Before the world knew Michael Jackson as the “King of Pop,” he was captivating audiences as the young frontman of the Jackson 5. This phenomenal all-brother group burst onto the music scene, dominating the pop and disco charts in the late 1960s and 1970s. Their infectious energy and undeniable talent made them a global sensation.
While lineup changes and a name change to The Jacksons occurred later in their career, their streak of massive hits remained unbroken. Even today, the legacy of the Jackson 5 endures, with original members Jackie and Marlon continuing to tour and share their timeless music after the departures of Randy and Jermaine, and the passing of Michael and Tito.
In celebration of the incredible musical journey of the Jacksons, we’ve compiled a ranking of their 15 very best songs. These tracks showcase their evolution from charming youngsters to seasoned performers, highlighting the magic of Jackson 5 Songs that continue to resonate with generations.
1. I Want You Back
Jackson 5 performing I Want You Back on The Ed Sullivan Show, showcasing their youthful energy and coordinated dance moves.
‘I Want You Back’ is arguably one of the most sampled songs in music history, particularly within hip-hop and pop. Its irresistible hooks and infectious rhythm make it easy to understand why. Penned and produced by The Corporation, this track marked the Jackson 5’s debut on Motown Records and immediately propelled them to the top of the charts, becoming their first number one hit.
This iconic song spearheaded their debut album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. Despite the misleading title (Diana Ross was not involved in their discovery), the album and single launched them into superstardom. The song’s poignant theme of regret and lost love is delivered with remarkable sincerity by an 11-year-old Michael Jackson, proving his exceptional talent and stage presence from a young age. The perfect blend of melody, production, and stellar vocals cemented ‘I Want You Back’ as one of the greatest Jackson 5 songs and a timeless classic.
2. ABC
The Jackson 5 performing ABC on The Ed Sullivan Show, highlighting their youthful exuberance and perfectly synchronized choreography.
‘ABC’ is a defining song not just for the Jackson 5, but for an entire musical era. This quintessential Motown soul gem, crafted by The Corporation, achieved the remarkable feat of dethroning The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ from the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Many argue, and rightfully so, that ‘ABC’ is the superior song, a testament to its enduring appeal.
As the title track of their second album, ABC, this song solidified their status as more than just a one-hit wonder. The seemingly simple, playground-inspired lyrics about love being as easy as “A-B-C, 1-2-3” cleverly disguise the song’s sophisticated composition. ‘ABC’ masterfully fuses soul, R&B, high school spirit, and bubblegum pop, showcasing the Jackson 5’s incredible versatility and musicality. It remains one of the most beloved Jackson 5 songs.
3. I’ll Be There
Jackson 5 performing I'll Be There, a soulful ballad showcasing their vocal harmonies and emotional depth.
While the Jackson 5 are renowned for their upbeat, danceable hits, ‘I’ll Be There’ demonstrates their ability to deliver powerful and emotive ballads. This track highlights their exceptional vocal talents and harmonic blend. Michael and Jermaine Jackson share lead vocals, creating a perfect balance in this romantic Motown soul classic, which has since been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
‘I’ll Be There’ marked a historic milestone for the band, becoming their fourth consecutive number one single. This achievement made them the first group ever to have their first four major-label singles reach the top of the charts, and the first black male group to accomplish this feat. The song’s enduring popularity confirms its place among the greatest Jackson 5 songs.
4. Dancing Machine
Jackson 5 performing Dancing Machine live, showcasing Michael Jackson's signature dance moves and the group's evolving sound.
By 1974, the Jackson 5 began to explore new sonic territories, moving towards a more club-oriented sound that foreshadowed the rise of disco. ‘Dancing Machine’ perfectly exemplifies this transition. Led by Michael Jackson’s precise vocals, complemented by Jermaine’s deeper counterpoint and the group’s signature harmonies, the song marked a significant evolution in their musical style.
Written by Hal David, along with Don Fletcher and Dean Parks, and produced by Hal Davis, ‘Dancing Machine’ represented a return to the top ten for the group after a three-year gap since ‘Sugar Daddy’. This track demonstrated their adaptability and willingness to experiment, further cementing their status as musical innovators and expanding the definition of Jackson 5 songs.
5. Never Can Say Goodbye
Jackson 5 performing Never Can Say Goodbye, a soulful performance highlighting their vocal harmonies and stage presence.
‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ is a laid-back soul masterpiece originally penned by Clifton Davis for The Supremes. While The Supremes’ version, released later, is also excellent, Motown recognized the song’s potential for the Jackson 5. It became the incredibly successful lead single from their Maybe Tomorrow album in 1971.
This track has been covered countless times by artists across genres, including Isaac Hayes, Gloria Gaynor, and The Communards, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song. However, the Jackson 5’s rendition remains definitive, showcasing their ability to infuse emotion and depth into every note, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic Jackson 5 songs.
6. Mama’s Pearl
The Jackson 5 performing Mama's Pearl, a vibrant and energetic performance from the young group.
‘Mama’s Pearl’ is another massive Motown hit for the Jackson 5, crafted by The Corporation. This upbeat and catchy tune was only kept from the top spot on the charts by The Osmonds’ ‘One Bad Apple’, highlighting the fierce competition in the early 1970s pop landscape. Michael shared lead vocals on this 1971 single with Jermaine and Jackie, showcasing the collective talent within the group.
Interestingly, it’s rumored that producer Deke Richards altered the original title and lyrics from the more suggestive ‘Guess Who’s Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)’ to maintain the Jackson 5’s wholesome image, particularly given Michael’s young age. Despite the lyrical adjustments, ‘Mama’s Pearl’ remains a classic example of infectious Jackson 5 songs.
7. The Love You Save
The Jackson 5 performing The Love You Save on The Ed Sullivan Show, showcasing their coordinated outfits and youthful charm.
The songwriting powerhouse Holland-Dozier-Holland had departed Motown before the Jackson 5 joined, leaving fans to wonder what collaborations might have been. Nevertheless, Motown’s in-house writing and production teams, “The Clan” and later “The Corporation,” stepped up to fill the void. The Corporation, featuring Berry Gordy himself, along with Fonce Mizell, Freddie Perren, and Deke Richards, created hits like ‘The Love You Save’.
On this relentlessly upbeat love song, Michael and Jermaine Jackson shared lead vocals, playfully name-checking historical figures like Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, and Christopher Columbus. ‘The Love You Save’ soared to number one, selling over two million copies in the US alone, proving the Jackson 5’s immense popularity and solidifying its place among essential Jackson 5 songs.
8. Who’s Lovin’ You
The Jackson 5 performing Who's Loving You on The Ed Sullivan Show, delivering a powerful and soulful rendition.
‘Who’s Lovin’ You’ is a stunning Motown ballad penned by Smokey Robinson and originally released by his group, The Miracles, in 1960. This song, with its soaring dynamics and emotional depth, had already been covered numerous times before the Jackson 5 recorded their version. However, it was the Jackson 5 who perfected it at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, Michigan, with the legendary Funk Brothers providing the instrumental backbone.
Their rendition at Motown set the standard for most future versions of the song. Young Michael Jackson’s raw and powerful vocal delivery on ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’ is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his incredible talent and emotional range even at a young age, making it a standout among Jackson 5 songs.
9. Enjoy Yourself (as The Jacksons)
The Jacksons performing Enjoy Yourself, showcasing their transition to a more mature sound and image.
‘Enjoy Yourself’ marks a pivotal moment in The Jacksons’ history. Written and produced by Gamble and Huff, this song was their first release after their significant departure from Motown Records. The music industry and fans alike were watching closely to see if they could maintain their success without the Motown machine behind them.
Any doubts were quickly dispelled with ‘Enjoy Yourself’. Led by Michael and Jackie, and the first single to feature new member Randy, this slick funk track went platinum, selling over a million copies. It proved that The Jacksons could thrive creatively and commercially beyond Motown, marking a new chapter in their career and adding a new dimension to Jackson 5 songs, now under The Jacksons moniker.
10. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) (as The Jacksons)
The Jacksons performing Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) on TopPop, showcasing their disco-infused sound and energetic stage presence.
By the late 1970s, The Jackson 5 had evolved into The Jacksons. Jermaine had departed and been replaced by Randy. They had also transitioned from Motown to Epic Records and gained greater creative control over their music. ‘Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)’ is a prime example of what they could achieve with this newfound freedom and lineup.
Written by Michael and Randy, this catchy and soulful disco anthem showcased their songwriting talents and their ability to create club-friendly hits. ‘Shake Your Body’ became another platinum single in the US, reaching number 7 on the Hot 100 and number 4 in the UK. This track represents the successful evolution of Jackson 5 songs into the disco era under The Jacksons.
11. Blame It On the Boogie (as The Jacksons)
The Jacksons performing Blame It On The Boogie in a music video, highlighting their dance moves and vibrant energy.
‘Blame It On The Boogie’ has an interesting origin story. It was penned by a British songwriter named Mick Jackson, along with his brother David and Elmar Krohn. To avoid confusion, Mick was credited as Michael George Jackson-Clarke on the label. Mick Jackson originally recorded the song in 1977, reportedly with Stevie Wonder in mind.
While Mick’s version was gaining traction, The Jacksons also got hold of the song and quickly released their rendition. The Jacksons’ version became the definitive hit. Taken from their Destiny album, ‘Blame It On The Boogie’ truly shined in its 12″ extended version, typical of many club-oriented Jackson songs of that era. Although it only peaked at number 54 on the Hot 100 initially, it has since been rightfully recognized as a post-Motown classic among Jackson 5 songs, now performed as The Jacksons.
12. Can You Feel It (as The Jacksons)
The Jacksons performing Can You Feel It, a powerful and uplifting performance with a choir, showcasing their grand musical vision.
‘Can You Feel It’ was the third single from The Jacksons’ 1981 album Triumph, following ‘Lovely One’ and ‘This Place Hotel’, but it’s this track that truly embodies the album’s title. The song’s uplifting message and powerful delivery resonated deeply with audiences.
The Tamperer featuring Maya later scored a major hit by sampling ‘Can You Feel It’ in their song ‘Feel It’, further demonstrating the original track’s enduring appeal. Written by Michael and Jackie, with lead vocals from Michael and Randy, ‘Can You Feel It’ is a monumental recording. The masterful production, featuring a choir and strings, creates an overwhelming and inspiring listening experience. Michael also foreshadowed his pioneering music video work with the song’s ambitious nine-minute promotional clip, solidifying ‘Can You Feel It’ as a high point among Jackson 5 songs from The Jacksons era.
13. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Jackson 5 performing Santa Claus Is Coming To Town in a festive setting, spreading holiday cheer with their youthful energy.
While Phil Spector’s Christmas album is highly regarded, The Jackson 5 Christmas Album offers pure, unadulterated holiday joy from beginning to end. It’s challenging to pick just one or two standout tracks from this album, but ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ is undeniably essential. This classic, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, and first popularized by Eddie Cantor in 1934, reaches new heights with the Jackson 5’s rendition.
Michael’s lead vocals and the vibrant Motown arrangement elevate this timeless Christmas standard. While some might argue Bruce Springsteen’s version is slightly superior, the Jackson 5’s rendition is undoubtedly one of the greatest versions of this song ever recorded, standing out among over 200 covers. It’s a quintessential Jackson 5 song for the holiday season.
14. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Jackson 5 performing I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood Christmases.
The second track from The Jackson 5 Christmas Album on this list, ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, is definitively the greatest version of this Christmas standard. Written by Tommie Connor and first recorded by Jimmy Boyd in 1952, The Ronettes’ 1963 version was popular, but the Jackson 5’s 1970 rendition surpassed it in popularity and charm.
Despite only reaching number 91 in the UK charts and 45 on the Billboard Holiday 100 initially, the song’s stature has grown immensely over the years. Recorded when Michael was just 12, his youthful voice imbued the song with an unparalleled innocence and believability, making every word resonate with genuine childlike wonder. This version of ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ stands as the ultimate Jackson 5 Christmas song.
15. Big Boy
The Jackson 5 in their early days, a black and white image highlighting their youthful beginnings and brotherhood.
‘Big Boy’ is where it all began. This debut single, released before their Motown fame on the local Steeltown Records label, featured a then 9-year-old Michael Jackson as the frontman. While a deal with Atlantic Records got the record into shops nationwide, it sold only a few thousand copies across the US initially.
‘Big Boy’ may lack the polish of their later Motown hits, but it clearly showcases the raw talent of Michael and the entire Jackson family. Even at this early stage, Michael’s pitch-perfect vocals and his brothers’ soulful backing harmonies are evident. This pre-Motown track, followed by one more release on Steeltown, paved the way for their contract with Motown, setting them on their path to global superstardom. ‘Big Boy’ provides a glimpse into the origins of Jackson 5 songs and the beginning of a legendary career.
