Our beloved King of Pop passed away six years ago today but to those of us who adored him and his artistry, it seems like it was just yesterday. Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers this world has ever seen and his absence is still felt today.

Some of his greatest songs were like a crossover hybrid love-child of pop and rock featuring amazing guitar riffs so here are my top five MJ songs with guitar riffs.

5. Smooth Criminal, Bad 1988

This song is in my top five favorite MJ songs simply because it’s a jam but the bass riff at the end is so sick it had to be included in this list too. It’s one of those songs where you instantly rock along.

4. Black or White, Dangerous 1991

Now the riffs in this song almost outshine Michael’s lyrics, which is very hard to do. In the music video he is seen air-guitaring it out before he even starts singing. It’s a combination of great riffs along with an awesome message that create this incredible hit.

3. Give In To Me, Dangerous 1991

The lyrics in this song are actually overshadowed by the guitar riffs and it works perfectly. The guitar solo in the middle of the song adds to the rock vibe I feel when listening. I am totally taken back to the late 80s, early 90s when it comes on.

2. Beat It, Thriller, 1982

You know Beat It is one of MJ’s best guitar songs because it features bass and electric greatness that makes your ears wish the song could go on and on and on. Aside from the riffs at the beginning, the electric solo is simply mind-blowing. Paired with his vocals, this is easily one of his best songs ever. AND it’s featured on THE best-selling album of all time so there’s that.

1. Dirty Diana, Bad, 1987

Dirty Diana hails at #1 on my list of Michael Jackson’s best guitar riff songs. The electric riffs make this song memorable as one of his greatest rock songs. It embodies the rock ambiance that thrived at the time this song was released. Along with the guitar solo towards the end, this jam puts you in the mood to rock out.

We miss you King. Your legacy will live forever.

-Mani B, the intern