The Jackson 5—it’s incredible the band even existed. From Gary, Indiana, the family group rose to stardom in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to a grammar-school aged lead singer in Michael Jackson. Before he was the King of Pop, Jackson was the fresh-faced child who sang love songs like he had decades of experience. All backed up by his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon. Incredible.
Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of the quintet’s best songs. Three tracks that have stood the test of time since their release some 50 years ago. Indeed, these are three soulful and timeless Jackson 5 songs.
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“I Want You Back” from Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)
The first single released on the Jackson 5’s debut LP—they were so new and unknown at the time that their label Motown had to recruit pop star Diana Ross to “present” them. But it all worked out and this song is as bright and colorful as it is timeless. On it, an 11-year-old Michael Jackson sings like a Hall of Famer. Where he got this talent is still unknown. But he sounded so joyful and effervescent that it seems impossible. Talk about having many lives in the entertainment industry. He would obviously go on to other hits as an adult like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” But on this song, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, he sings,
When I had you to myself, I didn’t want you around
Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance was all it took
Now it’s much too late for me to take a second look
“ABC” from ABC (1970)
The titular hit single from the band’s sophomore LP release, this song is also a ray of sunshine but given Michael’s young age, it almost makes sense that he would be singing a pop song fit for a grammar school. Nevertheless, the track, which even supplanted the Beatles “Let It Be” in 1970, has subsisted throughout the years because of his buoyant voice and catchy lyrics. And on the Grammy-nominated number, which also doubles as a flirty love song, a smiling Michael sings,
You went to school to learn girl
things you never knew before
like “I” before “E” except after “C”
and why 2 plus 2 makes 4
now, now, now
I’m gonna teach you, teach you, teach you
all about love girl, all about love
sit yourself down, take a seat
all you gotta do is repeat after me
A B C, It’s easy as
1 2 3, as simple as
do re mi, A B C, 1 2 3
baby you and me girl
“I’ll Be There” from Third Album (1970)
Released on the quintet’s third LP, this song, which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, deviates from the sticky pop numbers above and delves into a much more soulful realm. It’s a love song but not necessarily a romantic one. It’s about devotion and care and on it Michael sings as if he’s been through heartache and loss that a 12-year-old shouldn’t know so well. Perhaps it was just a natural God-given talent. But he swoons and soars like a 40-year-old might. Someone who has seen the harm and hurt the world can offer. Either way, he delivers the song perfectly, singing,
You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
I’ll reach out my hand to you
I’ll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
And oh, I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength
I’ll keep holdin’ on (holdin’ on)
Yes I will, yes I will
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Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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