The King Still Rules: 15 Michael Jackson Songs That Are Breaking Records In 2025 (Plus The New Unreleased Album)

Michael Jackson’s musical legacy remains a dominant force in the global entertainment industry, not just as a historical figure, but as a current, record-breaking artist. As of December 2025, the King of Pop continues to generate massive headlines, driven by unprecedented streaming numbers, major financial milestones, and the thrilling prospect of new music. This enduring popularity proves that his catalog of songs is truly timeless, transcending generations and technological shifts. The excitement is building around the announcement of a new, curated collection of unreleased tracks expected to drop in 2025, a project that has fans and music critics buzzing worldwide. This article dives deep into the songs—both the legendary hits and the mysterious new material—that confirm Michael Jackson’s status as the most powerful presence in pop culture, even decades after his passing.

Michael Joseph Jackson: A Biographical Profile

Michael Joseph Jackson, universally known as the "King of Pop," remains one of the most successful and influential recording artists in history. His career spanned four decades, from his start as a child star in The Jackson 5 to his reign as a global solo phenomenon.

• Born: August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, U.S.
• Died: June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (Cause of Death: Acute Propofol and Benzodiazepine Intoxication)
• Nickname: The King of Pop (often abbreviated as MJ).
• Genres: Pop, R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Rock.
• Key Solo Albums: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), Invincible (2001).
• Career Milestones: Revolutionizing the music video format, popularizing the Moonwalk dance, and holding numerous Guinness World Records for sales and philanthropy.

The New Wave: Unreleased Tracks and the Anticipated 2025 Album

In a testament to his prolific creativity, Michael Jackson's estate, in collaboration with Sony Music, is preparing to unveil a carefully curated collection of unreleased songs in an upcoming 2025 album. This news is the freshest update for fans globally, offering a glimpse into his vast, archived musical vault.

The Discovery of Hidden Gems

The upcoming album is rumored to contain tracks that span various eras of his career, with some material dating back to the legendary sessions for the Thriller album. The excitement intensified with reports of unreleased songs and conversations between Jackson and collaborators being discovered in abandoned storage units, hinting at an even deeper dive into his creative process.

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While the final tracklist for the 2025 release is still under wraps, the existence of a massive catalog of finished and unfinished work ensures the King of Pop's voice will continue to be heard. The following are some of the most famous unreleased tracks that have been the subject of fan speculation for years, some of which may finally see the light of day:

• "Don't Talk Behind My Back": A confirmed unreleased song that has been discussed among fans for years.
• "Don't Be Messin' 'Round": A track recorded during the Thriller sessions, showcasing his early-80s sound.
• "Hot Street": Another high-energy track from the Thriller era that almost made the final cut.
• "Carousel" & "Behind the Mask": Songs that were considered for major albums but ultimately held back, demonstrating Jackson's rigorous selection process.

The Timeless Hits: Songs That Still Break Records in 2025

Decades after their release, Michael Jackson's biggest hits are not just nostalgic relics; they are actively shattering modern streaming and chart records. This continued commercial success is why he topped Forbes' 2025 list of highest-paid dead celebrities, proving his music's enduring financial and cultural power.

Unprecedented Chart Milestones

New generations are constantly discovering his catalog, driving incredible milestones. For example, his compilation album, The Essential Michael Jackson, has recently spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, a feat achieved by very few artists, living or deceased.

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Here are 15 of Michael Jackson's most influential songs that continue to dominate playlists and define the pop music landscape:

1. "Billie Jean" (1982): Often cited as his biggest hit, this song was instrumental in breaking racial barriers on MTV and remains a powerhouse on streaming platforms.
2. "Thriller" (1982): The title track of the best-selling album of all time, the iconic music video revolutionized the industry, turning short films into a promotional necessity.
3. "Smooth Criminal" (1987): Known for its complex choreography and the famous "anti-gravity lean," a testament to his innovation in performance.
4. "Beat It" (1982): A groundbreaking fusion of pop, R&B, and rock, featuring a famous guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.
5. "Man in the Mirror" (1987): A powerful anthem of social change and introspection, consistently ranked among his most inspirational tracks.
6. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (1979): The song that launched his solo career and defined the post-disco era.
7. "Rock With You" (1979): A smooth, sophisticated track from the Off the Wall album, showcasing his vocal prowess.
8. "Bad" (1987): The title track from the album that produced five chart-topping singles, featuring a cinematic short film directed by Martin Scorsese.
9. "The Way You Make Me Feel" (1987): A staple of his live performances, celebrated for its infectious groove.
10. "Dirty Diana" (1987): A hard-rocking track that proved his versatility across genres.
11. "Black or White" (1991): A message of racial harmony, famous for its pioneering use of "morphing" technology in its music video.
12. "Remember the Time" (1992): A New Jack Swing hit produced by Teddy Riley, featuring a lavish Egyptian-themed music video.
13. "Earth Song" (1995): A powerful, operatic plea for environmental and animal welfare.
14. "You Are Not Alone" (1995): The first song in history to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
15. "Scream" (1995): A duet with his sister Janet Jackson, holding the record for the most expensive music video ever made at the time.

The Architects of Sound: Collaborators and Influence

Michael Jackson’s songs were not just hits; they were cultural events, a result of his genius combined with the best talent in the music industry. His collaborations and production choices cemented his topical authority in the pop genre.

Key Producers and Creative Partners

The sound of Michael Jackson’s most successful era is inextricably linked to legendary record producer Quincy Jones. Jones produced the monumental albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, shaping the sophisticated sound that defined the 1980s.

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In the 1990s, Jackson shifted his sound, notably collaborating with Teddy Riley, who pioneered the New Jack Swing genre and produced the multi-platinum album Dangerous. Later, he worked with other key figures like Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild) on the Invincible album, ensuring his music remained fresh and competitive in a new decade. Other influential names include engineer Bruce Swedien and producer Bill Bottrell.

Revolutionizing the Music Video

Jackson’s songs became synonymous with cinematic short films. The cultural impact of his videos is unmatched. The 14-minute "Thriller" short film, directed by John Landis, marked a massive growth in the scale and budget of music videos, earning a Guinness World Record.

His work with directors like Nick Saxton ("Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough") and his own visionary input on videos like "Bad" and "Smooth Criminal" redefined visual storytelling in music. This focus on the visual presentation of his songs is a major reason why his music continues to resonate and break streaming records in the visual-first digital age.