The Jackson 5 revolutionized popular music with their infectious blend of soul, pop, and R&B that continues to captivate audiences in 2025. From their groundbreaking debut with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records to Michael Jackson’s early showcase of vocal prowess, these Jackson 5 greatest hits represent some of the most influential songs in music history. Their timeless melodies and energetic performances have inspired countless artists and remain essential listening for any serious music enthusiast exploring the evolution of popular songs.
The Gary, Indiana natives transformed from local talent into global superstars, with their music spanning generations and continuing to find new audiences through various media and contemporary covers. Their catalog represents a perfect storm of exceptional songwriting, production genius from Motown’s hit-making machine, and the raw talent of five young brothers who could harmonize, dance, and perform with an energy that was simply unmatched. Whether you’re discovering these classics for the first time or revisiting childhood favorites, this comprehensive list celebrates the very best of what made the Jackson 5 a legendary force in music history.
I Want You Back
“I Want You Back” stands as perhaps the most recognizable Jackson 5 song and serves as their explosive introduction to the world stage. Released in 1969, this Motown masterpiece showcased 11-year-old Michael Jackson’s remarkable vocal abilities while establishing the group’s signature sound that would dominate the charts for years to come. The song’s irresistible hook, combined with the sophisticated production work of The Corporation, created an instant classic that continues to be sampled and covered by contemporary artists, proving its enduring appeal in modern music culture.
ABC
Following their debut success, “ABC” proved that the Jackson 5 weren’t a one-hit wonder but rather a musical phenomenon destined for sustained greatness. The educational theme cleverly disguised a sophisticated love song, with Michael’s vocals soaring over a backing track that perfectly balanced innocence with musical complexity. This track demonstrated the group’s ability to craft songs that appealed to both children and adults, establishing a template for family-friendly music that maintained artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
The Love You Save
“The Love You Save” completed the Jackson 5’s incredible trilogy of consecutive number-one hits, showcasing their versatility with a faster tempo and more urgent vocal delivery. The song’s rapid-fire lyrics and energetic performance style highlighted the group’s exceptional ability to handle complex musical arrangements while maintaining their youthful charm. Berry Gordy’s production team crafted a sonic landscape that perfectly complemented the brothers’ harmonies, creating a dance floor anthem that remains a staple at retro-themed events and continues to inspire bands across multiple genres.
I’ll Be There
“I’ll Be There” marked a significant evolution in the Jackson 5’s musical maturity, presenting a more soulful and emotionally resonant side of their artistry. Michael’s lead vocals on this track demonstrated a depth and vulnerability that surprised critics who had initially dismissed the group as merely a bubblegum pop act. The song’s universal message of support and commitment, combined with its gospel-influenced arrangement, created one of Motown’s most enduring ballads and established the Jackson 5 as serious artists capable of handling complex emotional material.
Dancing Machine
“Dancing Machine” represented the Jackson 5’s successful adaptation to the changing musical landscape of the mid-1970s, incorporating funk elements while maintaining their distinctive pop sensibilities. The song’s innovative use of talk-box effects and Michael’s increasingly sophisticated vocal delivery showcased the group’s evolution beyond their early Motown sound. This track became a defining moment in their catalog, demonstrating their ability to stay current with musical trends while preserving the core elements that made them special, and it continues to influence contemporary funk and R&B productions.
Ben
“Ben” provided Michael Jackson with his first solo number-one hit while still performing with the Jackson 5, offering a glimpse into his future as a solo superstar. The tender ballad, originally written for a horror film about a killer rat, transcended its unusual origins to become a touching song about friendship and loyalty. Michael’s mature vocal interpretation at just 14 years old demonstrated the remarkable emotional range that would later make him the King of Pop, while the song’s orchestral arrangement showcased Motown’s sophisticated production capabilities.
Rockin’ Robin
The Jackson 5’s cover of “Rockin’ Robin” breathed new life into the 1958 Bobby Day classic, infusing it with their signature energy and youthful exuberance. Michael’s playful vocal delivery and the group’s tight harmonies transformed the novelty song into a legitimate hit that appealed to both nostalgic adults and young fans discovering the original for the first time. The success of this cover demonstrated the group’s ability to reinterpret existing material while making it completely their own, a skill that would serve them well throughout their career.
Never Can Say Goodbye
“Never Can Say Goodbye” showcased the Jackson 5’s ability to handle more sophisticated lyrical content while maintaining their appeal to younger audiences. The song’s exploration of the difficulty of ending relationships resonated with listeners across age groups, proving that the group could successfully navigate mature themes without losing their essential charm. Gloria Gaynor later made this song famous in the disco era, but the Jackson 5’s original version remains the definitive interpretation, featuring Michael’s increasingly nuanced vocal performance and the group’s impeccable harmonies.
Sugar Daddy
“Sugar Daddy” demonstrated the Jackson 5’s growing musical sophistication as they moved beyond their early bubblegum pop image. The song’s more complex arrangement and mature thematic content reflected the group’s evolution as performers and their desire to appeal to older audiences while retaining their core fan base. Michael’s confident lead vocal performance on this track hinted at the artistic growth that would eventually lead to his unprecedented solo success, while the brothers’ supporting vocals provided the foundation that made their group dynamic so compelling.
Mama’s Pearl
“Mama’s Pearl” continued the Jackson 5’s string of hits with another infectious dance number that perfectly captured their youthful energy and musical prowess. The song’s celebration of maternal love struck a universal chord while showcasing the group’s ability to handle both upbeat dance numbers and emotional content with equal skill. The track’s success further cemented their status as one of Motown’s most reliable hit-making acts and demonstrated their understanding of how to craft songs that would resonate with their diverse fan base.
Show You the Way to Go
“Show You the Way to Go” marked an important transition period for the group as they moved from Motown to Epic Records and rebranded as The Jacksons. The disco-influenced production reflected the changing musical landscape of the late 1970s while maintaining the vocal excellence that had always defined their sound. This track proved that the group could successfully adapt to new musical environments and continue creating relevant music even as the industry evolved around them, setting the stage for their continued success in the following decade.
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)
“Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” represented The Jacksons’ successful embrace of disco and funk influences while showcasing their growth as songwriters and producers. Written primarily by Michael and Randy Jackson, the song demonstrated the family’s expanding creative control over their musical destiny and their ability to create dance floor anthems that competed with the era’s biggest disco hits. The track’s infectious groove and call-and-response vocals created an irresistible party atmosphere that made it a staple of late-1970s dance culture and continues to energize audiences in 2025.
Blame It on the Boogie
“Blame It on the Boogie” became an international sensation that proved The Jacksons could create globally appealing music while maintaining their American R&B roots. The song’s disco-funk fusion and Michael’s dynamic vocal performance created an undeniable groove that dominated dance floors worldwide. Originally written by Mick Jackson (no relation), the song became so associated with The Jacksons that many fans assume it was an original composition, demonstrating their ability to completely transform and claim ownership of material through their exceptional interpretation and performance.
Rock with You
“Rock with You” showcased Michael Jackson’s emerging solo artistry while still maintaining connections to his Jackson 5 roots through its emphasis on groove and danceability. The song’s sophisticated production by Quincy Jones marked a significant evolution from the group’s earlier Motown sound, incorporating contemporary R&B and pop elements that would define Michael’s solo career. This track served as a bridge between the Jackson 5’s classic period and Michael’s emergence as a solo superstar, demonstrating how the foundational skills developed with his brothers prepared him for individual success.
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” marked Michael Jackson’s full emergence as a solo artist while incorporating the infectious energy that had always characterized Jackson 5 performances. The song’s innovative production techniques and Michael’s multi-layered vocal arrangements showcased the artistic sophistication he had developed during his years with the group. Written and composed by Michael himself, the track demonstrated his evolution from talented child performer to serious artist capable of creating groundbreaking music that would influence popular culture for decades to come.
Can You Feel It
“Can You Feel It” represented The Jacksons’ ability to create anthemic music that transcended their earlier pop hits while maintaining the unity and brotherhood that had always defined their appeal. The song’s uplifting message and futuristic production created a sense of optimism and possibility that resonated with audiences during the early 1980s. The accompanying music video, featuring the brothers as larger-than-life figures spreading joy across the world, perfectly captured the universal appeal of their music and their role as ambassadors of positive energy in popular culture.
State of Shock
“State of Shock” demonstrated The Jacksons’ continued relevance in the MTV era while showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing visual and sonic landscape of 1980s pop music. Originally intended as a duet between Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger for Michael’s solo career, the song found new life with The Jacksons and proved their continued hit-making capabilities. The track’s rock-influenced production and high-energy performance style reflected the group’s willingness to experiment with different genres while maintaining their core identity as exceptional vocalists and performers.
Torture
“Torture” marked one of The Jacksons’ biggest hits of the 1980s and demonstrated their ability to create compelling music even as Michael’s solo career reached unprecedented heights. The song’s dramatic production and emotional intensity showcased the group’s mature artistry while proving that they could still create music that competed with the era’s biggest pop hits. Jackie and Michael’s vocal interplay on the track highlighted the chemistry that had always made The Jacksons special as a group, even as individual members pursued separate artistic directions.
Goin’ Places
“Goin’ Places” represented The Jacksons’ exploration of more contemporary R&B sounds while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that had always defined their music. The song’s optimistic lyrics and smooth production created an accessible entry point for new fans while satisfying longtime followers who appreciated the group’s musical evolution. This track demonstrated their ability to create music that felt both fresh and familiar, balancing innovation with the traditional elements that had made them successful throughout multiple decades of changing musical trends.
Lovely One
“Lovely One” showcased The Jacksons’ mastery of romantic ballad material while incorporating the funk and disco influences that had become central to their sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The song’s sophisticated arrangement and Michael’s passionate vocal delivery created an irresistible combination that appealed to both radio programmers and dancers seeking music with both emotional depth and physical groove. The track’s success proved that the group could successfully balance their roles as both recording artists and live performers, creating music that worked equally well on record and in concert settings.
2300 Jackson Street
“2300 Jackson Street” served as both a nostalgic look back at the group’s origins and a celebration of their enduring family bond, even as various members pursued individual projects and interests. Named after their childhood address in Gary, Indiana, the song created a sense of homecoming and reflection that resonated with fans who had followed the group’s journey from local talent to international superstars. The track’s warm, personal lyrics and comfortable groove demonstrated that despite decades of fame and individual success, the Jackson brothers retained the fundamental connection that had made their music special from the very beginning, making it an essential part of any music guide exploring their legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Jackson 5’s first number one hit?
“I Want You Back” was the Jackson 5’s first number one hit, released in 1969 when Michael Jackson was just 11 years old. The song launched their incredible career and established them as one of Motown’s most successful acts. It remains their most recognizable and frequently played song across radio stations and streaming platforms in 2025.
How many Jackson 5 members were there originally?
The original Jackson 5 consisted of five brothers: Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson. When they later became The Jacksons and moved to Epic Records, Jermaine initially stayed with Motown and was replaced by younger brother Randy. The group continued to evolve throughout their career, with various combinations of brothers participating in different projects and tours.
What instruments did the Jackson 5 members play?
While Michael Jackson was primarily known as the lead vocalist, several Jackson brothers were accomplished musicians who played instruments on their recordings and during live performances. Tito played guitar, Jermaine handled bass guitar and vocals, Jackie contributed vocals and percussion, while Marlon focused mainly on vocals and dancing. Their musical versatility contributed significantly to their success as both recording artists and dynamic live performers.
Why did the Jackson 5 change their name to The Jacksons?
The Jackson 5 changed their name to The Jacksons when they left Motown Records for Epic Records in 1976, as Berry Gordy owned the rights to the “Jackson 5” name. This transition marked a new chapter in their career, allowing them greater creative control over their music and business decisions. The name change coincided with their artistic evolution and desire to be taken more seriously as mature recording artists rather than just a teen pop group.
Are any Jackson 5 songs still popular today?
Yes, Jackson 5 songs remain incredibly popular in 2025, with their music frequently appearing in movies, television shows, commercials, and being covered by contemporary artists. Songs like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There” continue to receive substantial radio airplay and streaming numbers across all demographics. Their influence can be heard in modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop music, with many artists sampling or interpolating Jackson 5 melodies and rhythms in their own compositions.