Comparisons with Thriller are unimportant, except this one: even without a milestone recording like “Billie Jean,” Bad is a better record. The filler — “Speed Demon,” “Dirty Diana,” arguably “Liberian Girl” — is Michael’s filler, which makes it richer, sexier, better than Thriller‘s forgettables: “Baby Be Mine,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Lady in My Life.”
Excerpt taken from this article reviewing the Bad album in 1987.
I agree with the point that Bad is better than Thriller but I have to stop and point out the absolute SLANDER and LIE that was referencing “Lady in My Life” and “Pretty Young Thing” as “forgettables”.
*clears throat*
Today, 12 years ago, the world found out that Michael Jackson had passed away, and this started the beginning of my (back then) obsession with him. I no longer am obsessed, but I do still enjoy hearing a tune every now and then. (Especially since my kids at work really enjoy hearing his music…goodness. I have to play his music all afternoon or they lose it.)
I recently have been getting ideas for more t-shirts to make (yes, I now make my own t-shirts) and I had always wanted to buy a white t-shirt with Michael Jackson’s Bad album printed on the front. I will show the results later, but since I had some heat transfer paper and now know how to heat press, I wasn’t going to be zipped out of $30 dollars when I could just make something on my own. In this dedication post, I want to talk about both the Bad album, why it’s my favorite album, and other cool stuff about this legendary work of art.
There are eleven tracks on this album.
This album was one of the first albums I was gifted (from my mom in high school.) I will be talking about the Special Edition tracks as well, because they’re awesome too. But for now, let’s talk about the main OGs that were released before 2001’s Special Edition.
Bad
Bad has to be one of my favorites on this album. It’s sleek, cool, and promotes a all-time iconic look with those numerous belt buckles on that jacket. Please watch the full video of you haven’t so you could see it in it’s entire glory.
The Way You Make Me Feel
I mean, this song is cute, but the video is kind of…weird now that I look at it again. I get that it was the 80s and times were different, but I don’t care if I was born in the 80s or the 1800s—I don’t want no man chasing after me as persistently as Mr. Jackson was. I knew he thought she was pretty, but sir, I’m gonna need you to take a no. Otherwise, a legendary and sweet song if you’re just listening to it through some earphones.
Speed Demon
Speed Demon is…like a trip on drugs. The video is all clay but it’s still creatively different that the lyrics don’t matter. Obviously about getting a speeding ticket, this song is full of anger, rage and screams about getting stopped by the police because you were speeding. This song right here is an example of “writing for your own pure and personal pleasure” and how important it is for us creative human beings to “get it out” even if it’s only interesting to us. (I am most likely just reaching, because that’s mainly what this blog is for me. Ignore me.)
Liberian Girl
A nice love song about a woman supposedly from Liberia. Don’t know who the woman is, but she must be pretty to Michael. The lyrics are swoon-worthy, and feel like a fantasy trip. The vocals are unforgettable and very nice to the ears.
Just Good Friends
A fun duet with another iconic singer, Stevie Wonder. The song’s plot is interesting, because it sounds like the two fellas like the same girl. Or she is dating both of them and they both don’t want to let her go. Either she’s dumb or they’re both dumb. Not sure.
Another Part of Me
I mean…it’s catchy. But not really one of my favorites. Reminds me of Star Wars or something like that.
Man in the Mirror
This song has to be one of the most iconic songs from the Bad era. It’s all about change, self-reflection, and I’m pretty sure he made sure to sing it at every concert.
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
This song, along with it’s romantic intro, is a beautiful lovey dovey sung between two talented singers. It’s words are unforgettable and mark one of my favorites from the album. It’s been translated to two other languages and sounds just as beautiful. My favorite line: “I won’t stop until/I hear your voice saying ‘I do'” (He wants to marry her!!!)
Dirty Diana
This rock song is one of my favorites. The rhythm and sound is just EVERYTHING. And the music video is nothing short of entertaining. You got a concert and you’ve got story plot!
Smooth Criminal
Smooth Criminal originally came from Michael’s Moonwalker movie released in 1988. As iconic as this video is, watching it in its full glory in the movie is even more iconic. (Just skip the Come Together part. It’s lame and useless to me.)
Leave Me Alone
This song can’t be more blatant about the media and paparazzi harassment. The video style is awesome and so creative, mixed with a kind of cartoony and animated presentation. Arguably one of my favorite music video styles to this date. Will probably write about my favorite music videos in the future just becsuse of this one alone.
Special Edition + tracks
As mentioned above, I had been gifted the Special Edition by my mother. This version included a new song called Streetwalker, another song called Fly Away and the Spanish version of I Just Can’t Stop Loving You. A nice interview with Quincy Jones is also included, but I don’t think I ever spent time listening to it. The two new tracks, however, are nice listens. Fly Away includes a lot of nice high notes. I am a fan of those anytime.
Now…on to the craft.
Michael Jackson to me is such a fashion icon. I love how he is always seen wearing the same things. Always. Even up to the age of his death, he was always sporting some aviators, loafers or boots, or a hat.
Me being the simple person I am, decided to just make this shirt with one thing in mind: I want a Michael Jackson Bad album shirt. Looking for this image wasn’t easy…I couldn’t really find good pictures that I thought were big enough. But the one I managed to find was big enough for the shirt without having to be manipulated, although it wasn’t the original album size.
I am new to heat pressing so I admit the design size isn’t what I was looking for, but with the size of my printer (8×11) the size would have to do. However, it does feel good to design your own clothes, I tell ya. The thought that I don’t have to pay $20 dollars for a simple Michael Jackson shirt with the Bad cover on the front just fills me with so much joy. This shirt costed $2.88 cents to make (I just got a blank from Wal-Mart) and I already had some left over transfer paper. (They’re also like $10 dollars from Wal-Mart which isn’t a big deal at all.)
Once I get the sizing and everything down… it’s over for the stores.
(Lies.)
I hope you enjoyed this totally unnecessary but fun post about Michael Jackson’s Bad album!
(Also I apologize for the draft of this post being released in the early hours of this morning. I am still learning about scheduling and reverting stuff to drafts. Thank you to the two people who liked the post.)
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