In the world of music, there are few names that are as iconic as Michael Jackson. And among his many albums, one stands out as a game-changer for his career – Bad. Released in 1987, Bad was the follow-up to Jackson’s record-breaking album, Thriller. While it may not have reached the same level of success as its predecessor, Bad has become a symbol of Jackson’s artistry and versatility as a musician. Let’s take a closer look at this legendary album and its impact on both Jackson’s career and the music industry as a whole.

The Controversial Title

At first glance, the title of Bad may seem like a strange choice for an album. But for Jackson, it had a deeper meaning. In an interview, he explained that “bad” is a street term that means good. By reclaiming the word, Jackson was using his music to challenge societal norms and attitudes. This was a recurring theme in his career, as he often used his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.

The Creative Process

To create Bad, Jackson collaborated with legendary producer Quincy Jones, as well as other musicians and songwriters. The album featured a mix of styles, including R&B, pop, rock, and funk, showcasing Jackson’s versatility as an artist. Jackson also wrote nine of the album’s eleven tracks, highlighting his songwriting talent.

The Impact on the Music Industry

When Bad was released, it was met with both critical and commercial success. The album topped the charts in multiple countries, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. It produced five number one singles, including “Man in the Mirror,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and “Dirty Diana,” solidifying Jackson’s status as a pop icon.

But perhaps the most significant impact of Bad was its influence on the music industry. Jackson’s use of music videos to promote his singles was groundbreaking. The music videos for “Smooth Criminal” and “Bad” were elaborate productions, showcasing Jackson’s talent for choreography and storytelling. These videos set the standard for music videos and paved the way for other artists to use this medium to promote their music.

The Iconic Tracks

“Smooth Criminal”

This song is one of the most iconic tracks from the album, thanks in part to its music video. It features Jackson’s signature dance moves, including the gravity-defying “lean” in the bridge of the song. The song’s lyrics also tackle the issue of gang violence, with Jackson asking, “Annie, are you okay?” This combination of dance, storytelling, and social commentary solidified “Smooth Criminal” as one of Jackson’s most iconic songs.

“Man in the Mirror”

Another iconic track, “Man in the Mirror” is a political anthem that encourages listeners to make a positive change in the world. Jackson’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery of the lyrics make this song a standout on the album. It is still considered one of his greatest hits and is often performed at memorial events for the late artist.

“Bad”

The title track of the album, “Bad,” is a message to Jackson’s critics. With bold lyrics and a catchy beat, the song challenges the negative perception of Jackson and his unconventional style. The music video for “Bad” also features a young Wesley Snipes, adding to the song’s iconic status.

In conclusion, Michael Jackson’s album Bad has stood the test of time as an iconic and influential piece of music. From its controversial title to its innovative music videos, Bad showcased Jackson’s talent as an artist and solidified his place in music history. This album remains a must-listen for any fan of Jackson’s music and a testament to his artistic vision and impact on the music industry.

Sources: Rolling Stone, Biography.com

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