Released in August 1972 the album "Ben" was Michael's second solo album as a young artist for Motown. It was released just 7 months after his first album "Got To Be There". A Jackson 5 album "Lookin' Through the Windows" had also been released in the May.

Only one single was released from the album, the title track "Ben" which sold over 1 million copies and was the theme tune to a movie called "Ben", which was about a young boy and his pet rat.

No other tracks were released but the album includes the well known track "My Girl" co-wriiten by Smokey Robinson. the album also includes a track "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day" so-written by Stevie Wonder and "You Can Cry on My Shoulder" written by Mowtown founder Berry Gordy.

All 3 of these Mowtown legends were to later speak fondly of Michael at his memorial service in 2009.