American singer Michael Jackson released his third adult studio album Bad 39 years ago on August 31, 1987, facing the task of following his massive global hit Thriller.
The release placed the performer before one of the largest challenges of his career as he sought to conquer audiences again following one of the most important musical phenomena in history.
Reporter Paula Macias reported from Madrid that Bad succeeded in keeping Jackson at the forefront of international music while expanding his influence across pop music, music videos, and live performance.
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer known around the world as the King of Pop. His 1982 record Thriller had established him as a global superstar and set new commercial and audiovisual standards across the music industry.
Musical Style and Hit Singles
Jackson chose not to repeat the exact formula of his previous work. Instead, he presented a more forceful and urban musical proposal for Bad, incorporating a production effort that involved various collaborators while moving across pop, funk, R&B, and rock genres.
Although the album did not reach the historical sales figures set by Thriller, it became one of the most important records of the 1980s. The release produced major hit singles that entered pop history, including Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, and Smooth Criminal.
Each track showcased a distinct side of the performer. The title track Bad took on a more defiant attitude, while The Way You Make Me Feel offered an accessible mix of pop and funk. Man in the Mirror presented one of the most socially reflective messages in his catalogue, while Smooth Criminal stood out for its production and visual presentation.
Music Video Innovation and Live Performance
Music videos played a major role in establishing the album as a major cultural event. Film director Martin Scorsese directed the music video for Bad, placing Jackson within a cinematic urban aesthetic that transformed a song release into a major audiovisual milestone.
The music video for Smooth Criminal further expanded this approach with complex choreography, visual effects, and a distinct narrative. Macias noted that Jackson understood how a song could gain a second life through visual imagery, establishing a philosophy that influenced future generations of recording artists.
The album consolidated key elements of Jackson's artistic identity, including his vocals, precise stage choreography, and ability to make every release a landmark event. An accompanying world tour brought the songs to major stadiums, cementing his reputation as a live performer through a global star model that combined music, dance, image, and spectacle into a single artistic presentation.
