Michael Jackson Albums in Order: Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop,” revolutionized the music industry with his groundbreaking albums, each defining an era of pop culture and innovation. From his early Motown releases to his chart-topping global hits, Jackson’s discography remains one of the most influential in history.
Exploring Michael Jackson albums in order, his solo career began with Got to Be There (1972) and Ben (1972), showcasing his youthful vocals. This was followed by Music & Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975), paving the way for his transition to Epic Records. His fifth album, Off the Wall (1979), was a commercial and critical triumph, setting the stage for Thriller (1982), the best-selling album of all time. Jackson’s dominance continued with Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995), blending pop, rock, and social themes. Invincible (2001) became his final studio album before his passing in 2009. Posthumously, Michael (2010) and Xscape (2014) offered fans a glimpse into his unreleased work. Jackson’s albums, each a testament to his artistic genius, continue to shape music history.
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All Michael Jackson Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Got to Be There (1972)
“Got to Be There” is Michael Jackson’s inaugural solo studio album, released by Motown on January 24, 1972, shortly after the Jackson 5’s “Greatest Hits” (1971). This album marks Jackson’s solo debut following his time with the Jackson 5. The title track, released as Jackson’s debut solo single on October 7, 1971, is a standout on the album. The collection showcases Jackson’s evolving vocal prowess and versatility through a blend of soul, R&B, and pop elements. Notable tracks include “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” and “Rockin’ Robin.” In 2013, the album attained Gold certification by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies. A 2009 remastered reissue was part of the compilation “Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection,” preserving the album’s significance in Jackson’s early career.
2. Ben (1972)
“Ben” stands as Michael Jackson’s second studio album, launched by Motown Records on August 4, 1972, during his tenure with the Jackson 5. This album showcases Jackson’s maturing talent while still maintaining his affiliation with the group. The titular track, “Ben,” achieved recognition as a poignant ballad. The album encapsulates a range of styles, featuring soulful melodies and pop influences. Noteworthy tracks include “Greatest Show on Earth,” “People Make the World Go Round,” and “My Girl.” Demonstrating Jackson’s growing versatility, “Ben” serves as a stepping stone in his artistic journey, paving the way for his later iconic solo work. The album’s release further established Jackson’s individuality within the music industry and hinted at the solo superstar he would become in the years ahead.
3. Music & Me (1973)
“Music & Me,” Michael Jackson’s third studio album, was released on April 13, 1973, through Motown Records. The album showcases Jackson’s continued evolution as a solo artist. It features a blend of soul, pop, and R&B, and includes tracks like the heartfelt “With a Child’s Heart,” the upbeat “Up Again,” and the soulful “Doggin’ Around.” “Music & Me” also incorporates popular love themes, such as “Happy” from “Lady Sings the Blues.” The album offers a range of emotions and styles, demonstrating Jackson’s versatility. In 2009, the album was reintroduced as part of the compilation “Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.” With this album, Jackson’s individuality as a solo artist began to truly shine, paving the way for his future iconic musical endeavors.
4. Forever, Michael (1975)
“Forever, Michael” marks Michael Jackson’s fourth studio album, released on January 16, 1975, through Motown Records. This album further demonstrates Jackson’s growth as an artist, showcasing a blend of pop, R&B, and soul elements. The tracks present a mix of emotions and themes, from the romantic “One Day in Your Life” to the upbeat and catchy “Just a Little Bit of You.” The album also includes the heartfelt “Dear Michael,” a tribute to his fans. Jackson’s evolving vocal range and unique style begin to shine through in tracks like “We’re Almost There” and “Cinderella Stay Awhile.” “Forever, Michael” contributes to Jackson’s gradual transition from his Jackson 5 days to a fully established solo career. It showcases his versatility and foreshadows the musical brilliance that would define his future works.
5. Off the Wall (1979)
“Off the Wall,” Michael Jackson’s fifth studio album, debuted on August 10, 1979, under Epic Records. Notably, this marked his initial collaboration with producer Quincy Jones, catalyzing Jackson’s shift from Motown to a new phase in his career. The album is a fusion of disco, pop, funk, R&B, soft rock, and Broadway influences, with themes encompassing liberation, romance, escapism, and more. Among the tracks, you’ll find contributions from renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Rod Temperton. Songs like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You” became iconic hits, catapulting Jackson’s stardom. “Off the Wall” solidified Jackson’s journey towards becoming the “King of Pop” and served as a precursor to his monumental album “Thriller.”
6. Thriller (1982)
“Thriller,” Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, released on November 29, 1982, by Epic Records, stands as a monumental milestone in music history. Produced by Quincy Jones, this album transformed pop culture forever. Jackson’s aspiration to craft an album where every track was remarkable led to the fusion of pop, rock, post-disco, funk, and R&B sounds. The album’s thematic diversity mirrors Jackson’s personal life, encompassing both paranoia and darkness. Featuring the renowned “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” the emotional depth of “Billie Jean,” and the iconic “Thriller,” the album is a treasure trove of classics. Notably, “The Girl Is Mine” introduced the first featured artist on a Michael Jackson album—Paul McCartney. Recording at Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, from April to November 1982, the album set new standards and became the best-selling album of all time, elevating Jackson to the “King of Pop” and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
7. Bad (1987)
“Bad,” the seventh studio album by Michael Jackson, was released on August 31, 1987, marking a five-year gap after the iconic “Thriller” (1982). This album continued Jackson’s trajectory of pushing musical boundaries. Known for its fusion of pop, rock, R&B, and funk elements, “Bad” showcased Jackson’s evolution as a performer and artist. The album features hits like the title track “Bad,” the infectious “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and the introspective “Man in the Mirror.” Collaborations, such as “Just Good Friends” with Stevie Wonder and “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” featuring Siedah Garrett, added diversity to the collection. The album’s success cemented Jackson’s status as a pop icon and showcased his ability to redefine popular music. “Bad” remains a key part of Jackson’s legacy, underscoring his contribution to shaping the music industry.
8. Dangerous (1991)
“Dangerous,” Michael Jackson’s eighth studio album, was unleashed on November 26, 1991, by Epic Records, marking a comeback more than four years after his previous album, “Bad” (1987). Helmed by renowned producers including Teddy Riley, Bruce Swedien, and Jackson himself, the album is a showcase of Jackson’s continued musical evolution. “Dangerous” blends genres seamlessly, including R&B, pop, funk, and rock, into a sound that is both edgy and groundbreaking. The album’s tracklist features collaborations with artists like Heavy D, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Wreckx-n-Effect, Slash, and Andraé Crouch. Hit singles such as “Black or White,” “Remember the Time,” and “In the Closet” highlight Jackson’s ability to craft both catchy and socially relevant songs. “Dangerous” is a testament to Jackson’s artistry and enduring impact on the music industry, continuing his legacy as the “King of Pop.”
9. HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
“HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I,” Michael Jackson’s ninth studio album, arrived on June 20, 1995, as a landmark release in his career. Split into two discs, the album comprises both a retrospective of his greatest hits and a collection of new material. The first disc features iconic tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Black or White,” “Bad,” and “Thriller,” encapsulating his past triumphs. The second disc, “HIStory Continues,” introduces new compositions. These include collaborations with artists like Janet Jackson and The Notorious B.I.G., alongside standout tracks such as “Scream,” “Earth Song,” and “You Are Not Alone.” Addressing themes like social issues, personal struggles, and love, the album captures Jackson’s evolution as an artist and his enduring impact on music. “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I” stands as a testament to his legacy as the “King of Pop.”
10. Invincible (2001)
“Invincible,” Michael Jackson’s tenth and final studio album, released on October 30, 2001, through Epic Records, encapsulates his evolving artistry. This album marked his last before his untimely passing in 2009. Featuring guest appearances by Carlos Santana, the Notorious B.I.G., and Slash, “Invincible” weaves a tapestry of R&B, pop, and soul, a signature of Jackson’s work. Echoing his previous albums, it delves into themes of love, romance, societal critique, and personal struggles.
From the spirited “Unbreakable” to the heartfelt “You Rock My World,” and the introspective “Butterflies,” the album demonstrates Jackson’s continued exploration of his unique sound. His songwriting and emotive delivery shine in tracks like “Speechless” and “Cry.” “Invincible” stands as a testament to Jackson’s enduring ability to captivate audiences with his distinctive blend of musicality and emotion. As his final studio effort, the album serves as a poignant closing chapter in his remarkable musical legacy.
How many albums does Michael Jackson have?
American singer Michael Jackson (1958–2009) released ten studio albums, five soundtrack albums, fifty-five compilation albums, ten video albums and seven remix albums.
List of Michael Jackson Albums in Order of Release Date
The List of List of Michael Jackson Albums in Order of Release Here!
Studio albums:
1. Got to Be There — January 24, 1972
2. Ben — August 4, 1972
3. Music & Me — April 13, 1973
4. Forever, Michael — January 16, 1975
5. Off the Wall — August 10, 1979
6. Thriller — November 30, 1982
7. Bad — August 31, 1987
8. Dangerous — November 26, 1991
9. HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I — June 20, 1995
10. Invincible — October 30, 2001
Solo Compilation Albums
1. The Best of Michael Jackson – August 28, 1975
2. Superstar – 1980
3. One Day in Your Life – March 25, 1981
4. Farewell My Summer Love – May 8, 1984
5. Ain’t No Sunshine – 1984
6. The Great Love Songs of Michael Jackson – 1984
7. Motown Classics – 1993
8. 12 Inch Mixes – June 30, 1998
9. Greatest Hits: HIStory, Volume I – November 13, 2001
10. Number Ones – November 18, 2003
11. The Ultimate Collection – November 17, 2004
12. Colour Collection – May 3, 2005
13. Best 1200 – June 27, 2005
14. The Essential Michael Jackson – July 19, 2005
15. King of Pop – August 22, 2008
16. Michael – December 10, 2010
17. The Indispensable Collection – June 21, 2013
18. The Ultimate Fan Extras Collection – June 24, 2013
18. Xscape – May 9, 2014
20. Scream – September 29, 2017
Compilation Albums with The Jackson 5 / The Jacksons
1. A Collection of Michael Jackson’s Oldies – December 8, 1972
2. Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 – 1983
3. 18 Greatest Hits – June 1983
4. 14 Greatest Hits – 1984
5. Looking Back to Yesterday – February 11, 1986
6. Anthology – November 14, 1986
7. Motown’s Greatest Hits – 1992
8. Soulsation! – June 27, 1995
9. The Best of Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5ive – 1997
10. The Very Best of Michael Jackson with The Jackson Five – 1999
11. Early Classics – December 28, 1999
12. Ripples and Waves: An Introduction to the Jackson 5 – July 3, 2000
13. 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Michael Jackson – 2000
14. Love Songs – January 15, 2002
15. The Jacksons Story – July 20, 2004
16. The Silver Collection – June 4, 2007
17. Gold – August 26, 2008
18. The Motown Years – September 6, 2008
19. The Definitive Collection – August 25, 2009
20. Pure Michael: Motown A Cappella – September 8, 2009
21. Best Selection – September 15, 2009
22. La Légende de la Pop – 2009
23. I Love MJ Forever – 2010
24. Mellow: Michael Jackson – June 14, 2011
Collaborative Compilation Albums (With Other Artists)
1. Their Very Best – Back to Back (with Diana Ross, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder) – 1986
2. Love Songs (with Diana Ross) – 1987
Soundtrack albums:
1. The Wiz — September 18, 1978
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial — November 15, 1982
3. Michael Jackson’s This Is It — October 26, 2009
4. Selections from Michael Jackson’s This Is It — October 26, 2009
5. Immortal — November 21, 2011
Remix albums:
1. The Michael Jackson — 1987
2. The Original Soul of Michael Jackson — October 1987
3. Dangerous – The Remix Collection — September 9, 1993
4. Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix — May 11, 1997
5. The Stripped Mixes — July 28, 2009
6. The Remix Suite — October 20, 2009
Reissues albums:
1. Music and Me —
2.Off the Wall – Special Edition — October 16, 2001
3. Thriller – Special Edition — October 16, 2001
4. Bad – Special Edition — October 16, 2001
5. Dangerous – Special Edition — October 16, 2001
6. Thriller – 25th Anniversary Edition — February 12, 2008
7. Bad – 25th Anniversary Edition — September 18, 2012
8. Thriller 40 — November 18, 2022
Box sets:
1. Visionary: The Video Singles — February 20, 2006
2. Thriller 25: Limited Japanese Single Collection — March 8, 2008
3. The Collection — June 29, 2009
4. Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection — September 1, 2009
Video albums:
1. Moonwalker — January 10, 1989
2. Dangerous: The Short Films — November 12, 1993
3. Video Greatest Hits – HIStory — June 9, 1995
4. HIStory on Film, Volume II — May 20, 1997
5. Video Greatest Hits – HIStory / HIStory on Film, Volume II — 1997
6. Number Ones — November 18, 2003
7. The One — March 9, 2004
8. Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour — July 26, 2005
9. Michael Jackson’s Vision — November 22, 2010
10. Live at Wembley July 16, 1988 — September 18, 2012
Conclusion:
Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is defined by his groundbreaking albums, which shaped the evolution of pop music. From his early solo works like Got to Be There and Ben to his record-breaking masterpieces Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous, each album showcased his artistic innovation and cultural impact. His final studio album, Invincible, marked the end of his legendary discography. Even posthumously, Michael and Xscape introduced new generations to his music. The influence of Michael Jackson’s albums in order highlights his unparalleled contributions to the industry, solidifying his status as the greatest entertainer in history. His music remains timeless and celebrated worldwide.
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