Ready for Your Next Show? Buy Concert Tickets Now!
Michael Jackson, often referred to as the “King of Pop,” was a musical phenomenon whose impact on the music industry and popular culture is immeasurable. With a career that spanned several decades, he released a series of iconic albums that left an indelible mark. In this article, we will rank all of Michael Jackson’s studio albums based on album sales, critical acclaim, and fan favorites, taking a journey through his remarkable discography.
Michael Jackson Albums Ranked By Release Date
Got to Be There (1972)
Got to Be There was Michael Jackson’s debut studio album as a solo artist. Released in 1972, the album showcased his incredible vocal talents even at a young age. While it may not have reached the same heights as his later work, it marked the beginning of a legendary career.
Ben (1972)
In the same year, Michael Jackson released Ben, named after the title track featured in the film of the same name. The album included hits like “Ben” and “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” and it further solidified his status as a rising star in the music industry.
Music & Me (1973)
Music & Me, released in 1973, continued Michael’s journey as a solo artist. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as later albums, it featured his growing maturity as a performer and artist.
Forever, Michael (1975)
Forever, Michael, released in 1975, showcased Michael’s transition from a child star to a more mature artist. While it didn’t reach the same level of recognition as his later albums, it included tracks like “We’re Almost There” that hinted at his future greatness.
Off the Wall (1979)
Off the Wall, released in 1979, marked a turning point in Michael Jackson’s career. Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, the album was a massive commercial success and included hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” It showcased his evolution into a young adult artist with a sophisticated sound.
Thriller (1982)
Thriller, released in 1982, is undoubtedly Michael Jackson’s most iconic album. It’s the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide. The album included legendary tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.” Its impact on music videos, fashion, and pop culture is immeasurable.
Bad (1987)
In 1987, Michael Jackson released Bad, another highly successful album. While it may not have reached the same sales figures as Thriller, it included chart-topping hits like “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and “Man in the Mirror.” The album showcased his continued growth as an artist.
Dangerous (1991)
Dangerous, released in 1991, continued Michael Jackson’s streak of successful albums. It included memorable tracks like “Black or White” and “Remember the Time.” The album demonstrated his ability to innovate and adapt to evolving musical trends.
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
HIStory, released as a double album in 1995, was a unique project that featured a disc of greatest hits and a disc of new material. The album included hits like “Scream,” a duet with his sister Janet Jackson, and “You Are Not Alone.” It showcased his enduring popularity.
Invincible (2001)
Invincible, released in 2001, was Michael Jackson’s final studio album during his lifetime. While it didn’t match the commercial success of his earlier works, it included tracks like “Butterflies” and “You Rock My World” that resonated with fans.
Michael Jackson Albums Ranked By Sales
- Thriller – Over 66 million copies sold
- Bad – Over 35 million copies sold
- Dangerous – Over 32 million copies sold
- Off the Wall – Over 20 million copies sold
- HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I – Over 20 million copies sold
- Invincible – Over 6 million copies sold
- Ben – Over 6 million copies sold
- Got to Be There – Over 2 million copies sold
- Music & Me – Over 1 million copies sold
- Forever, Michael – Over 1 million copies sold
Michael Jackson Notable Live Performances
Michael Jackson’s live performances were legendary, and some of the most notable include:
- Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983): Michael Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” during this televised special is often cited as the moment he introduced the moonwalk to the world.
- Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show (1993): Jackson’s halftime performance at Super Bowl XXVII is considered one of the greatest in Super Bowl history, featuring hits like “Jam” and “Black or White.”
- The Dangerous World Tour (1992-1993): This worldwide tour showcased Michael’s electrifying stage presence and included performances in multiple countries.
- HIStory World Tour (1996-1997): The HIStory World Tour was one of the largest and most ambitious tours in history, with concerts on six continents.
Michael Jackson Album Guests
While Michael Jackson was primarily a solo artist, he occasionally collaborated with other musicians. Notable guests include:
- Siedah Garrett: Garrett provided vocals on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” from the Bad album.
- Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen played the iconic guitar solo on “Beat It” from the Thriller album.
- Stevie Wonder: Wonder collaborated with Jackson on the track “Just Good Friends” from the Bad album.
- Janet Jackson: Michael’s sister Janet joined him on the duet “Scream” from the HIStory album.
- Slash: The legendary guitarist played on “Black or White” from the Dangerous album.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson’s discography is a testament to his unparalleled talent and influence on the music industry. From his early days as a child star to becoming the “King of Pop,” his albums have left an enduring legacy. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless classics of Thriller or the innovative sound of Off the Wall, Michael Jackson’s music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson, you might also enjoy the music of similar artists like Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Janet Jackson, all of whom have made significant contributions to the world of pop music.