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MusicRadar's pick of his finest songs
The MusicRadar Team, Fri 26 Jun 2009, 2:45 pm UTC
Farewell, Michael Jackson.
In the coming days - weeks, or months even - all talk will be of his eccentricity, money troubles, general strangeness and his never-ending legal battles.
Sadly, that may eclipse Michael Jackson's undoubted musical talent. The self-styled 'King Of Pop' may have not reigned for quite a few years, but his premature death won't take the shine off his greatest work.
Here are MusicRadar's favourite Michael Jackson tracks. Remember him this way.
Off The Wall was a highpoint of post-disco pop. Quincy Jones applied a deft lightness to the production, and the then-20-year-old Jackson showed what talent he truly had as a young man. Cheesy? No, this is classic pop music. Watch here. Michael Leonard
Mirror? Check. Hairbrush mic? Check. Man? No. I was 5-years-old. Regardless, Bad was one of the first albums I ever owned (on cassette, no less) and this tune, above any, has stood the test of time. Why? Because it still makes me want to dance around in front of the mirror wearing Bart Simpson pants. Tom Porter
If you'd ever need just one example of Michael Jackson's unparalleled pop-writing ability then this is surely the track. Billie Jean - written solely by MJ - has everything: the groove and riff are filthy; the hooks stick to you for days; the lyrics tell a tale of genuine intrigue - and the Verse-Bridge-Chorus progression is the best I've ever heard.Chris Wickett
Dancing. Threads. Soul. Boots. Funk. Screams. Spins. Hair. Miles and miles of smiles... Every era in Michael Jackson's career has given up some moments of pure brilliance – I'm no snob, this Janet Jackson fan could watch Scream forever and a week – but I'll always, always go for the Jackson 5 with the contrast way up high on a dodgy '70s variety show. Just look at him. Pure sunshine. Mike Goldsmith
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