The Jackson 5 were one of the most successful groups to ever grace the music industry.
They had over 30 hit songs released during their career, and each one was just as iconic as the last.
From “I Want You Back” to “ABC”, there’s no denying that this legendary group has left an indelible mark on history.
Here, I’ve compiled a list of my top 14 picks for the greatest Jackson 5 songs of all time.
These are my personal selections based on their impact, popularity, and overall sound quality.
Enjoy our list of the best Jackson 5 Songs!
1. “Dancing Machine”
“Dancing Machine” is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most iconic hits of The Jackson 5.
The infectious groove and catchy melody have made this track a dancefloor classic for decades.
The song puts Michael Jackson’s impressive vocal talents on full display, with his impassioned delivery of the lyrics about love, joy, and celebration.
His vocal dexterity is further emphasized by the backing vocals from his brothers, which create an energetic atmosphere that lifts up the whole song to a higher level.
The instrumental arrangement on “Dancing Machine” is also noteworthy, featuring a funky bassline, upbeat percussion, and bright horns that further emphasize the joyous feel of the track.
It’s no wonder why this song has been so popular among fans and DJs alike; it never fails to light up any dance floor!
The track stands as a testament to The Jackson 5’s ability to craft timeless tunes that continue to inspire people all around the world.
2. “Never Can Say Goodbye”
“Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson 5 is a timeless classic that has been covered by many different acts over the years.
It’s an upbeat, soulful tune with a catchy chorus and some truly memorable lyrics.
This song was released in 1971 and quickly became one of the group’s most popular hits.
The song was also featured on the group’s Greatest Hits album, making it one of their most beloved tracks ever.
The song captures the spirit of heartbreak perfectly as it tells a story of not being able to let go of someone even when they’re gone.
The vocals are powerful and emotive, backed up by lush instrumentation that gives it a powerful depth.
It’s no wonder this track has become so iconic over the years – it’s a perfect example of how captivating music can be when done right.
With its infectious beat and heartbreaking lyrics, “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson 5 is one of the greatest hits from their illustrious career.
3. “The Love You Save”
“The Love You Save” is a timeless classic from The Jackson 5.
The catchy chorus and playful instrumentals are sure to get you up on your feet and dancing.
Michael Jackson’s soulful voice captures the energy of this upbeat track perfectly, while his brothers provide the perfect backing vocal support.
The song has a bright, infectious energy that is impossible to resist and will stick in your head for days.
“The Love You Save” is an ode to young love, with lyrics that capture the innocence of young romance perfectly.
With its simple message of putting off temptation until it’s the right time, this tune is as relevant today as it was when first released almost 50 years ago.
A celebration of young love in all its glory, “The Love You Save” deserves its place among the greatest hits of all time!
4. “Can You Feel It”
The legendary Jackson 5 was one of the most successful Motown groups of all time, and their songs are still beloved by millions.
One of the group’s signature hits is “Can You Feel It”, a joyous, uplifting anthem that has been covered numerous times since its release in 1976.
With its simple yet powerful hook and irresistibly danceable beat, it’s easy to understand why this song continues to be so popular.
This is followed by an infectious chorus where each member of the group contributes their vocal talents to create a unique sound.
The lyrics are simple yet profound and speak to our shared humanity – perfect for singing along at concerts or just dancing around your living room.
The production is classic Motown with plenty of horns, strings, and percussion instruments creating an energetic and joyous atmosphere.
This timeless classic from The Jackson 5 can transport us back to a time when music was more innocent and carefree.
“Can You Feel It” will surely be remembered as one of the greatest hits from this era, and it’s no wonder that it’s still beloved by fans today.
5. “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)”
One of the best Jackson 5 songs of all time is the classic, “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”.
This disco-inspired track, released in 1978, has an infectious groove and an irresistible chorus that will have you dancing in no time.
The vocals are smooth and soulful, yet powerful enough to keep you moving.
Michael Jackson’s unique vocal style elevates this song to legendary status.
He sings with a youthful energy and joy that is contagious and uplifting.
The tight harmonies between him and his brothers add a layer of funkiness that can’t be denied.
The production of “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” is top-notch, incorporating elements of funk, soul, disco, and pop into one perfect package.
The synthesizers provide a futuristic sound while the bassline keeps your feet firmly planted on the dance floor.
It’s easy to see why this song became a hit; it captures the essence of what makes music great – its ability to make us feel alive and connected with each other through its power to move our bodies and souls.
The Jackson 5 created something special with this tune – it’s no wonder it has become one of their greatest hits!
6. “I Want You Back”
It’s hard to deny the classic status of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back”.
The song is an enduring pop masterpiece that has captivated generations since its release in 1969.
From the instantly recognizable opening chord, listeners are taken on a joyous journey through the Motown sound, as Michael Jackson and his brothers belted out a heartfelt plea for a lost love.
The production of “I Want You Back” is impeccable, with lead vocals from Michael and backing harmonies from Jermaine and Tito underpinning the track with tight vocal arrangements.
The instrumentation is also timeless, with a simple yet effective guitar riff driving the main rhythm section, while the strings add an extra layer of depth to the proceedings.
Combined with an infectious chorus and irresistible hooks, it’s no wonder why “I Want You Back” remains one of the most beloved songs in pop music history.
7. “ABC”
The Jackson 5’s iconic hit, “I Want You Back”, is truly a timeless classic.
The combination of Michael Jackson’s powerful vocals and the rest of the band’s exciting instrumental performance has made this song a staple of the Motown era.
But another great hit by The Jackson 5 is “ABC”.
This track seamlessly blends soulful vocal harmonies with funk-inspired beats, making it an infectious and danceable tune.
The song carries a carefree spirit, inviting listeners to join in on its joyful melody.
The verses are also full of clever wordplay and clever rhymes that make for an entertaining listening experience.
All in all, “ABC” is a fun, upbeat track that perfectly captures The Jackson 5’s charm and energy.
8. “I’ll Be There”
“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5 is an iconic song that has stood the test of time since its initial release in 1970.
It is a song of strength, joy, and resilience, with a catchy melody and uplifting lyrics that no one can deny.
The track’s driving bass line, jubilant background vocals, and lead singer Michael Jackson’s powerful vocal performance all come together to create a timeless classic.
This captures the spirit of the entire song – it encourages listeners to rely on their faith when times are tough.
Overall, this track serves both as an anthem for enduring optimism and as an example of some of the best music The Jackson 5 has ever produced.
9. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
The Jackson 5’s classic hit “I’ll Be There” is a timeless reminder of the group’s remarkable talent.
From its groovy bassline to its memorable chorus, it remains one of the most beloved songs in pop music history.
But another track from their discography also stands out for its undeniable charm: “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”.
This festive tune captures the joy and excitement of the holiday season with its cheerful melody and upbeat tempo.
The song starts with a jubilant introduction before launching into an infectious hook that will have you singing along in no time.
Michael Jackson’s soulful vocals add a warm layer to this classic Christmas carol, making it an essential part of any holiday playlist.
Whether you’re having a family gathering or just want something to get you in the spirit, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is sure to do the trick.
It’s no wonder why this song has become such an iconic part of pop culture—it’s simply irresistible!
10. “Maybe Tomorrow”
“Maybe Tomorrow” is an iconic track from The Jackson 5, and it stands the test of time as one of their greatest hits.
It’s a soulful, upbeat number that showcases the group’s incredible vocal harmonies and Michael Jackson’s prodigious songwriting talents.
The song is a perfect example of why The Jackson 5 was such a formidable force in pop music; its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics make it easy to sing along to.
The track has been covered numerous times over the years, but none have come close to matching the sheer energy and enthusiasm of The Jackson 5’s original version.
It’s a timeless classic that should be remembered for generations to come.
With its soaring chorus and infectious groove, “Maybe Tomorrow” can be enjoyed by people of all ages and musical tastes.
Its legacy will live on for many years to come, solidifying its place among The Jackson 5’s best work.
11. “Oh, How Happy”
Moving from the upbeat and joyful sounds of “Maybe Tomorrow”, we come to “Oh, How Happy”.
This song is a great choice for those looking for an uplifting and joyous tune.
With its catchy chorus and soulful verses, it’s easy to see why this has become one of The Jackson 5’s most popular songs.
The lyrics of “Oh, How Happy” are full of optimism and affirmations of joy.
The song speaks about how much better life can be when surrounded by friends and family.
The lighthearted and positive vibes make it hard not to move your feet along with the beat.
The cheerful instrumentation also helps to create a timeless atmosphere that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
In short, this is a classic Jackson 5 track that will bring smiles to any listener.
12. “Who’s Loving You”
“Who’s Loving You” by Jackson 5 is a classic soul ballad that has been captivating listeners since its release in 1969.
It has since been covered numerous times, but The Jackson 5’s version remains the definitive recording.
The uplifting melody of this song creates a feeling of nostalgia and love for days gone by.
Michael Jackson’s soulful lead vocals are backed up by his brothers’ powerful harmonies which give the track an added layer of emotion.
The song also features some impressive guitar work from Tito Jackson which helps to drive it forward to its triumphant conclusion.
The combination of these elements makes for a truly timeless piece of music that will always be remembered as one of the greatest songs ever recorded by The Jackson 5.
13. “Whatever You Got, I Want”
The Jackson 5 was a groundbreaking band, and their contributions to music are still celebrated today.
One of their best hits is the song, “Whatever You Got, I Want”.
This song was released in 1974 as part of the album Dancing Machine.
It showcases the vocal talents of lead singer Michael Jackson and his brothers, with each member providing an infectious energy that is sure to have you singing along in no time.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful and draw on themes such as love and longing.
The sound of this classic hit is warm and inviting, thanks to its soulful horns and playful guitar riffs.
The Jackson 5 also blends a variety of musical styles in this track, including rock, funk, soul, and R&B.
This combination of sounds gives it a unique flavor that can’t be found elsewhere.
The melodic chorus will stay with you long after the song has ended – it’s truly a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today.
To experience the magic of “Whatever You Got, I Want” for yourself is an absolute must for any fan of music!
14. “How Funky Is Your Chicken”
Jackson 5 had a knack for getting people out of their seats and grooving to the beat.
Their 1970s funk-inspired hits are some of the most recognizable songs in history and have been cherished by generations.
From “I Want You Back” to “ABC”, The Jackson 5 brought a unique flavor to popular music that has lasted decades.
The band’s most well-known funk track, “How Funky is Your Chicken”, is an up-tempo jam that’s perfect for any party.
The song features brassy horns, driving bass lines, and Michael Jackson’s signature falsetto vocals, creating a sound that never gets old.
The lyrics about living the good life make it the ideal soundtrack for nights out on the town or summer barbecues with friends.
Even after all these years, this song continues to bring joy and energy to any room it plays in.
In short, “How Funky is Your Chicken” is a timeless classic from one of the greatest bands of all time.
Best The Jackson 5 Songs – Final Thoughts
Overall, The Jackson 5 has produced some of the greatest hits in music history.
Their timeless sound and catchy melodies will continue to influence generations to come.
From “Dancing Machine” to “Who’s Loving You”, their songs are sure to get you up and dancing!
The Jackson 5 have truly created a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Their music is an iconic part of American pop culture, and I’m sure they’ll continue to bring joy to us all for many years to come.
As one of the most successful bands of all time, it’s no wonder that The Jackson 5 remain such an integral part of the music industry today.
I can’t help but smile every time I hear one of their classic tunes!
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