Between The Jackson 5 and his solo career, Michael Jackson released dozens of albums and hundreds of songs.

Everyone has their favourites. Here are 20 of Sun music critic Darryl Sterdan's, in chronological order, for your own Michael Jackson memorial mix CD.

I Want You Back (1969)

The Jackson 5's debut single -- and the first in a record-setting string of four straight No. 1 hits -- is also a slice of soul-pop perfection, from its nimble Motown bassline and slinky guitar to Michael's pubescent enthusiasm.

ABC (1970)

The J5's second hit mines a slightly deeper and funkier groove, with Michael and his brothers sharing the vocals -- and making it all look as easy as the chorus claims. Bonus points for the midsong get-down breakdown.

Ben (1972)

Jackson's syrupy, romantic solo ode to a rat may be one of the strangest ballads to be committed to tape -- and to top the pop charts. Unintentionally hilarious, but still a must-hear.

Dancing Machine (1973)

The Jacksons borrow some of Stevie Wonder's keyboard-driven funk for this massive hit, which inspired the robot dance craze of the '70s. Good times. Good times.

Shake Your Body Down to the Ground (1978)

One of the last hits of The Jacksons' initial run, the punchy horns, zippery synths and whiplash backup vocals on this disco workout foreshadow Jackson's later work.

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (1979)

This cut from MJ's solo breakthrough Off the Wall is true to its word, upgrading the standard dance-floor template with everything from sweet strings and stabbing horns to Latin percussion.

Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (1982)

The first track on Jackson's colossal Thriller album sets the stage with a percolating beat, twitchy guitars and funky horns -- and that unforgettable "Mama-say, mama-saw, mama-kusaw" refrain.

The Girl is Mine (1982)

This lightheartedly poppy duet with Paul McCartney may be just a silly love song, but just try not to snap your fingers and sway along.

Billie Jean (1982)

From the ominously chugging bassline and four-on-the-floor beat to the syncopated synth pulses and shivery backup vocals, this is easily the catchiest pop song ever written about a stalker (sorry, Sting).

Beat It (1982)

Though already a prince of pop, Jackson lacked credibility with rock fans -- until now. Fuelled by a chunky riff and a blazing solo from guitar hero Eddie Van Halen, this bullying funk-rocker made it cool for long-haired suburban white kids to buy Thriller. Perhaps the savviest musical move he ever made.

Human Nature (1982)

Jackson's breathy ballads were seldom as catchy as his poppier cuts. But thanks to some burbling guitar and percussion, along with that echoing chorus vocal, this one sticks.

Thriller (1982)

Over the years, John Landis's landmark video has overshadowed this song itself, but even without the dancing zombies, it's a hoot -- especially when Vincent Price raps.

We Are the World (1985)

OK, it's a gloppy ballad that spawned a slew of irritating all-star benefit singles. But at least Jackson was using his powers for good.

Bad (1987)

At his peak, Jacko was so bulletproof he could deliver a line like "Your butt is mine" with a straight face -- and everybody bought it.

The Way You Make Me Feel (1988)

Jackson continued his late-'80s string of No. 1 hits with this bouncy pop ditty. It's held up pretty well, aside from those dated synth-drum fills.

Man in the Mirror (1988)

Three years after We Are the World, Jackson thinks globally on this preachy single, which builds from synth-pop to a gospel anthem complete with choir.

Dirty Diana (1988)

Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens supplies the crunchy guitars on an edgy slow-burning rocker that's almost dark enough to make Billie Jean sound sweet.

Black or White (1991)

Another guitar hero -- Slash of Guns N' Roses -- delivers the jangling intro on this funk-pop ode to tolerance. Coulda done without the mid-song rap by LTB (whoever that is).

Scream (1995)

Michael recruited younger sis Janet for a noisy, angrily cathartic blast of funk-pop reportedly inspired by his frustrations with the media. One of his last great tunes.

You Are Not Alone (1995)

This treacly slow-jam ballad is far from Jackson's final release. But it was his last solo single to reach No. 1. And it just ends with him crooning, "though we're far apart, you're always in my heart." Fitting last words.