An in-depth look at Michael Jackson’s music career: from burgeoning ’70s star to ’80s mega-icon and beyond.

Still, the fairly standard midtempo grooves do little to foreshadow the sonic revelations that were soon to come.

For all its spangled glitter-ball flair, the album easily transcends its polyester era.

Got To Be There by Michael Jackson1972

Motown Records

Grade:A

Bad(1987)

How to follow an untoppable blockbuster?

Jackson took his time.

1 hit “You Are Not Alone.”

Ben (1972) by Michael Jackson

Motown Records

Music & Me (1973) by Michael Jackson

Motown Records

Forever, Michael (1975) by Michael Jackson

Motown Records

Off the Wall (1979) by Michael Jackson

Epic Records

Thriller (1982) by Michael Jackson

Epic Records

Bad by Michael Jackson1987

Epic Records

Dangerous by Michael Jackson1991

Epic Records

HIStory by Michael Jackson1995

Epic Records

Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix by Michael Jackson1997

Epic Records

Invincible (2001)

Epic Records