Top 20 Songs You Didn't Know Were Written By Michael Jackson

#20: “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” (1978)The Jacksons

Before Michael fully moonwalked into solo superstardom, he was already sharpening his songwriting chops with his brothers. “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” was released from The Jacksons’ 1978 album “Destiny,” and was co-written by Michael and Randy Jackson. The single became one of the group’s biggest post-Motown hits, climbing into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and proving the brothers could thrive after leaving their original label behind. With Michael on lead vocals, the song bridges two eras beautifully: the electricity of The Jacksons and the sleek dance-floor commandeering that would soon define “Off the Wall.” Basically, before the solo takeover, Michael was already telling everybody exactly where — and how — to move.

#19: “Muscles” (1982)

Diana Ross

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson’s connection goes way back, so it only makes sense that he’d eventually hand her something this theatrical. Released from Ross’ “Silk Electric” album, “Muscles” was written and produced by Michael, who gave his longtime friend and mentor one of her cheekier 80s singles. The song became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Ross a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Between the dreamy music video, the slinky production, and the very unsubtle title, “Muscles” is pure early-80s excess in the best possible way. It’s also a reminder that Michael didn’t just write blockbuster pop for himself. Sometimes, he saved the flexing for Diana.

#18: “This Place Hotel” (1980)

The Jacksons

Check in at your own risk. Originally known as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “This Place Hotel” was written by Michael Jackson for The Jacksons’ “Triumph” album. The title was later changed to avoid confusion with Elvis Presley’s famous song, but Michael’s version is anything but a ripoff. It’s dramatic, paranoid, and full of betrayal, with Michael telling the story of a romantic trap disguised as a getaway. The song reached the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the clearest signs that MJ was thinking cinematically long before “Thriller.”

#17: “I Never Heard” (1991)

Sa-Fire

If this melody sounds familiar, there’s a very good reason. “I Never Heard” was co-written by Michael Jackson and Paul Anka during their early-80s collaboration sessions. Years later, dance-pop singer Sa-Fire recorded the song for her 1991 album “I Wasn’t Born Yesterday.” But the story didn’t end there. After Michael’s 2009 passing, his demo was reworked and released under a new title: “This Is It.” That posthumous release brought renewed attention to the song’s strange journey from unreleased duet idea, to Sa-Fire album cut, to major Michael Jackson moment. So yes, this is technically a Sa-Fire song, a Paul Anka collaboration, and a future MJ title track. Pop history loves making things complicated.

#16: “Just Friends” (1981)

Carole Bayer Sager

Quick credit caveat on this one: “Just Friends” is more of a hidden Michael Jackson cameo than a clean songwriting credit. Still, it’s exactly the kind of deep-cut appearance fans love discovering. Carole Bayer Sager released the song on her 1981 album “Sometimes Late at Night,” with Burt Bacharach’s elegant fingerprints all over the project. Michael co-produced “Just Friends” with Bacharach and provided background vocals, slipping into the track almost like a secret guest star. Considering Bayer Sager’s own songwriting résumé includes classics like “That’s What Friends Are For” and “Arthur’s Theme,” this wasn’t exactly a small pool of talent.

#15: “Fly Away” (1998)

Rebbie Jackson

“Fly Away” was originally written and produced during the “Bad” era, but it didn’t make the final album. Michael’s own version later surfaced on the “Bad” special edition, giving fans a taste of what might have been. Rebbie eventually recorded the song for her 1998 album “Yours Faithfully,” turning another MJ leftover into a family affair. Compared to some of his bigger, flashier compositions, “Fly Away” is softer and more sentimental, with the kind of airy melody that feels built for a closing montage. It may not be one of the most famous Jackson family collaborations, but that’s sort of the point. Sometimes Michael’s vault had enough good material to give everyone a boost.

#14: “Why” (1995)

3T featuring Michael Jackson

Talent clearly didn’t skip a generation. 3T was made up of Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson: the sons of Tito Jackson and nephews of Michael Jackson. Released from their debut album “Brotherhood,” “Why” gave the trio one of their most emotionally direct ballads, built around longing, heartbreak, and those very 90s R&B harmonies. Michael’s presence made the song feel even bigger. The single became especially successful overseas, reaching number two on the UK singles chart. For 3T, having the King of Pop in their corner was more than a famous co-sign: it connected their own musical launch to the larger Jackson legacy.

#13: “Can You Feel It” (1980)

The Jacksons

Written by Michael and Jackie Jackson, “Can You Feel It” was released from the group’s “Triumph” album and features lead vocals from Michael and Randy. The song didn’t dominate the U.S. pop charts the way some might expect, but internationally, it became one of The Jacksons’ most enduring tracks. The massive, effects-heavy music video only pushed that larger-than-life feeling further, with the brothers basically presented as cosmic messengers of rhythm and brotherhood. Subtle? Not even a little. But that’s the charm. Michael’s gift for turning pop songs into events was already in full force, and “Can You Feel It” is a mission statement with a bassline.

#12: “Children’s Holiday” (1998)

J-Friends

Here’s one of the more unexpected stops on Michael Jackson’s songwriting map. “Children’s Holiday” was recorded by J-Friends, a Japanese supergroup.. The group was formed to raise money for children and schools affected by the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, and Michael wrote and produced this 1998 charity single. It’s not the kind of song most casual fans stumble across while revisiting “Thriller” or “Bad,” but it fits a recurring part of Michael’s public image: big, earnest songs about children, healing, and global compassion. Depending on your taste, it may come across as extremely sentimental. But for this list, that’s part of what makes it fascinating.

#11: “Centipede” (1984)

Rebbie Jackson

Michael Jackson writing and producing your debut single? Not a bad way to start a solo career. The oldest Jackson sibling released “Centipede” in 1984 as the title track from her debut album, and little brother Michael was all over it. He wrote and produced the song, arranged it, and even sang backing vocals alongside the Weather Girls. The track became Rebbie’s signature hit, reaching number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot Black Singles chart. It was also certified gold in the U.S., making it easily one of her biggest musical moments. Rebbie had the lead, but Michael’s fingerprints crawl all over this one.

#10: “You’re the One” (1985)

Jennifer Holliday

The Grammy and Tony award winning singer is best known for her role in “Dreamgirls'' on Broadway. Holliday became a household name when she belted the beautiful “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in that hit musical. She began her studio career with a bang and quickly was accompanied by some heavy star power. Her second studio album opens with a whimsical song about longing for love, written by none other than Michael Jackson. The song and the album were not massive successes, though it’s pretty tough to compete with the everlasting impact of her debut single - which has only ever been rivaled by the powerful pipes of Jennifer Hudson.

#9: “Joy” (1994)

Blackstreet

“Can’t forget the day” this legendary R&B group debuted! Known for their 90s hits, such as “No Diggity,” Blackstreet staked their claim to fame with the self-titled album released in 1994. The platinum record includes the ballad “Joy,” written by Michael and originally intended to be featured on his “Dangerous”album. According to Levi Little, Michael’s version was sped up and more up-beat than the song we know today. With the help of the group’s founder and producer, Teddy Riley, Blackstreet flipped the single as their own.“Joy” slid onto the Billboard Hot 100 charts, peaking at 43.

#8: “Alright Now” (1990)

Ralph Tresvant

After success in New Edition, Ralph Tresvant debuted his self-titled solo album in 1990. The CD included the single “Alright Now” written by Michael Jackson. Not only can you hear Jackson’s influence stylistically, many often compare the two singers’ vocals. Jackson inspired Tresvant way before his solo career, as the group allegedly chose their name to signify a “new edition” of the Jackson 5. The album went double-platinum, but, Tresvant’s solo career was not as well-received as projects from the other former band members, Bobby Brown and Bell Biv DeVoe. After Tresvant released another studio album, New Edition reunited as a group in the mid-90s.

#7: “Love Never Felt So Good” (1984)

Johnny Mathis

We know what you’re thinking: “but isn’t this actually a Michael Jackson song?” Yes and no. Michael wrote the song during a collaboration session with Paul Anka back in the 80s. The hit was written for and recorded by Johnny Mathis for his 56th studio album. While Mathis’ version never reached much acclaim, the single sparked reinterest after Michael’s original demo was leaked. The song was re-released posthumously, in addition to an alternate duet version with Justin Timberlake in 2014. The single was downloaded nearly 100,000 times within just 2 days of its release.

#6: “Night Time Lover” (1980)

La Toya Jackson

Talent most certainly runs in the family. La Toya, the middle child of the Jackson clan, released her eponymous debut solo album to kick off the 80s. Thanks to her brother’s pen, “Night Time Lover” was released as the second single for the album. You might find it a little odd that a song so intimate was shared between siblings, but it wasn’t originally intended for big sis. Michael actually wrote the song, then titled “Fire is the Feeling,” for the Queen of Disco herself, Donna Summer. Despite a funky beat and Michael’s backing vocals, the song was ultimately outperformed by her premiere single “If You Feel the Funk.”

#5: “This Had to Be” (1980)

The Brothers Johnson

Cue the synth! The Brothers Johnson dominated the Disco and R&B charts in the early 80s under the guidance of legendary music producer Quincy Jones. The brothers collaborated with Michael for “This Had to Be” on their 4th studio album. While the song wasn’t necessarily a hit, the album soared to the top of the R&B charts and into the top 5 for Pop albums. The late Louis Johnson, otherwise known as Thunder Thumbs, kept a close working relationship with Jackson. After his work in the funk duo, Louis was most known for his bass playing on the groundbreaking “Thriller” album. His technique was so unique that he is credited as one of the “grandfathers of slap-bass playing.”

#4: “What’s Your Game?” (1974)

M-D-L-T Willis

This one-hit-wonder comes from Joe Jackson’s short-lived label, “Ivory Tower Int’l Records, Inc.” M-D-L-T Willis, signifying the initials of four singing sisters, was a girl group brought to life by Michael’s father. Being under the wing of the Jackson family, it only makes sense that they would lend some of their talent over to ensure success. The single’s writing credits go to the Jackson 5, making it one of Michael’s earliest credits - as he was only 16 years old when the song was released. The song peaked at 89 on the Billboard 100 before the group was disbanded. The label produced one other single, “How Can I Be Sure?” for the youngest Jackson brother, Randy.

#3: “State of Shock” (1984)

Mick Jagger

Michael and Freddie Mercury of Queen had reportedly been trying to record a song together for quite some time, but the opportunity never presented itself. The two powerhouses had allegedly recorded three songs together: “There Must Be More to Life Than This” was posthumously released in 2014, while “Victory” remains unavailable to the public. However, the final song “State of Shock” was reworked into a joint effort between The Jacksons and The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. The collaborators struck “gold” as the 1984 hit soared to the top of charts around the world. Like Jackson, Jagger solidified his place in music and pop culture with his signature sound and presence. Even with his selectivity towards collaborating, the two legends shocked the world with an unforgettable single.

#2: “Do the Bartman” (1990)

The Simpsons Cast

From nominations to animation, the King of Pop did it all. Michael was reportedly a big fan of”The Simpsons.” He wrote this song, which follows Bart Simpson in yet another act of rebellion - this time he’s shaking up a stale school concert. Apparently he petitioned to write for the show, and even ended up writing another song “Happy Birthday, Lisa” for an episode focused on an MJ impersonator. However, Michael only provided the speaking role for the impersonator, while another actor sang due to contractual obligations. “Do the Bartman” was such a success, it was even nominated at the 1991 MTV VMAs for Best Special Effects in a Video.

#1: “Eaten Alive” (1985)

Diana Ross

In a friendship between two superstars spanning more than 40 years, there is bound to be a major collaboration or two. The Supremes singer helped catapult the Jacksons into stardom, marketing their debut as “Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5” in the late 60s. The pair worked together several times on songs like the previously mentioned Ross’ hit “Muscles”, and even performed together onstage. Jackson co-wrote and provided co-vocals on “Eaten Alive” for Ross’ 16th studio album. The album itself was widely regarded as a critical failure; however the title track made its way to the top 10 on the R&B charts. Throughout their careers, the two remained friends and spoke very highly of one another’s successes.

Be honest: how many of these did you already know were written by Michael Jackson? Brag or confess in the comments.