their hit “I Want You Back” (1969) ranked best song of all time by Rolling Stones magazine

Of course, it was an immediate hit of the first Motown single from the Jackson 5.

Lthe real hero of the song “I Want You Back” is Michael Jackson, then still preteen, but blessed with a voice and performing skill that could turn a desperate attempt to rekindle romance (originally considered one of the tricks of Gladys Knight or from Diana Ross) in something visceral and joyful.

The octave-leaping tour de force of Jackson established him as a star almost as soon as the song’s first singles were pressed.

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