Michael Jackson Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Michael Jackson. The name itself echoes through music history.
Attempting to rank his studio albums is a monumental task, as each one represents a distinct era of innovation and global impact. His discography is legendary.
Today, we're diving into Michael Jackson albums ranked, looking first at how the fans themselves feel. We'll explore which releases resonate most deeply within the community.
Later, we'll see how these iconic albums stack up based on current popularity data, giving us another angle on what many consider the best Michael Jackson albums.
Ranking Michael Jackson's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. Thriller (1982)
Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, Thriller, released in 1982, redefined pop music.
It was a masterful blend of pop, post-disco, rock, funk, and R&B, crafted with producer Quincy Jones.
Jackson's goal was an album where "every song was a killer," and he achieved it. Thriller became his first number-one album on the US Billboard chart, spending a record 37 non-consecutive weeks at the top.
Seven singles, including "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," reached the top 10. The album's revolutionary music videos transformed the medium into an art form.
Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, a cultural phenomenon that broke racial barriers and won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards.
Key tracks:
- Billie Jean
- Beat It
It's no surprise that Thriller overwhelmingly tops our fan-ranked list. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it's a global cultural cornerstone.
Its unparalleled success and timeless appeal continue to captivate new generations of listeners, cementing its legendary status in countless fan discussions.
2. Bad (1987)
Michael Jackson's seventh studio album, Bad, arrived on August 31, 1987. It was his powerful third and final collaboration with legendary producer Quincy Jones.
Jackson co-produced and impressively composed all but two of the album's tracks.
Bad presented a noticeably more aggressive sound. This was a clear departure from his earlier signature groove-based style. The album masterfully blended pop, dance, and R&B. It also wove in strong elements of funk, soul, jazz, rock, and even hard rock.
Lyrically, Bad explored themes of self-improvement, romance, media bias, and paranoia.
The album was a monumental commercial success. It produced a record-breaking five US number-one singles. Bad also became the best-selling album globally for both 1987 and 1988. It has sold over 35 million copies worldwide.
Key tracks:
- The Way You Make Me Feel
- Smooth Criminal
Bad triumphantly claims the second spot in our fan-driven ranking. It's an album deeply cherished by Michael Jackson's devoted fanbase.
It powerfully demonstrated his ability to follow an unprecedented global smash with another collection of iconic, culture-defining music.
3. Off the Wall (1979)
Off the Wall, released in 1979, was Michael Jackson's fifth studio album and his first with Epic Records.
This marked his first collaboration with producer Quincy Jones, a partnership that would define pop music.
The album skillfully blended disco, pop, funk, R&B, and soft rock, showcasing Jackson's evolving artistry and desire for creative freedom.
It was a massive critical and commercial success, yielding two number-one singles, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You." Jackson became the first solo artist to have four top 10 singles from one album.
Off the Wall is celebrated as a landmark release of the disco era and a major breakthrough for Jackson, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
Key tracks:
- Rock with You
- Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Landing at number three, Off the Wall holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It's often seen as the true beginning of Michael Jackson's solo superstardom.
Its smooth, joyful sound and undeniable grooves are frequently cited as reasons for its timeless appeal and significant fan appreciation.
4. Dangerous (1991)
Michael Jackson's eighth studio album, Dangerous, arrived in 1991, four years after Bad.
Co-produced by Jackson with Bill Bottrell, Teddy Riley, and Bruce Swedien, it marked his first album without Quincy Jones since his early Motown solo work.
Dangerous incorporated the popular new jack swing sound, alongside R&B, pop, funk, and industrial elements. It featured more socially conscious material and a grittier, urban tone.
The album debuted at number one, becoming the best-selling album worldwide of 1992 and producing hits like "Black or White" and "Remember the Time."
Key tracks:
- Remember the Time
- Black or White
Dangerous secures the fourth position in our fan ranking, recognized for its bold evolution in sound and style. Fans often praise its innovative production and thematic depth.
The album's embrace of new jack swing and its more mature lyrical content are frequently highlighted as reasons for its strong standing.
5. Invincible (2001)
Released in 2001, Invincible was Michael Jackson's tenth and final studio album released during his lifetime.
The creation was extensive and costly, reportedly $30 million, involving numerous producers and musicians. It explored R&B, pop, electronic, and soul, with themes of love, isolation, and media criticism.
Invincible debuted at number one in the US and thirteen other countries. Its lead single, "You Rock My World," was Jackson's final Hot 100 top-ten hit.
While initial critical reception was mixed, retrospective reviews have often been more positive, praising its musicality. Despite disputes with Sony Music, it sold over 8 million copies globally.
Key tracks:
- Heaven Can Wait
- You Rock My World
At number five, Invincible represents a later chapter in Jackson's career. Fans often appreciate its sophisticated production and vocal performances.
Though sometimes debated, its dedicated fanbase values the album for its modern R&B sound and Jackson's continued artistic exploration.
6. Ben (1972)
Ben, Michael Jackson's second solo album, was released in August 1972 while he was still a member of the Jackson 5.
The album received mixed reviews from critics at the time. However, it performed better on the charts than his debut, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in the US.
Its title track, "Ben," was a major commercial success. The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Jackson his first number-one solo single domestically and internationally.
Key tracks:
- Ben
- My Girl
Ranked sixth by fans, Ben is cherished for its glimpse into the young Michael Jackson's burgeoning solo talent. The title track remains a beloved classic.
Fans often express affection for the innocence and emerging vocal prowess displayed on this early Motown-era release.
7. Got To Be There (1972)
Got To Be There marked Michael Jackson's debut as a solo artist, released by Motown in January 1972.
This album launched his individual career while he was still a dominant force with The Jackson 5. It featured the hit title track, "Got To Be There."
The album achieved Gold certification in the US, signifying over 500,000 copies sold. It was later reissued in the 2009 compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.
Key tracks:
- Rockin' Robin
- I Wanna Be Where You Are
Holding the seventh spot, Got To Be There is valued by fans as the true starting point of Michael Jackson's incredible solo journey.
Its youthful energy and the early display of his unique vocal talent endear it to those who follow his entire career arc.
8. Music & Me (1973)
Music & Me is Michael Jackson's third solo studio album, released on the Motown label in April 1973.
The album was arranged by several notable figures including Dave Blumberg and Freddie Perren.
It is often cited as Jackson's lowest-selling album from his Motown solo period. In 2009, Music & Me was reissued as part of the three-disc compilation Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection.
Key tracks:
- Music And Me
- With A Child's Heart
Positioned at number eight, Music & Me is often considered a deeper cut in Michael Jackson's discography. Fans who appreciate his early solo work find charm in its youthful sound.
It represents a specific moment in his Motown years, capturing his developing voice and artistry before his later global superstardom.
9. Forever, Michael (1975)
Forever, Michael, released in January 1975, was Michael Jackson's fourth solo studio album with Motown Records.
This album featured a blend of funk and soul material, showcasing a maturing sound for the young artist. Production duties were handled by figures like Eddie Holland, Brian Holland, and Hal Davis.
It was his final solo album with Motown before his breakthrough success with Off the Wall on Epic Records. Forever, Michael has sold around 1 million copies worldwide.
While not a major commercial success globally at the time, it received generally positive reviews and its tracks like "One Day in Your Life" later found success.
Key tracks:
- One Day In Your Life
- We're Almost There
Coming in at ninth place, Forever, Michael is viewed by many fans as a significant transitional album. It marks the end of his initial Motown solo era.
Listeners often appreciate the smoother soul sound emerging on this record, hinting at the artistic direction he would later master.
10. XSCAPE (2014)
XSCAPE is a posthumous album by Michael Jackson, released in May 2014.
L.A. Reid curated the project, enlisting producers like Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins to "contemporize" eight previously unreleased tracks recorded between 1980 and 1999.
The lead single, "Love Never Felt So Good," which featured a version with Justin Timberlake, became a top ten hit. The album was a global success, debuting at number two in the US and number one in the UK.
XSCAPE received generally positive reviews and was promoted with innovative techniques, including a Pepper's ghost performance at the Billboard Music Awards.
Key tracks:
- Chicago
- Love Never Felt So Good
Ranked tenth, the posthumous album XSCAPE is generally well-regarded by fans who appreciate the effort to present unreleased material respectfully.
Many fans enjoyed hearing Jackson's vocals on new productions, and "Love Never Felt So Good" was a particular highlight for its classic feel.
11. Michael (2010)
Michael, released in December 2010, was the first posthumous album of all-new material from Michael Jackson.
The album featured guest appearances by Akon and Lenny Kravitz, with production from various figures including Teddy Riley and Neff-U.
It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. However, the album was met with mixed reviews and controversy surrounding the authenticity of Jackson's vocals on three tracks.
These disputed tracks were later removed from a 2022 reissue of the album.
Key tracks:
- Hold My Hand (with Akon)
- Hollywood Tonight
At number eleven, the album Michael often sparks debate among fans. The controversy surrounding some tracks undoubtedly influenced its reception.
However, some fans appreciate certain songs and the effort to share more of Jackson's unreleased work, even if the project as a whole is viewed with mixed feelings.
Picked your top Michael Jackson classic? Check out Michael Jackson's discography on his Roll The Record Artist hub.
Michael Jackson albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Michael Jackson's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thriller | 1982 |
| 2 | Off the Wall | 1979 |
| 3 | Bad | 1987 |
| 4 | Dangerous | 1991 |
| 5 | XSCAPE | 2014 |
| 6 | Invincible | 2001 |
| 7 | Michael | 2010 |
| 8 | Ben | 1972 |
| 9 | Got To Be There | 1972 |
| 10 | Forever Michael | 1975 |
| 11 | Music & Me | 1973 |
Quick FAQs about Michael Jackson's albums
Q: What made Michael Jackson's album Thriller so revolutionary?
A: Thriller's unique sound came from its bold mix of pop, post-disco, rock, funk, and R&B. Producer Quincy Jones and Jackson aimed for "every song to be a killer," resulting in an album with darker themes and groundbreaking appeal.
Q: How did music videos impact the success of Thriller?
A: The music videos for "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the iconic "Thriller" were transformative. They elevated music videos to a serious art form and significantly boosted album sales, contributing to its unprecedented success.
So there you have it – a look at Michael Jackson's albums ranked.
We've journeyed through fan favorites and peeked at current popularity data.
Ultimately, the "best" Michael Jackson album is deeply personal. It's often tied to the memories and feelings these timeless songs evoke in each of us.
Each record is a chapter in an unparalleled musical story. What does your personal ranking of Michael Jackson's albums look like? Which one holds the top spot for you, and why?