What Songs are in MJ the Musical?
Updated on 13 June 2024
Fittingly for the King of Pop, MJ the Musical is starting somethin’ pretty incredible at London’s Prince Edward Theatre. The Tony award winning show, created by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, follows the making of Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and features some of the most iconic songs in music history.
What are the most famous MJ the Musical songs?
Beat It, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Thriller, Man in the Mirror, ABC, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'.... There are over 30 Michael Jackson songs included in MJ the Musical, including an incredible 12 number one hits. It would be quicker to answer, ‘Which famous songs aren’t included in MJ the Musical?’ The answer: None.
What is the last song in MJ the Musical?
The final song in the musical is an instrumental version of Working Day and Night, which is beautifully performed by a full orchestra. The last musical number in the show is a mash up of three of Michael Jackson's much loved hits, Jam (Reprise) / Black or White / Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Reprise), which is performed by the entire ensemble.
MJ the Musical Act One songs
There are 12 musical numbers in the first half of the musical, comprising of an incredible 21 hits!
Beat It
You just can’t beat the opening of this high-octane show! Certified 8× platinum, the record peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks. It had huge success outside of America too, earning the top spot in the Spanish and Dutch charts. The song won the Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the 1984 Grammys, and was inducted into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame.
Tabloid Junkie/Price of Fame
Similarly to Leave Me Alone, Why You Wanna Trip on Me and numerous other HIStory tracks, Tabloid Junkie and the Bad 25 track Price of Fame, both written by Jackson, show the singer's dissatisfaction with the media. The song is played after MJ is accosted by a reporter and her cameraman whilst he’s waiting to enter the Dangerous rehearsal room.
Shout / Papa's Got a Brand New Bag / (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher / Climb Ev'ry Mountain
We’re transported back in time and treated to some of Motown's biggest hits, as we hear the musical influences that shaped Michael Jackson's career. Jackie Wilson’s (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher was a number one hit and certified gold in the UK. Rolling Stones listed the track in their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
The Love You Save / I Want You Back / ABC
What’s better than one number one song? How about three! In this incredible mash-up, we hear three number one hits from the The Jackson 5, including their very first national single, and first number one, I Want You Back.
I'll Be There
A warm-hearted moment performed by a young Michael, present day ‘Dangerous tour’ MJ, and matriarch Katherine, I’ll Be There is one of The Jackson 5’s most successful hits, showcasing their signature blend of youthful exuberance and sophisticated vocal harmony. The heartfelt lyrics express a promise of unwavering support and love. It is a message of commitment and assurance, and offers a sense of comfort and reliability to their growing legion of fans.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough / Blame It on the Boogie / Dancing Machine
MJ accompanies his brothers and teenage self in this upbeat medley. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough was Jackson’s second number-one solo hit, and highlighted MJs falsetto voice. It also showcased his now signature, vocal ‘hiccups’. Blame It on the Boogie was written by Mick Jackson (no you’re not just realising there was yet another talented sibling, he has no relation) and performed by The Jacksons, (the band dropped the 5 in 1975). Fun fact, Dancing Machine is credited with popularising Peter Crouch’s favourite dance move ‘The Robot’.
Stranger in Moscow
This is the song Myles Frost performed for his first self-tape audition, and when you hear it live it’s clear to see why he got the role! Another song taken from his HIStory album, Stranger in Moscow is often described as one of Jackson’s ‘most haunting ballads’. The song attacks the press and explores fear and isolation, using the Russian capital as a metaphor.
You Can't Win
This isn’t the first time this song has been used in a musical! You Can’t Win was first used in the musical film, The Wiz, an urbanised retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Michael Jackson had a starring role in the 1978 film, playing the lovable Scarecrow. Following the initial recording, Jackson and producer Quincy Jones went back to the studio to re-record the song, which became Jackson’'s first solo chart single on Epic Records
I Can't Help It
An album track from Jackson’s fifth studio album, Off the Wall, I Can’t Help It is performed by a teenage MJ. In the reflective, dreamlike sequence, MJ questions who he is becoming and explores the prospect of a budding romance.
Keep the Faith
Producer Quincy Jones, sings this gospel inspired number to a teenage MJ. He is encouraging young superstar to believe in himself and continue to push himself with his musical career.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Jackson’s first number one single in seven years, this hit kick really started something in the charts! Another dig at the press and fake news, the song is about strangers who cause rumours in order to instigate an argument. The Rolling Stones described the hit as his ‘"most combative track" with "emotions so raw that the song nearly goes out of control". It was nominated for the Best R&B Song at the 1984 Grammy Awards, but lost out to Billie Jean, another of Jackson's hit singles. So I don’t think he felt too Bad about it.
Earth Song" / "They Don't Care About Us
The Dangerous World Tour raised funds for Jackson’s Heal the World Foundation, so it’s only fitting that Act 1 ends with two of Jackson’s most eco-conscious songs. "Earth Song" was Jackson’s first to overtly discuss the environment and animal welfare. It earned the converted Christmas number one in the UK, and topped the charts in Germany, Iceland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
MJ the Musical Act 2 songs
The songs keep on coming! The second act features a further 14 songs, made up of 18 hit tracks.
Billie Jean
Kicking off Act 2 with one of Jackson’s most recognisable tunes, Billie Jean is Jackson’s biggest solo hit, reaching the top of the Billboard 100 charts and staying there for an impressive seven weeks. One of the most famous live performances of Billie Jean was during the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special, where Jackson debuted his signature moonwalk dance move.
Smooth Criminal
A staple of Jackson’s concerts, Smooth Criminal showcased the singer's elaborate and featured intricate choreography, including the iconic gravity-defying lean (a move in which Jackson and his dancers lean forward at an impossible angle.) The song is darker than previous numbers, and showcases Michael Jackson's talent for combining storytelling, music, and dance into a seamless and compelling package.
For the Love of Money / Can You Feel It
We’re brought back to the beginning of MJs incredible career, and see his relationship with his dad, Joe, and his (literal) band of brothers. The gang sing a non-Jackson hit For the Love of Money before launching into their own post-disco/funk/soul song Can You Feel It which promoted unity, peace, and universal love.
Money
From light to dark, Money delves into the power and corruption of money. The song is often cited as an example of Jackson's willingness to tackle serious and controversial themes in his music. His ability to blend engaging music with thought-provoking lyrics, makes a powerful statement about societal issues and personal integrity.
Keep the Faith (Reprise)
A reprise of the gospel number performed earlier in Act One.
She's Out of My Life
Originally intended for blue-eyed crooner, Frank Sinatra, She’s Out of My Life is one of Jackson's slowest and most emotional numbers. The song describes the breakdown of a relationship, the ‘huge emotional risk’ was praised by the Rolling Stones and Jackson’s ‘"blindingly gifted" singing.
Jam
An energetic fusion of new jack swing, funk, and pop elements, Jam is a testament to Michael Jackson's ability to innovate and blend various musical styles, creating a dynamic and impactful song that continues to resonate with audiences.
Human Nature
Human Nature, taken from Jackson’s Thriller album, was never released as a single in the UK. A serene and introspective piece, the song is inspired by random encounters in New York City. Exploring themes of curiosity, longing, and introspection, Human Nature is often cited by critics as one of his most beautiful and timeless songs.
Bad / 2 Bad
Much like Beat It, Bad helped give Jackson an edgier image. The single was the second from the Bad album to reach number one in the Billboard 100 charts, and is widely regarded as one of Jackson’s most iconic songs. This is in part thanks to the songs many parodies, including Lenny Henry's ‘Mad’ and Weird Al Yankovic’s ‘Fat’.
Price of Fame (Reprise)
A reprise of the earlier number in Act One. The song highlights the further media scrutiny and invasion of privacy Jackson faced.
Thriller
Performed by present ‘Dangerous Tour’ MJ, little Michael and their dad, Joe, Thriller is one of Jackson's most famous and influential songs. It’s not just the song that was a hit, the music video is as iconic in its own right, with the Library of Congress describing it as "the most famous music video of all time". In 2009, it became the first music video inducted into the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. A number one in the US, UK, Spain, France and Portugal the song, along with its groundbreaking music video, had a profound impact on popular culture and remains one of Jackson's signature tracks.
Man in the Mirror
Performed alongside a gospel choir, The Man in the Mirror is a heartfelt message championing personal and social change. The tenth number one single for Jackson, it was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards and is certified 3x Platinum.
Jam (Reprise) / Black or White / Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Reprise)
Another mega mash-up! Combining elements of rock, dance, and rap, Black or White was the fastest chart-topper since the Beatles' Get Back, and the best-selling single worldwide of 1992. It was another political and impassioned song, calling for racial equality and harmony, promoting a message of unity and inclusiveness. The song is sandwiched between two reprises, Jam and Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.
Working Day and Night
Despite the song not being released as a single, Jackson often performed this record in his live concerts. The song has a tempo of 128 beats per minute, making it one of Jackson's fastest songs, and brings the show to an energetic and upbeat close.
Book MJ the Musical tickets today!
Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, and featuring more than 10 number one singles and 30 Michael Jackson songs, you just can’t beat MJ the Musical! Don't know which seats to book? We have compiled a list of the best seats at the Prince Edward Theatre.
