"Bad" is the seventh studio album by Michael Jackson, released on August 31, 1987, under Epic Records. Produced in collaboration with Quincy Jones, it marked Jackson's departure from his previous groove-oriented style, embracing a more edgy and diverse sound. The album seamlessly blends pop, rock, funk, R&B, dance, soul, and hard rock, incorporating new digital synthesizers and cutting-edge recording technology of the time.
Featuring themes ranging from media scrutiny and social issues to personal introspection and romance, "Bad" produced a record-breaking five number-one singles: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Man in the Mirror", and "Dirty Diana". These hits propelled the album to worldwide success, topping charts in 25 countries and becoming the bestselling album of 1987 globally.
Supported by the groundbreaking "Bad" tour, which grossed $125 million and spanned 123 concerts across 15 countries, Jackson solidified his status as a global superstar. The album's debut at number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, selling over 2.25 million copies in its first week in the US alone, underscored its massive impact on popular culture.
Critically acclaimed for its polished production, Jackson's vocal prowess, and innovative music videos, "Bad" received six Grammy Award nominations and won accolades for Best Engineered Recording and Best Music Video. It remains a definitive work of 1980s pop music, recognized for its cultural influence and often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.
In commemoration of its 25th anniversary in 2012, "Bad" was reissued as "Bad 25", accompanied by a documentary film that celebrated Jackson's enduring legacy and the album's profound impact on music history.
