This 1983 Hit Was Ranked as Michael Jackson's Best Song, Despite Never Hitting No.1

With the release of the biopic "Michael" detailing the star's life, Michael Jackson's music has been trending again. The King of Pop was the bestselling solo artist of all time and totaled 13 No.1 hits throughout his career. Ahead of the release of "Michael," USA Today ranked his top songs, with a surprising choice at number one.

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," the 1983 hit off the "Thriller" album, took the top spot in the rankings, beating out many songs that were much more commercially successful. While the song never hit No.1, peaking at No.5 on the Billboard charts, the catchy hook and bumping percussion make it one of Michael's most popular songs.

"The rhythm, the horns, the percussion – they all lure you in under the spell of a shuffling backbeat that is simply kinetic," said USA Today's Melissa Ruggieri. "And even though no one really knew what he was singing at the time,  the message didn’t matter on the dance floor."

The song was written by Michael for his sister Latoya about her conflicts with her sisters-in-law. Michael and Latoya both recorded the song, but Michael's version is the one that we know and love.

Here's their top 5 songs:

1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
2. "Billie Jean"
3. "Don't Stop Till' You Get Enough"
4. "Smooth Criminal"
5. "Beat It"

Listen to "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" here: