Michael Jackson: His 20 Best Tracks

4. Smooth Criminal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_D3VFfhvs4 Album: Bad The birth of that trademark fedora and the anti-gravity lean, "Smooth Criminal" was a standout piece to come from Bad and cements itself as an amazing Michael Jackson track. With a fast beat combining with catchy lyrics and a dance feel, "Smooth Criminal" was an outstanding song and is now associated as one of MJ's most loved songs. Like "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal" is mainly remembered for its original music video. The setting 1930's, MJ as a gangsta with an amazing dance sequence, delivered as expected, a trademark song from the King of Pop. It is still ranked highly among the majority of Michael Jackson fans and will continue to do so, as over time it seems to just get better.

3. Beat It

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdxUFDoQe0 Album: Thriller One of the greatest rock songs of all time, "Beat It" had something about it that made it an all-time classic. Up until the point of "Beat It", MJ never really explored the range of rock, sticking to what he has already made in R&B and Pop. Producer Quincy Jones encouraged Jackson to write a rock track to gain a wider range of fans. Proving to be a masterstroke with the result being "Beat It". Following "The Girl Is Mine", "Beat It" was the second track to be released as a single for the Thriller album. It sold a lot of copies and reached Platinum status in the US. As per usual, a great music video came from it culminating with an amazing dance sequence. Not to mention Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo, the song could not have been more perfect. Again showcasing Jackson at his highest point, "Beat It" stood up as a fantastic addition to Jackson's back catalogue. One that was to feature on all of his tours and to the day remains one of his most strong and well-remembered songs.