100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS BY THE JACKSON FAMILY. 

Now: #35-31. More: tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè presents:

THE 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS BY THE

JACKSON FAMILY

Michael. Janet. Jermaine. Randy. Tito. Marlon. Jackie. 3T. La Toya. Rebbie.

The family from Gary, Indiana has dominated the music scene for over 5 decades. Here are 100 of the siblings’ most significant songs in terms of sales, influence and impact…

 

J35

NASTY

Janet Jackson

The ‘Control’ album was a re-launch of Janet’s musical career and this time, it succeeded. This -her second single- topped the US Soul Chart. Building on the success of “What Have You Done For Me Lately”, the single reached #3 Pop in America and #19 in Britain.

J34

LEAVE ME ALONE

Michael Jackson

With the media frenzy surrrounding Michael at fever pitch, this track finds the star hitting back. The song was not on the original vinyl and cassette formats of ‘Bad’. It was included on the CD editions. While the single was not issued in the U.S.A., it did make the Top 10 in Britain (where it peaked at #2), Europe and New Zealand in 1989.

 

J33

LET’S GET SERIOUS

Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine’s marital link to Motown chief Berry Gordy Jr.’s daughter meant that he could not join his brothers when they left the label. He continued as a soloist and scored his biggest hit in that capacity with this funky track in 1980. The song was produced, arranged and co-written by Stevie Wonder and topped the US Soul Chart as well as making #2 Disco and #9 Pop.

 

J32

ROCKIN’ ROBIN

Michael Jackson

In 1958, Bobby Day released the original hit version of this song. His take peaked at #2 Pop and #1 Soul in America. Michael’s remake was his second solo single, unleashed in 1972. The cover version also peaked at #2 Pop and reached #2 Soul. In Britain, the disc climbed to #3.

J31

SHAKE YOUR BODY

(DOWN TO THE GROUND)

The Jacksons

With disco ubiquitous on the music charts, the brothers embraced the genre with some worthy singles. This track was lifted off the group’s ‘Destiny’ album. Michael, who created the song with Randy, sang lead vocals. The single was a Top 10 smash in America, the UK, parts of Europe and New Zealand.