Michael Jackson: video tribute
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.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
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
Man In The Mirror
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
Billie Jean
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
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The Jackson 5 - Medley
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
Human Nature (live)
There are many great songs in this world, but there are only a few that, every time I hear them, make my body chemistry change in ways I don't fully understand. This is one of them. Talk about a chorus that just makes your throat full and your eyes mist up. It's sweet but not sticky. It does what only a masterpiece can do: it transports you to a magical place all your own. Joe Bosso
Read star tributes to Michael Jackson
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