Playlist Preview: The King of Pop

Guinness World Records named him the most successful entertainer of all time. He holds the record for the best-selling album of all time. And in the realm of pop culture, he may end up being the strangest personality of all time.

Those too young to have lived through his stay at the top of the music world may not see his talent or charisma. But, to the children of the 70s and 80s, it’s undeniable.

There are legends. There are icons. And then there is Michael Jackson.

Mention his name today and you probably think of pop music’s Phantom of the Opera – upturned rodent nose, albino skin, dangling his child from a hotel balcony.

He looks more like Skeletor than the little kid that once lead the Jackson 5. And yes, that was a He-Man reference. Told you I grew up in the 80s.

It seems like he had both the golden touch of a Justin Timberlake and the abysmal fall from grace of a Britney Spears. With his name attached to controversy for well over 15 years, it’s easy to forget just how good he once was and how influential he continues to be.

Eddie Van Halen’s guitar riff in "Beat It" reminded me of that when I was in my car Super Bowl Sunday. Naomi Campbell dancing with cartoon lizards to "Thriller" during the game made it even clearer.

On Tuesday, a 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time, was released. In addition to the nine original songs, the expanded version features remixes by the likes of will.i.am, Akon, Fergie and Kanye West.

What better opportunity to highlight my five favorite MJ songs.

As I mentioned to some of my co-workers a few weeks ago, I’m ignoring everything after 1988.

"So are the courts," replied Cherish Wilson, The Star’s education reporter.

Touché.

Be sure to check out the list in Thursday's Star and come back to the blog for various MJ-related videos.