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Marking the quarter century mark since the release of Michael Jackson’s work of pop genius, Bad 25 is a positively electrifying celebration of this often underrated album. Released five years after Thriller, Bad ended up being regarded by many as a disappointing follow up to what became the best-selling album of all time. While Thriller was certainly a hard act to follow, Jackson did so by stepping up his songwriting output. With only two exceptions (“Man in the Mirror” and “Just Good Friends”), he wrote the entire record.
Of course, songwriting credits alone don’t spell greatness. What does is the sheer craftsmanship and artistry that went into songs like “Smooth Criminal,” “Dirty Diana,” “Leave Me Alone,” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” These hits helped define pop music in the late-‘80s and continue to serve as standard bearers. Even the lesser known album tracks, such as the propulsive “Speed Demon” and silky “Liberian Girl,” stand out as prime examples of Jackson’s abilities. It helped having Quincy Jones on board as producer, as he had been for Off the Wall and Thriller.
In other words, Bad is a treasure chest of indelible pop hooks, tasteful arrangements, devastating dance grooves, and some impeccable vocal performances. Epic/Legacy Recordings, in collaboration of the Estate of Michael Jackson, meant business when they put together this special anniversary edition. The remastered album sounds great, but the draw for fans is the additional material.
I’m going to jump right to the DVD, which contains a full, unedited two-hour concert from London’s Wembley Stadium, July 16, 1988. Want to see a 26-year-old Sheryl Crow duetting with Jackson on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You?” Crow was a backing vocalist on the Bad tour, but was given a featured spot on that chart-topping ballad. Looking for a few surprises in the set list? There’s a slamming take on the Jacksons’ 1980 hit “This Place Hotel.” This concert is simply incredible from start to finish. Jackson literally finishes “She’s Out of My Life” in tears, bringing a stunning level of intimacy to the 72,000 fans on hand.
Article comments
1 - Jeremy
Thank you for this great review!
I'm still waiting for my package to arrive soon! Can't wait to see BAD25!
Long live MJ, the unparalleled entertainer, THE KING!
2 - Tammy Bimrose
Thank you for a wonderful review and thank you to all who gave their support and lovely comments it means more to Michael than all the world can fathom. It is nice to see a good review. Thumbs up. Michael may not be here in person but believe me when I say he is here in spirit. If you wish to know how this is so, you can read this true ghost story. It will surprise you and he wishes that all his fans will read it and support him. He may not be here in his physical form, but he is still here trying to achieve what he was doing before his life was cut short and that is to heal the world. If you are a genuine fan of Michael's then you will know it is truly him after you read the full true story. He said God worked through him when he was alive and you just have to listen to most of his songs to see this. Look up Tammy Bimrose. Please do not shun me as I would rather stay in the shadows, but with all the physical validations and The fact that Michael won’t let me hide away any longer is daunting for me, but all who know me say all will understand, so I hope you do. I know this post is moderated and if the moderators wish to speak with me they can as it is time to come out of the closet so to speak. please accept this as truth. It is no coincidence that Michael is imbedded in the world people's minds, and hearts. Out of all the people in the world if it were even slightly possible to help the world and be able to in spirit don’t you think Michael would do this as he loved this world and all people more than anything so why not give him the same respect now and support him. I have had quite a few people tell me after they become involved in this mission, Michael's Mission that they to a feeling his presence and are witnessing signs. Listen to Michaels song another part of me and you will see that that song was no coincidence, nor was most of his songs.