by Michael Jackson’s Uplifting Discography: A Guide to His Most Positive and Energetic Tracks
Michael Jackson is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of all time, known for his incredible dance moves, vocal talent, and iconic music videos. While many of his songs dealt with serious subjects like social issues and relationships, Jackson also created a wealth of upbeat, danceable tunes meant to get people moving and feeling good. His extensive discography includes many positive songs perfect for lifting one’s mood. Let’s take a deeper look at some of MJ’s most popular non-sad tracks.
Early Hits with the Jackson 5
Jackson got his start in the music industry as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, the family band created by his father Joe Jackson in the 1960s. Even at a young age, Michael displayed a natural talent for crafting catchy pop songs with positive messages. “ABC” from their 1970 album ABC/Jackson 5ive is a perfect example – the lyrics simply list the alphabet in a fun, sing-song way. With its infectious melody and Michael’s youthful vocals, “ABC” never fails to put a smile on one’s face.
Another signature early hit was “I Want You Back” from their 1969 debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. The song’s declaration of longing to win back a lost love has an underlying cheerfulness, driven by the group’s tight harmonies and rhythmic instrumentation. “I Want You Back” helped launch the Jackson 5 to superstardom and gets anyone dancing even after 50+ years.
The band scored several more number one hits in the early 70s with equally uplifting songs like “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.” But perhaps their most joyous track was 1970’s “Can You Feel It.” With lyrics about unity, love, and positive vibes, “Can You Feel It” delivers an infectious party vibe that’s impossible not to get swept up in. Its message of togetherness is as timely now as when it was released.
Solo Success with “Off the Wall” and “Thriller”
After leaving the Jackson 5 as a solo artist, Michael continued crafting dancefloor anthems. His 1979 album Off the Wall included the funky disco smash “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” With its four-on-the-floor beat and Michael’s passionate vocals, “Don’t Stop” is the ultimate song for losing yourself on the dancefloor.
Another Off the Wall standout was the romantic ballad “Rock With You.” While a slower number compared to “Don’t Stop,” “Rock With You” oozes with warmth, from its smooth bassline to Michael cooing about finding comfort in his lover’s arms. Its message of intimate connection has a beautiful positivity.
But it was Michael’s next album Thriller, released in 1982, that took his career to stratospheric new heights and solidified him as the King of Pop. Thriller contained not one but two of the most exuberant, danceable songs in his catalog – “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” “Billie Jean” in particular is a true party anthem, with its infectious bassline, handclaps, and Michael’s slick vocal delivery. Its insistence that “Billie Jean is not my lover” is delivered with such fun playfulness.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” is equally effervescent, opening Thriller with a call to cut loose on the dancefloor. Its West African influences give the song an infectious global flair. Both “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Startin'” never fail to get any listener up and moving, making Thriller the perfect album for any dance party or night out.
Another Thriller standout was the rock-infused “Beat It,” showcasing Michael’s incredible vocal range. While addressing the serious topic of gang violence, “Beat It” does so through the most rousing of rock anthems. Its iconic guitar riff and Michael’s soaring vocals deliver a message of empowerment through unity. “Beat It” proves that even when tackling difficult subjects, Michael found a way to lift spirits.
The Bad Era and Beyond
Michael’s 1987 album Bad took his artistry to new heights and contained several of his most energizing songs. None more so than the title track “Bad,” a true party starter from beginning to end. With its infectious bassline, handclaps, and Michael declaring “I’m bad, you know it baby,” “Bad” is the ultimate confidence boost and guaranteed to get any dancefloor moving.
The album also included the global smash “Smooth Criminal,” with its zero-gravity lean choreography and pulsing bassline. While addressing violence, “Smooth Criminal” does so through such a slick, stylized lens that it’s impossible not to get swept up in the dance. Both “Bad” and “Smooth Criminal” showed that even when tackling serious topics, Michael found a way to uplift through dance.
Michael continued spreading positive vibes on 1991’s “Black or White.” Beyond its groundbreaking music video, “Black or White” delivers an anthemic call for racial harmony through one of Michael’s most celebratory songs. Its pounding drums and chanting chorus make “Black or White” the perfect track for anytime people need uniting. Nearly thirty years later, its message rings as true as ever.
Later in his career, Michael revisited some of his most positive early works. His 1995 album HIStory featured a new version of “Can You Feel It” that retained all the song’s infectious energy while feeling fresh for a new generation. And his posthumous Xscape album included a reworked version of “Love Never Felt So Good” that was originally intended for Bad – its declaration of newfound passion lifts spirits as much now as when first recorded.
Michael’s Legacy of Positivity
While Michael tackled serious subjects throughout his career, he always did so through the most upbeat, danceable songs meant for bringing people together. Even when addressing gang violence, racism, or relationships, Michael found a way to spread messages of empowerment, unity, and love. His extensive discography is filled with anthems that have soundtracked celebrations, dance parties, and good times for generations.
From his early Jackson 5 hits still beloved today to genre-defining classics like “Billie Jean” and “Bad,” Michael Jackson crafted the most positive, energetic songs to lift people’s souls. Nearly fifteen years after his tragic passing, his music continues spreading joy and inspiring dance breaks whenever played. Michael’s legacy lives on not only through his incredible artistry but his ability to uplift spirits even in humanity’s darkest times. His discography stands as a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and get people simply feeling good.
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