Michael Jackson albums redefined pop music and cemented his status as the King of Pop. From his early beginnings as a child star to his groundbreaking solo career, each album marked a distinct chapter in his evolution as an artist. Which album is his pièce de résistance? That's a debate for the ages. But one thing is certain: his impact on music remains unmatched.
At a Glance:
- Michael Jackson released 10 studio albums during his lifetime, each showcasing his evolving sound and artistry.
- Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, a testament to Jackson's global appeal.
- His music spanned genres, blending pop, rock, funk, and soul into a unique and innovative sound.
- Jackson's albums consistently pushed boundaries, both musically and visually, through iconic music videos and stage performances.
- Even posthumous releases have kept his legacy alive, offering fans a glimpse into unreleased material.
The Early Years: From Child Prodigy to Budding Solo Artist
Before Thriller and moonwalks, Michael Jackson was a young phenom, initially captivating audiences as part of The Jackson 5. Those early years would eventually blossom into a solo career that redefined music as we know it, but it all started with a string of albums that set the stage for superstardom.
Got to Be There (1972): A Promising Start
Released in 1972, Got to Be There marked Michael Jackson's debut as a solo artist. While still performing with The Jackson 5, this album offered a glimpse into his individual talent and potential. The album reached #14 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Two hit singles emerged: "Got to Be There," which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Rockin' Robin," which soared to #2.
Ben (1972): The Breakthrough Ballad
Also released in 1972, Ben solidified Jackson's standing as a formidable solo artist. The title track, a ballad about a boy's friendship with a rat, surprisingly topped both the US and Australian ARIA charts. The album itself reached #5 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and earned Silver certification from the BPI.
Music & Me (1973): A Transition Period
Music & Me, released in 1973, saw Jackson continuing to hone his craft. While not as commercially successful as its predecessors, the album showcased his evolving vocal style and explored themes of love and innocence. This was a time of transition, as he started to experiment with his sound.
Forever, Michael (1975): A Farewell to Innocence
Forever, Michael, released in 1975, marked the end of Jackson's early solo career phase. As he matured, his music began to reflect a more soulful and sophisticated style, hinting at the groundbreaking work to come.
The Quincy Jones Era: A Musical Revolution
Working with producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson tapped into a new level of artistry, creating a trio of albums that redefined pop music and cemented his legacy.
Off the Wall (1979): Dancing Into Adulthood
Off the Wall (1979) was the launching pad. The album signaled Jackson's full arrival as a solo superstar. Reaching #3 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart, it spawned two number-one singles, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You," and earned Jackson his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. Off the Wall sold over 20 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond by the RIAA. Jackson was no longer just a teen idol; he was a force to be reckoned with. And if you ever wondered about the complete list of songs that made it onto his albums, you can deep dive into Michael Jacksons Complete Tracklist.
Thriller (1982): The Best-Selling Album of All Time
Then came Thriller (1982). Beyond legendary, Thriller wasn't just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon. It held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart for an astounding 37 weeks and has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album of all time. Seven singles reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the iconic "Thriller." The album earned Jackson eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, solidifying his status as a global icon. The groundbreaking music videos accompanying the album redefined the medium and captivated audiences worldwide.
Bad (1987): Pushing the Boundaries Even Further
Following up Thriller was no easy task, but Bad (1987) proved that Jackson was more than capable. The album topped the Billboard Pop Albums chart and achieved a record-breaking five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Bad sold over 35 million copies worldwide and was certified 11x Platinum by the RIAA. The Bad World Tour saw over 4.4 million attendees worldwide. Jackson pushed the boundaries of his music and image, exploring darker themes and showcasing his increasingly sophisticated dance moves.
A Continued Evolution: Exploring New Sounds and Themes
After his work with Quincy Jones, Jackson continued to evolve his sound. Each album explored new sonic landscapes and delved into more complex themes.
Dangerous (1991): A New Jack Swing Chapter
Dangerous (1991) marked a new chapter in Jackson's career, incorporating elements of New Jack Swing and hip-hop into his signature sound. The album topped the Billboard Pop Albums chart and sold over 32 million copies worldwide. In its first week, it sold five million copies worldwide. The Dangerous World Tour garnered over $100 million in gross profits, all donated to charity. This album showcased Jackson's continued willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of popular music.
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995): A Personal and Ambitious Statement
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995) was a double album that served as both a greatest hits collection and a statement of Jackson's artistic vision. Topping the Billboard 200, the album showcased Jackson's personal struggles and addressed themes of social justice and environmentalism. HIStory sold over 20 million copies worldwide and was certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA. The HIStory World Tour saw over 4.5 million attendees across 35 countries.
Invincible (2001): A Final Studio Album
Invincible (2001) was Jackson's final studio album released during his lifetime. While not as commercially successful as his previous efforts, the album showcased his continued dedication to his craft. Invincible sold over 8 million copies worldwide.
Posthumous Releases: Keeping the King's Music Alive
Even after his death, Michael Jackson's music continued to reach fans through posthumous releases.
Michael (2010): Unreleased Tracks Surface
Michael (2010) featured a collection of previously unreleased tracks, offering fans a glimpse into Jackson's creative process. The album sparked some controversy about the authenticity of some of the vocals, but it nevertheless resonated with fans eager to hear new material.
Xscape (2014): Contemporary Remixes
Xscape (2014) featured a collection of unreleased tracks contemporized by a team of producers. The album aimed to bridge the gap between Jackson's classic sound and modern production techniques.
Why Did Michael Jackson's Albums Resonate So Deeply?
Several factors contributed to the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson's albums:
- Innovation: Jackson consistently pushed the boundaries of music and visuals.
- Global Appeal: His music transcended cultural barriers, resonating with audiences worldwide.
- Showmanship: Jackson's electrifying performances and iconic dance moves captivated audiences.
- Emotional Connection: His music explored universal themes of love, loss, and social justice.
- Production Value: Jackson worked with the best producers in the industry to create sonically rich and polished albums.
Common Questions About Michael Jackson Albums
Let's tackle some frequently asked questions about the King of Pop's discography:
What is Michael Jackson's best-selling album?
Thriller is Michael Jackson's best-selling album, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. It's also the best-selling album of all time.
How many Grammy Awards did Michael Jackson win for his albums?
Michael Jackson won 8 Grammy Awards for Thriller alone, including Album of the Year. In total, he has won 15 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
What was Michael Jackson's last studio album released during his lifetime?
Invincible, released in 2001, was Michael Jackson's last studio album released during his lifetime.
Did Michael Jackson write his own songs?
Yes, Michael Jackson wrote or co-wrote many of his biggest hits, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Man in the Mirror," and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Often, the depth of his songwriting gets overlooked. But the truth is, that his lyrics are the heart of his musical legacy.
What were Michael Jackson's biggest tours?
Michael Jackson's biggest tours included the Bad World Tour (1987-1989), the Dangerous World Tour (1992-1993), and the HIStory World Tour (1996-1997).
Beyond the Albums: Michael Jackson's Enduring Legacy
Michael Jackson's impact extends far beyond his album sales and awards. He changed the landscape of music videos, popularized dance moves like the moonwalk, and used his platform to promote social justice and charitable causes. His influence can still be heard in countless artists today.
He sold over 500 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history. His RIAA-certified album sales in the United States alone total 90 million.
Your Next Step: Exploring Michael Jackson's Music
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Michael Jackson's music, there's always something new to discover. Start by revisiting his classic albums like Thriller and Off the Wall. Or, take a deeper dive into some of his later work. Considering Jackson carefully curated each album, it's worth listening from start to finish.