#194 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Bad by Michael Jackson (1987) sits at #194 and earns every bit of it. Deep enough in the list to separate casual fans from serious collectors. The original pressing is built for vinyl playback — the kind of album that sounds better on wax.”
Michael Jackson (1958-2009) emerged as a child star with The Jackson 5 in the late 1960s before launching a groundbreaking solo career in the 1970s. His albums 'Off the Wall' (1979) and 'Thriller' (1982) revolutionized pop music and became among the best-selling records of all time. 'Thriller,' produced by Quincy Jones, spent 37 weeks at number one and introduced innovative music videos that transformed the medium. Jackson continued his dominance through the 1980s and 1990s with albums like 'Bad' (1987) and 'Dangerous' (1991), while pioneering the moonwalk and establishing himself as the 'King of Pop.' His influence on production, choreography, and visual presentation fundamentally altered popular music.
Style
Jackson masterfully blended pop, soul, funk, and R&B with increasingly sophisticated production techniques. His vocal range, rhythmic precision, and use of layered harmonies and percussion defined his distinctive sound across multiple decades.
Significance
Michael Jackson's vinyl releases are essential to any serious record collection, with 'Thriller' remaining one of the most sought-after and collectible albums in history. His records showcase the evolution of recording technology and production aesthetics from the 1970s through 1990s, making them valuable both sonically and historically for vinyl enthusiasts.
Michael Jackson's "Bad" was recorded between 1986 and 1987, marking a significant artistic evolution from "Thriller." Jackson worked primarily with producer Quincy Jones, alongside collaborators like L.A. Reid and Babyface, who contributed to several tracks. The album showcased a darker, more aggressive sound reflecting Jackson's maturation as an artist. Recording took place at multiple studios including Capitol Studios and One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The title track, produced by Jones, became iconic with its prominent bass line and Jackson's aggressive vocal delivery. The album featured diverse sonic experimentation, from the R&B-influenced "The Man in the Mirror" to the synth-pop elements of "Smooth Criminal," demonstrating Jackson's creative ambitions beyond the pop-disco formula of his previous work.
Historical Context
Released in September 1987, "Bad" arrived during a period of significant change in pop music, with synthesizers becoming increasingly sophisticated and music videos gaining cultural prominence. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and spent 25 weeks in the top ten, selling over 30 million copies worldwide—making it one of the best-selling albums ever. Critics praised Jackson's vocal range and production quality, though some found it less cohesive than "Thriller." The album's era coincided with Jackson's rising tabloid presence and the beginning of significant changes in his public appearance. "Bad" dominated MTV and radio throughout 1988-1989, producing five top-ten singles and establishing Jackson as both a musical and cultural force.
Pressing Notes
The original 1987 pressing on Epic Records is the standard first edition, released in both stereo and special promotional versions. Early pressings featured the original artwork and mastering. The album has been reissued multiple times, including a remastered 2001 version and a 25th-anniversary special edition in 2012. Original first pressings in excellent condition command premium prices among collectors. Different regional pressings exist from various countries, with Japanese and European pressings often featuring superior mastering quality. The vinyl reissues on 180-gram and 200-gram audiophile pressings have become popular among collectors seeking improved sound quality, though original pressings remain the most sought-after for their vintage character and historical value.
Sign O' the Times
Prince
A masterful blend of funk, pop, and R&B with innovative production and genre-blending that shares Michael Jackson's adventurous approach to pop music.
Control
Janet Jackson
Features similarly cutting-edge production, synth-pop elements, and rhythmic precision while establishing its own distinctive voice within the pop-R&B sphere.
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