Bad

The song Bad, released in 1987, brings us a sound with a particular energy, driven by a rhythm that invites movement and a bassline built on the A blues scale. The composition, handled by Michael Jackson, was recorded in October 1986 and became the second single from his self-titled album. The production was overseen by Jackson alongside Quincy Jones, marking an important collaboration in the artist's career.

The inspiration behind Bad comes from a real story that Michael Jackson read about a young man from a humble background who sought a better future by attending a private school. Upon returning to his neighborhood, he faced issues from his former friends, which led Jackson to reflect on strength and determination. The music video, premiered in a television special on August 31, 1987, and directed by Martin Scorsese, recreates this tension in a subway station setting, evoking the atmosphere of the film West Side Story. The song's impact was significant, reaching the top spot on charts like the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box Top 100, and solidifying a bolder image for the artist.