Beyond the Hits: 10 Underrated Michael Jackson Songs Worth Rediscovering

Michael Jackson is renowned as one of the greatest entertainers of all time with hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller” cementing his status as the King of Pop. However, with his iconic albums selling over 350 million copies worldwide, it’s easy for some of Jackson’s deeper cuts to get lost in the shuffle of his massive commercial success. While fans know all the words to “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Man in the Mirror,” there are a number of lesser-known Michael Jackson songs that are equally worthy of praise. Here are 10 underrated MJ tracks that deserve to be rediscovered and added to your playlists.

Opening Jackson’s groundbreaking 1979 album “Off the Wall,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” set the tone for the new disco-influenced direction he was taking. With its upbeat tempo, infectious melodies, and Michael’s incredible vocals, the track demonstrated his transition into a mature adult performer. The song’s lyrics celebrate the euphoria of new love in a playful yet sensual manner. However, “The Way You Make Me Feel” received less attention than album cuts like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” Over 40 years later, it remains one of the highlights of “Off the Wall” and a showcase of Jackson’s talent for craft-pop songwriting and dancefloor-friendly sounds.

Baby Be Mine (Thriller, 1982)

Buried as the eighth track on the best-selling album of all time, “Thriller,” “Baby Be Mine” is a criminally underrated gem. With its dark, funky groove highlighted by pulsating bassline and ominous synth sounds, the song was a departure from the brighter pop/rock tracks that dominated the record. Lyrically, Jackson expresses his desire for a committed romance while battling inner demons of jealousy and obsession. Musically adventurous with an edge rarely seen elsewhere in his catalog, “Baby Be Mine” proved Michael Jackson was not afraid to take creative risks even on his most commercially-driven projects. Its exclusion from Thriller singles like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” remains a mystery as it would have been a radio staple in any other year.

Threatened (Bad, 1987)

The lead single from Jackson’s 1987 “Bad” album, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” set a precedent for the dance-pop sound dominating the late 80s. However, buried as the album’s 11th track was the brooding “Threatened,” a song that took Jackson’s music in a far darker direction. With its minor-key melody and ominous lyrics exploring themes of paranoia, distrust, and isolation, “Threatened” was a jarring left-turn amidst the bubblegum pop of “Bad.” Stripped of vocals until the climactic final chorus, the track relied solely on atmosphere to unsettle the listener. A risky choice for a major pop star at the time, “Threatened” showed Michael Jackson was not afraid to challenge audiences by subverting expectations of what a hit single should sound and feel like.

In the Closet (Dangerous, 1991)

The lead single from Jackson’s 1991 “Dangerous” album, “Jam” rightly earned massive success for its New Jack Swing style and party anthem vibe. However, buried as the sixth track was the playfully sensual “In the Closet” featuring a memorable rap by Teddy Riley. Sampling Prince’s “Jack U Off,” the song was a bold dance track exploring sexuality through metaphoric lyrics and infectious groove. While controversial at the time for its themes, “In the Closet” has endured and its play on closets as a symbol of one’s hidden desires was ahead of its time. With its catchy melody and Jackson’s breathy vocals, the track deserved to be a major single and further demonstrated his talent for crossing genres long before it was commonplace.

D.S. (Dangerous, 1991)

Clocking in at just over two minutes, the punchy “D.S.” found Jackson tackling weighty social issues in a compact format. Opening with the sound of gunshots, the track told a story of poverty and gang violence through its lyrics while also calling for an end to such destructive cycles. One of the most raw and uncompromising songs of Jackson’s catalog, “D.S.” proved his willingness to use his massive platform to spread important messages despite potential commercial consequences. Its brief runtime belied a powerful message that has sadly remained as timely today as it was in 1991. A bold artistic choice, “D.S.” showed one of the earliest examples of Jackson’s ability to seamlessly blend social consciousness into his music.

Give In to Me (Dangerous, 1991)

While the infectious “Remember the Time” rightly took off from “Dangerous,” the tribal-tinged “Give In to Me” was equally deserving of mainstream success. Opening with chanting vocals and percussion, the track transported the listener to a ceremonial atmosphere before Jackson’s vocals slid in over the pulsating rhythm. A clear predecessor to his later hits “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Stranger in Moscow” featuring similar global instrumentation, “Give In to Me” proved Michael Jackson was always on the cutting edge of fusing various world music styles into popular formats. Hypnotic and danceable, the song deserved to be lifted as a single from the acclaimed “Dangerous” album and further highlighted Jackson’s innovation through incorporation of international sounds.

They Don’t Care About Us (HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, 1995)

Penned while Jackson was addressing allegations of child molestation, “They Don’t Care About Us” was one of his most politically and socially conscious songs. Opening with a spoken word introduction in Spanish, the track decried racism, oppression and police brutality through its lyrics. Backed by infectious Brazilian-style percussion, the song transformed pain and frustration into an anthemic rallying cry. Banned in many countries for its message, “They Don’t Care About Us” demonstrated Jackson’s lifelong commitment to giving voice to the voiceless and shining light on injustice through his platform. A massively important song in his catalog that proved even in his personal darkest hours, Michael Jackson did not forget about the real issues impacting society.

Stranger in Moscow (HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, 1995)

A stark contrast to the defiant energy of “They Don’t Care About Us,” “Stranger in Moscow” found Jackson in a vulnerable place as he processed his global fame and personal turmoil. Over minimal piano, the song explored themes of loneliness, isolation and feeling disconnected even in a crowded city. Showcasing the raw emotion in Jackson’s voice that made him one of history’s greatest vocalists, “Stranger in Moscow” proved he was not afraid to lay his soul bare for all to see and hear. Genuine in its melancholy yet beautiful in its melody, the track highlighted Jackson’s ability to embrace a wide array of moods and subjects through his music. An understated gem in his catalog that deserves recognition as one of his most heartfelt performances.

Chicago (Invincible, 2001)

As Jackson’s final studio album before his untimely death, “Invincible” received criticism upon its 2001 release for attempting to appeal to too wide an audience. However, the smooth jazz-flavored “Chicago” proved the album was far from a commercial misstep. Paying tribute to his hometown of Gary, Indiana and love of all things Windy City, the soulful track showcased Michael’s raw vocal talents and adept musicality. A mature love song delivered with sincerity, “Chicago” found the artist comfortable exploring new musical avenues as he entered his fifth decade. Overlooked due to labels trying to recreate past glories, the song demonstrated Jackson still had plenty to offer fans willing to embrace new artistic phases.

This Is It (This Is It, 2009)

Released as part of the soundtrack for the documentary of the same name focused on Jackson’s planned comeback concerts, “This Is It” brought listeners full circle in his journey. A tender ballad expressing his desire to perform and reconnect with fans, the song took on an entirely new poignancy following Jackson’s tragic death prior to the shows. His vulnerable yet hopeful vocals were a fitting coda to an iconic career that left the world wanting more. While not technically “underrated” due to its context, “This Is It” proved even in his final days, Michael Jackson was dedicated to perfecting his art and using music as a vessel to heal divided communities. A beautiful tribute to the King of Pop’s enduring gifts.

In closing, while Michael Jackson’s massive commercial success is rightfully celebrated, it should not overshadow some of the riskier and more introspective songs in his catalog. From funky deep cuts to emotional ballads to socially conscious anthems, these 10 underrated tracks offer a glimpse into the full artistic range and visionary talents that made Jackson one of the most influential pop stars of all time. Rediscovering songs like “Baby Be Mine,” “Threatened,” and “Stranger in Moscow” provides an opportunity to uncover