Home · Albums · Michael Jackson · Bad

Bad 1987
Album · by Michael Jackson ↗ View artist

Bad

When Michael Jackson embarked on the creation of Bad, the weight of expectations was immense. Following the phenomenon of Thriller, the challenge was monumental, almost like trying to surpass the Bible, according to a later description. Recorded between 1985 and 1987 at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles, this album marked his third and final collaboration with producer Quincy Jones. Jackson, however, took the reins with unprecedented creative freedom, composing and co-producing almost all the tracks. The result is a work that explores themes such as fame, love, world peace, and personal growth, with the participation of artists like Siedah Garrett and Stevie Wonder. The sound leaned towards dance-pop and R&B, but with renewed boldness, incorporating digital synthesizer technology and touches of hard rock and funk, defining a more direct and energetic style.

Year
1987
Songs
11
Duration
48 min 14 seg
Listen to the album ★

11 song|s

Song list

# Title Available ⏱
01

Bad

Guitar · Advanced

4:08 02

The Way You Make Me Feel

Guitar · Easy

4:58
03

Speed Demon

3:59
04

Liberian Girl

Guitar · Intermediate

3:55 05

Just Good Friends

Guitar · Intermediate

4:07 06

Another Part of Me

Guitar · Intermediate

3:55 07

Man in the Mirror

Guitar · Intermediate

5:19 08

I Just Can’t Stop Loving You

Guitar · Intermediate

4:13 09

Dirty Diana

Guitar · Intermediate

4:41 10

Smooth Criminal

Guitar · Intermediate

4:19 11

Leave Me Alone

Guitar · Intermediate

4:40

About the album

Bad, according to DoReSol

The impact of Bad on the charts was immediate and forceful. It remained for six consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Pop Albums and generated a record five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: *I Just Can't Stop Loving You*, *Bad*, *The Way You Make Me Feel*, *Man in the Mirror*, and *Dirty Diana*. Another standout track, *Smooth Criminal*, also reached the Top 10. Internationally, the album became one of the best-selling of its release week and topped the charts in twenty-four countries, being the most successful album of 1987 and 1988. The tour that accompanied the album, Jackson's first solo world tour, grossed $125 million, positioning itself as one of the most lucrative concert tours of the era.

Beyond the numbers, Bad solidified its place as one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over 35 million copies worldwide and earning multiple platinum certifications. Recognized with Grammy Awards for Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical and for Best Music Video (*Leave Me Alone*), it was also nominated for Album of the Year. In 1989, Michael Jackson received a special award for his commercial achievements at the American Music Awards. The album's influence on contemporary music is undeniable, and its sound continues to resonate today.

Discography

More from Michael Jackson

See all →
Thriller 1982

Thriller

9 song|s