Few families in the history of music can claim a legacy as rich and impactful as The Jacksons. From their early days as the Jackson 5, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and soulful harmonies, to their evolution into The Jacksons, a group that embraced funk, disco, and a more mature sound, they’ve left an undeniable mark on the world of pop and R&B.
Their music, often characterized by infectious grooves, tight vocal arrangements, and the undeniable star power of Michael Jackson, transcended generations and cultural boundaries. But with a catalog brimming with chart-toppers and fan favorites, narrowing down their most iconic tracks to a mere ten feels almost criminal.
Nevertheless, we’ve embarked on this challenging yet rewarding journey, revisiting their impressive discography to rank the ten songs that best exemplify their enduring legacy. Join us as we celebrate The Jacksons’ musical brilliance, from their Motown origins to their reign as global superstars.
1. ‘Blame It On The Boogie’: The Ultimate Jackson Anthem
The Jacksons performing 'Blame It On The Boogie'
Over four decades later, ‘Blame It On The Boogie’ remains a testament to The Jacksons’ ability to ignite dance floors with their irresistible blend of funk and pop. The lyrics, while nonsensical at times, capture a carefree spirit, urging listeners to surrender to the rhythm and let loose.
Ironically, the song wasn’t a Jackson original. It was penned by Mick Jackson (no relation), a songwriter from Yorkshire, England, who initially intended it for Stevie Wonder. However, The Jacksons, recognizing the track’s undeniable hit potential, swiftly recorded and released it, turning it into a global phenomenon.
‘Blame It On The Boogie’ became their signature song, embodying their infectious energy and solidifying their status as disco icons.
2. ‘I Want You Back’: A Motown Masterpiece
The Jackson 5 performing 'I Want You Back'
The Jackson 5’s debut single, ‘I Want You Back,’ remains a timeless Motown gem, instantly establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This infectious track, fueled by Michael’s youthful yet powerful vocals, showcased their exceptional talent and undeniable charm.
Released in 1969, the song soared to the top of the charts, becoming their first number-one hit in the US and reaching number two in the UK. Its success marked the beginning of their meteoric rise to fame, introducing the world to the infectious energy of “bubblegum soul.”
‘I Want You Back’ remains an enduring classic, captivating listeners with its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and the Jackson brothers’ undeniable chemistry.
3. ‘Can You Feel It’: A Disco-Infused Journey
The Jacksons performing 'Can You Feel It'
By the time ‘Can You Feel It’ was released in 1981, Michael Jackson was well on his way to global superstardom. This track, with its pulsating rhythm and soaring vocals, showcased a more mature and experimental side of The Jacksons, embracing the disco and funk influences that were dominating the airwaves.
Although ‘Can You Feel It’ didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of their earlier hits, its impact was undeniable. The song’s accompanying music video, a testament to Michael’s creative vision and innovative choreography, became a cultural phenomenon and is now considered one of the greatest music videos of all time.
4. ‘I’ll Be There’: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Devotion
The Jackson 5 performing 'I’ll Be There'
The Jackson 5’s first foray into the world of ballads, ‘I’ll Be There,’ revealed a depth of emotion and vocal maturity that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. This heartfelt song, featuring Michael’s tender and soulful vocals, transcended age, touching upon universal themes of love, loss, and unwavering devotion.
Released in 1970, ‘I’ll Be There’ became their fourth consecutive number-one single in the US, cementing their status as pop music royalty. The song’s message of unwavering love and support continues to resonate with listeners, solidifying its place among the greatest ballads of all time.
5. ‘Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)’: Embracing the Disco Era
The Jacksons performing 'Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)'
With ‘Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground),’ released in 1979, The Jacksons embraced the infectious energy of disco, creating a track that remains a staple on dance floors to this day. The song’s pulsating beat, infectious groove, and suggestive lyrics perfectly captured the carefree spirit of the disco era.
‘Shake Your Body’ marked a triumphant return to form for the group, showcasing their evolution as musicians and performers. It became a global hit, reaching the top ten in charts worldwide and reaffirming their ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.
6. ‘Dancing Machine’: A Funk-Fueled Showcase of Michael’s Star Power
The Jackson 5 performing 'Dancing Machine'
Released in 1973, ‘Dancing Machine’ marked a pivotal moment in The Jackson 5’s evolution, showcasing their growth as musicians and performers. The song’s funk-infused groove and infectious rhythm provided a platform for Michael Jackson’s burgeoning stage presence and dynamic dance moves.
‘Dancing Machine’ became a concert staple, captivating audiences with its electrifying energy and Michael’s captivating performances. It was during performances of this song that he often broke free from the group’s synchronized choreography, showcasing his signature dance moves and mesmerizing audiences with his natural stage presence.
7. ‘ABC’: Learning the Language of Love
With its playful lyrics and infectious melody, ‘ABC’ captured the innocence and joy of childhood love. Released in 1970, the song became an instant classic, showcasing The Jackson 5’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with their signature Motown sound.
‘ABC’ became another chart-topping hit for the group, solidifying their status as musical prodigies. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and infectious energy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by generations.
8. ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’: A Holiday Classic
The Jackson 5 performing 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'
No holiday season would be complete without The Jackson 5’s rendition of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.’ This joyful and heartwarming track, released in 1970, captures the magic and anticipation of Christmas, becoming a staple on holiday playlists for decades.
The Jackson brothers’ youthful vocals and the song’s infectious energy brought a fresh perspective to this holiday classic, making it a perennial favorite for children and adults alike.
9. ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’: A Soulful Farewell
The Jackson 5 performing 'Never Can Say Goodbye'
Released in 1971, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ marked a departure from The Jackson 5’s upbeat pop anthems, showcasing their ability to deliver emotionally resonant ballads. This soulful track, with its poignant lyrics and Michael’s heart-wrenching vocals, explored the complexities of love and loss.
‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ became a chart-topper for the group, resonating with listeners of all ages. The song’s themes of love, loss, and the difficulty of letting go cemented its place as a timeless classic.
10. ‘State Of Shock’ (feat. Mick Jagger): A Collaboration for the Ages
The Jacksons and Mick Jagger performing 'State Of Shock'
Few collaborations were as unexpected or as electrifying as The Jacksons teaming up with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger for ‘State Of Shock.’ Released in 1984, the song showcased a harder-edged, rock-infused sound for The Jacksons, blending their signature harmonies with Jagger’s raw energy.
Originally intended as a duet between Michael Jackson and Queen’s Freddie Mercury, ‘State Of Shock’ became a testament to the enduring power of collaboration, blending musical genres and iconic voices to create a track that remains a testament to The Jacksons’ ability to transcend boundaries and redefine musical landscapes.
