write?