100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS BY THE JACKSON FAMILY. 

Now: #15-11. 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…

 

J15

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY

Janet Jackson

This single left its mark on pop culture with its attitude and title. Although ‘Control’ was Janet’s third studio album, this was the first that mattered. As its lead single, “What Have You Done For Me Lately” served as the perfect introduction to a more assertive and empowered Janet Jackson. This was her first hit collaborating with writer/ producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song topped the US R&B Chart in 1986. It also was a Top 10 smash in America, the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia.

J14

CAN YOU FEEL IT

The Jacksons

The group’s anthem for unity and cohesion was featured on the 1980 ‘Triumph’ album. Written and arranged by brothers Michael and Jackie, the single was promoted by a groundbreaking music video that presaged the dominance of clips in the new decade. The single made the Top 10 in Britain, some European nations and Australia.

J13

ROCK WITH YOU

Michael Jackson

Rod Temperton was an English songwriter who wrote 3 of Michael’s biggest hits. He had previously been a member of disco group Heatwave. “Rock With You” and “Off The Wall” were originally pitched to Karen Carpenter. She rejected both, but Michael recorded the two songs for his 1979 album project. In the U.S.A., the former reached #1 on the Billboard Pop and Soul charts. The disc reached the Top 10 in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

 

J12

NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE

The Jackson 5

Michael often impressed with his ability to convincingly sing about mature themes despite his young age. “Never Can Say Goodbye” was a heart-wrenching ballad that differed from the poppy upbeat early Jackson 5 releases. Michael was aged only 12 at the time. The public did not care: the disc climbed to #2 Pop and #1 Soul in America. Clifton Davis wrote the hit which was originally planned for The Supremes. Hal Davis (no relation) produced the track which was included on the brothers’ 1971 LP ‘Maybe Tomorrow’.

J11

BLACK OR WHITE

Michael Jackson

This single was unleashed just prior to Michael dropping new album ‘Dangerous’ in 1991. The singer penned the track, with co-producer Bill Bottrell contributing the rap lyrics. Slash performed the guitar intro. The single was a #1 hit in numerous territories, including America, the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Mexico.