The Jacksons' 10 Greatest Songs Ever, Ranked

4 August 2023, 13:57 | Updated: 4 August 2023, 15:11

The Jacksons (or the Jackson 5) are undoubtedly the most famous family in pop and soul music history.

The Jackson brothers burst onto the Motown scene during the late 1960s, and music was quite frankly never the same.

The complexion of popular music changed largely because of the introduction of a young Michael Jackson, who was the singular talent that helped spur the brothers to stratospheric fame and success.

Growing up in the public eye, Michael transformed from an immensely talented ten-year-old boy into the world's greatest pop phenomenon.

But before he went on to transform the face of pop music, The Jackson 5 (comprised of Michael, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, and later the youngest brother Randy who replaced Jermaine Jackson when they renamed themselves The Jacksons) scored a series of huge hits as a funky family unit.

Still performing as The Jacksons to this day, their greatest achievements were when Michael was at the fore, entering the top 20 of the US Billboard charts with 18 of their singles, four of which were number ones.

Here are the Jackson brothers' ten greatest songs (including entries from The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons) ranked from top to bottom:

1. 'State Of Shock' (feat. Mick Jagger)

   The Jacksons, Mick Jagger - State of Shock (Official Audio)

   Hearing Michael Jackson alongside The Rolling Stones' legendary frontman Mick Jagger mustn't have been on anyone's bingo cards in 1984. But it happened.

   'State Of Shock' was in fact in highest charting single The Jacksons had in the US after Michael had become the world's biggest pop star with his solo releases Off The Wall and Thriller.

   Before recording it with Jagger, the original version of the song was initially a duet with Freddie Mercury and was supposed to appear on one of Michael's solo albums.

   Jagger later duetted 'State Of Shock' with Tina Turner at the US leg of Live Aid in 1985.

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   'Never Can Say Goodbye'

   The Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye | Live at Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, 1974 (Remastered)

   In 1971, Michael was only 12-years old but still sang 'Never Can Say Goodbye' with the requisite emotion for such a heartbreaking ballad.

   Because of his impeccable vocal performance, the song gave The Jackson 5 their fifth No.1 R&B hit single.

   It was also hits for two more artists, soul singer Isaac Hayes and disco queen Gloria Gaynor.