# Bad

> 1987 studio album by Michael Jackson

**Wikidata**: [Q44142](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44142)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_(album))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bad

## Summary
*Bad* is the seventh studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released on August 31, 1987, under Epic Records. It is one of Jackson's most commercially successful works, featuring iconic tracks like "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," and the title song "Bad," and is widely regarded as a landmark in pop and disco-influenced music.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: August 31, 1987
- **Artist**: Michael Jackson
- **Label**: Epic Records (founded 1953, owned by Sony Music, headquartered in Los Angeles, USA)
- **Genre**: Primarily pop and disco, with influences from rock and R&B
- **Notable Songs**:
  - "Bad" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "The Way You Make Me Feel" (written and composed by Michael Jackson)
  - "Man in the Mirror" (written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett)
  - "Leave Me Alone" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "Dirty Diana" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "Liberian Girl" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "Speed Demon" (written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson)
  - "Just Good Friends" (written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, first recorded by Michael Jackson)
- **Format**: Released as an album (available in digital, CD, and LP formats)
- **Wikidata Description**: "1987 studio album by Michael Jackson"
- **Sitelink Count**: 45 (Wikidata)
- **Part of Michael Jackson's Discography**: Chronologically follows *Thriller* (1982) and precedes *Dangerous* (1991)

## FAQs

**What is *Bad*?**
*Bad* is the seventh studio album by Michael Jackson, released in 1987 under Epic Records. It is a seminal work in pop music, blending disco, rock, and R&B influences, and features some of Jackson’s most enduring hits.

**When was *Bad* released?**
The album was released on August 31, 1987, under Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.

**Which record label produced *Bad*?**
*Bad* was released by Epic Records, an American label founded in 1953 and owned by Sony Music. Epic has been home to artists like Shakira, Avril Lavigne, and Jennifer Lopez, in addition to Michael Jackson.

**What are some of the most famous songs from *Bad*?**
Key tracks include "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," "Dirty Diana," and "Leave Me Alone," all of which were written or co-written by Michael Jackson. "Just Good Friends" was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle.

**How does *Bad* fit into Michael Jackson’s career?**
*Bad* is the follow-up to Jackson’s groundbreaking *Thriller* (1982) and solidified his status as a global pop icon. It was part of a string of commercially and critically successful albums, including *Dangerous* (1991).

**What genres does *Bad* represent?**
The album primarily falls under pop and disco but incorporates elements of rock, funk, and R&B, reflecting Jackson’s versatile musical style.

## Why It Matters
*Bad* is a cultural and musical milestone that cemented Michael Jackson’s legacy as the "King of Pop." It showcased his evolution as an artist, blending infectious melodies with socially conscious themes (e.g., "Man in the Mirror") and edgy, rhythmic tracks (e.g., "Bad," "Dirty Diana"). The album’s success—both commercially and critically—helped redefine pop music in the late 1980s, influencing generations of artists. Its integration of disco, rock, and R&B also highlighted Jackson’s ability to transcend genres, making it a cornerstone of his discography. Beyond music, *Bad* contributed to Jackson’s global influence, breaking racial barriers in the industry and setting new standards for album production and promotion.

## Notable For
- **Commercial Success**: One of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 35 million copies sold worldwide.
- **Iconic Tracks**: Features five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, including "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror," and "Dirty Diana."
- **Genre Fusion**: Seamlessly blends pop, disco, rock, and R&B, showcasing Jackson’s versatility.
- **Cultural Impact**: Reinforced Jackson’s status as a global superstar and expanded his influence beyond music into fashion and dance.
- **Award-Winning**: Won two Grammy Awards (1988) and received multiple nominations, including Album of the Year.
- **Innovative Production**: Utilized cutting-edge studio techniques and collaborations with top-tier producers and songwriters.
- **Social Themes**: Includes introspective and socially conscious songs like "Man in the Mirror," which advocates for personal and societal change.
- **Epic Records Legacy**: One of the most successful albums released under Epic Records, contributing to the label’s reputation for launching iconic artists.

## Body

### **Overview and Release**
*Bad* is the seventh studio album by Michael Jackson, released on August 31, 1987, under Epic Records. The album marked a highly anticipated follow-up to *Thriller* (1982), which had become the best-selling album of all time. *Bad* was produced with the goal of surpassing its predecessor’s success, both artistically and commercially.

### **Label and Production**
The album was released by **Epic Records**, an American record label founded in 1953 and owned by **Sony Music**. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Epic has been instrumental in shaping the music industry, with a roster that includes artists like Shakira, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, and Michael Jackson. The label’s resources and global reach played a significant role in *Bad*’s promotion and distribution.

### **Musical Style and Influences**
*Bad* is primarily a **pop and disco** album, reflecting the late 1980s music scene while incorporating elements of **rock, funk, and R&B**. Tracks like "Bad" and "Speed Demon" showcase Jackson’s energetic, rhythmic style, while ballads like "Man in the Mirror" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" highlight his vocal range and emotional depth. The album’s diversity in sound contributed to its broad appeal.

### **Notable Songs and Writers**
The album features **11 tracks**, many of which were written or co-written by Michael Jackson:
- **"Bad"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"The Way You Make Me Feel"** – Written and composed by Michael Jackson.
- **"Man in the Mirror"** – Written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett.
- **"Leave Me Alone"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"Dirty Diana"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"I Just Can't Stop Loving You"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"Liberian Girl"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"Speed Demon"** – Written, composed, and performed by Michael Jackson.
- **"Just Good Friends"** – Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, first recorded by Michael Jackson.

### **Commercial Performance and Awards**
*Bad* was a massive commercial success, selling over **35 million copies worldwide** and producing **five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles**. It won **two Grammy Awards in 1988** (Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical and Best Music Video – Short Form for "Leave Me Alone") and was nominated for Album of the Year. The album’s success helped maintain Jackson’s dominance in the music industry throughout the late 1980s.

### **Cultural and Historical Significance**
*Bad* played a pivotal role in **Michael Jackson’s career**, solidifying his transition from a child star to a mature, globally influential artist. The album’s music videos, choreography, and fashion choices (e.g., the iconic black leather outfit in the "Bad" short film) became cultural touchstones. Additionally, songs like "Man in the Mirror" resonated with audiences for their messages of self-improvement and social change.

### **Legacy and Influence**
The album’s impact extends beyond its initial release, influencing subsequent generations of pop, R&B, and hip-hop artists. Its blend of **disco, rock, and pop** set a template for future crossover hits, while its production quality raised the bar for studio albums. *Bad* remains a critical and fan-favorite work in Jackson’s discography, frequently cited in rankings of the greatest albums of all time.

### **Related Works and Discography Context**
*Bad* is part of **Michael Jackson’s chronological album discography**, positioned between *Thriller* (1982) and *Dangerous* (1991). It is often compared to *Thriller* for its ambition and success, though it carved out its own identity with a grittier, more mature sound. The album’s tracks have been widely sampled, covered, and referenced in popular culture, further cementing its legacy.

### **Format and Availability**
Like most albums of its era, *Bad* was released in multiple formats, including **vinyl (LP), CD, and cassette**, with digital versions becoming available in later years. Its availability across formats contributed to its widespread accessibility and longevity in the market.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. AllMusic
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Discogs
5. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000650293)
6. BabelNet