Top 5 reasons to explain why Jackson was the best

1) Billie Jean. Pop’s most thrilling bassline. You can’t think of it without your shoulders starting to jerk.

2) The Moonwalk. Slow down the footage as much as you like, it’s still impossible for a mere mortal to work out how he did it, let alone to replicate it.

3) I Want You Back. Pure pop joy from the Jackson Five. Jackson was 11 years old on its release. Let’s say that again: 11 years old.

4) The Thriller video. Yes yes, everybody always says it’s the best pop video ever. Well, they’re right. And the music doesn’t really start till about half way through. People watch it for the masks and the dancing.

5) Earth Song. Oh I know the words are ridiculous (”WHAT ABOUT ELEPHANTS?”), but that chorus… Never has one man been able to express so much with a mere wail.

But there are endless other reasons…