Distilling Michael Jackson’s career into one CD-length list is impossible.

; the stuff of countless couples-slow-skate and junior prom memories.

When Michael commands, Keep on with the force / Dont stop, the dancefloor obeys.

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CBS

No one who hears that spare, hypnotic opening synth thump can resist what comes next.

Its airy synths and achingly tender vocals hint intriguingly at a private Michael one we never really knew.

But can you even listen today without breaking into the zombie-claw shuffle?

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CBS

Both foreboding and ridiculously, repeatedly listenable.

Somehow, the duo still manage to deliver its makes-me-wanna-holler rage in a sleek, undeniably catchy pop package.

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CBS

Jackson 5 ABCCredit: Motown

Motown

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CBS

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Epic Records

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Epic Records

Michael Jackson Wanna Be Startin’ SomethinCredit: Epic Records

Epic Records

Michael Jackson Billie JeanCredit: Epic Records

Epic Records

Michael Jackson Human Naturehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E0tcilfKZQ

Epic Records

Michael Jackson “Thriller” 1984

Epic Records

Michael Jackson “The Way You Make Feel” 1987

Epic Records

Michael Jackson “Smooth Criminal” 1988

Epic Records

Michael Jackson “Man in the Mirror” 1988

Epic Records

Michael Jackson “Black or White” 1991

Epic Records

‘Scream’-1995

Michael Jackson/Youtube