Download Michael Jackson's Bad Album for Free: A Guide to the Pop Classic

Michael Jackson Bad Album Zip 12: A Review of the Legendary Pop Album

Michael Jackson was one of the most influential and successful artists of all time. He was known as the King of Pop for his groundbreaking music, dance moves, and style. He sold over 750 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and 26 American Music Awards. He was also a humanitarian who supported various causes and charities.

Michael Jackson Bad Album Zip 12

One of his most iconic albums was Bad, released in 1987. It was his seventh studio album and the third one produced by Quincy Jones. It featured 11 songs (12 in some versions) that showcased Jackson's versatility and creativity as a singer, songwriter, and producer. It also spawned nine singles that charted in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, including five number ones.

In this article, we will review the Bad album and explore its background, production, track listing, reception, and legacy. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the album. Whether you are a fan of Michael Jackson or not, you will surely find something interesting and informative in this article.

Background and Production of Bad

Bad was recorded between January 1985 and July 1987 at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles. It took nearly two years to complete because Jackson was busy with other projects, such as filming Captain EO (1986) and Moonwalker (1988), as well as touring for his previous album Thriller (1982).

Jackson wrote nine of the 11 songs on the album (10 of the 12 in some versions). He also co-produced all but two tracks with Quincy Jones. He wanted to have more creative control over his music and express his personal vision. He also wanted to prove himself as a songwriter after being criticized for relying too much on other writers.

Jackson collaborated with several artists on the album, such as Siedah Garrett , who duetted with him on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", Stevie Wonder , who co-wrote and sang on "Just Good Friends", and Slash , who played guitar on "Dirty Diana". He also worked with some of his regular collaborators, such as Rod Temperton , who wrote "The Lady in My Life" for Thriller , Bruce Swedien , who engineered both albums, and John Barnes , who arranged some of the songs.

Jackson experimented with different genres and sounds on Bad. He incorporated elements of pop, rock, funk, R&B, dance, soul, and hard rock. He also used new technology, such as digital synthesizers and drum machines, to create a sleeker and more aggressive sound. He wanted to make a statement with his music and reflect his edgier image.

Track Listing and Analysis

The following table shows the track listing and duration of each song on Bad:

TrackTitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length

1"Bad"Michael JacksonQuincy JonesMichael Jackson4:07

2"The Way You Make Me Feel"Michael JacksonQuincy JonesMichael Jackson4:58

3"Speed Demon"Michael JacksonQuincy JonesMichael Jackson4:01

4"Liberian Girl"Michael JacksonQuincy JonesMichael Jackson3:53

5"Just Good Friends"Terry BrittenGraham LyleQuincy JonesTerry BrittenGraham Lyle4:06

6"Another Part of Me"Michael JacksonQuincy JonesMichael Jackson3:54

7"Man in the Mirror"Siedah GarrettGlen BallardQuincy JonesGlen BallardSiedah GarrettMicheal Jackson (co-producer)

5:19

8

"I Just Can't Stop Loving You"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones Michael Jackson

4:25

9

"Dirty Diana"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones Michael Jackson

4:41

10

"Smooth Criminal"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones Michael Jackson

4:17

11

"Leave Me Alone"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones Michael Jackson

4:40

Bonus tracks on some versions:

12

"Streetwalker"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones

Michael Jackson

5:49

13

"Fly Away"

Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones

Michael Jackson

3:26

The following is a brief analysis of each song on Bad:

• "Bad": The title track and lead single from the album. It is a funk-rock song that features a catchy chorus, a rap bridge, and a guitar solo by David Williams . The lyrics are about self-confidence and defiance against criticism. The song was inspired by a real-life story of a black teenager named Edmund Perry who was killed by a white policeman after graduating from an elite prep school. The song was accompanied by an 18-minute short film directed by Martin Scorsese that featured Wesley Snipes as a rival gang leader.

• "The Way You Make Me Feel": The third single from the album. It is a pop-R&B song that features a groovy bass line, a finger-snapping beat, and a vocal hook by Sheryl Crow . The lyrics are about expressing attraction and admiration for a woman. The song was accompanied by a nine-minute short film directed by Joe Pytka that featured Tatiana Thumbtzen as Jackson's love interest.

• "Speed Demon": The eighth track on the album. It is a dance-rock song that features a fast tempo, a synth riff, and sound effects such as car horns and sirens. The lyrics are about escaping from paparazzi and fans who chase him for his fame. The song was accompanied by a ten-minute short film directed by Will Vinton that featured claymation characters such as Spike Lee , Tina Turner , Pee-wee Herman , Sylvester Stallone , among others.

• "Liberian Girl": The ninth track on the album (and tenth on some versions). It is a pop-soul song that features a smooth melody, a synth pad, and African chants. The lyrics are about dedicating love to a girl from Liberia . The song was accompanied by a six-minute short film directed by Jim Yukich that featured over 40 celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg , John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Steven Spielberg , among others.

• ```html "Another Part of Me": The sixth track on the album. It is a funk-pop song that features a horn section, a synth bass, and a call-and-response chorus. The lyrics are about unity and harmony among people of different races and backgrounds. The song was originally featured in the 3D film Captain EO (1986) directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Jackson as a space hero. The song was accompanied by a four-minute short film directed by Patrick Kelly that featured footage from Jackson's Bad World Tour.

• "Man in the Mirror": The fourth single from the album. It is a pop-gospel song that features a choir, a piano, and a powerful vocal performance by Jackson. The lyrics are about self-reflection and social change. The song was co-written by Siedah Garrett, who also sang on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You". The song was accompanied by a five-minute short film directed by Don Wilson that featured clips of various historical figures and events such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, among others.

• "I Just Can't Stop Loving You": The first single from the album. It is a pop-ballad duet with Siedah Garrett that features a soft melody, a string arrangement, and romantic lyrics. The song was originally intended to be sung with Barbra Streisand or Whitney Houston , but they declined the offer. The song was accompanied by a four-minute short film directed by Jim Yukich that featured Jackson and Garrett as lovers.

• "Dirty Diana": The fifth single from the album. It is a hard rock song that features a distorted guitar riff, a heavy drum beat, and an intense vocal delivery by Jackson. The lyrics are about a seductive groupie who tries to lure him away from his girlfriend. The song was inspired by stories of female fans who pursued Jackson and other celebrities. The song was accompanied by a five-minute short film directed by Joe Pytka that featured Billy Idol 's guitarist Steve Stevens playing the guitar solo.

• "Smooth Criminal": The seventh single from the album. It is a pop-rock song that features a catchy hook, a synth bass, and an iconic dance move called the anti-gravity lean . The lyrics are about a fictional character named Annie who is attacked by a smooth criminal . The song was inspired by films such as The Third Man (1949) and West Side Story (1961). The song was accompanied by a ten-minute short film directed by Colin Chilvers that featured Jackson as a gangster in the 1930s.

• "Leave Me Alone": The eighth single from the album (and eleventh on some versions). It is a pop-rock song that features a sample of Jimi Hendrix 's "Are You Experienced?", a dog barking, and an angry vocal delivery by Jackson. The lyrics are about his frustration with the media and their false accusations against him. The song was accompanied by a five-minute short film directed by Jim Blashfield that featured various animations and images mocking the tabloid stories about Jackson.

• "Streetwalker": A bonus track on some versions of the album. It is a dance-pop song that features a funky groove, a saxophone solo, and an upbeat vocal delivery by Jackson. The lyrics are about flirting with a streetwalker . The song was originally recorded for Bad but was replaced by "Another Part of Me" at the last minute.

• "Fly Away": Another bonus track on some versions of the album. It is a pop-soul song that features a smooth melody, a guitar solo, and a soothing vocal delivery by Jackson. The lyrics are about escaping from reality and flying away with someone you love . The song was originally recorded for Bad but was given to Rebbie Jackson , Michael's sister, for her album R U Tuff Enuff (1988).

Reception and Legacy of Bad

Bad was one of the most anticipated albums of its time. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 2.25 million copies in its first week in the United States. It stayed atop for six consecutive weeks and sold over 8 million copies in total in the country. It also reached number one in 24 other countries, including the United Kingdom, where it sold 350,000 copies in its first week and became the country's bestselling album of 1987.

Bad received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Jackson's vocal prowess and the album's rich production. However, some critics also compared it unfavorably with Thriller , which they considered to be superior and more innovative. Some critics also felt that some of the songs were filler or too similar to each other.

Bad won two Grammy Awards out of six nominations: Best Engineered Recording Non-Classical for Bruce Swedien and Humberto Gatica , and Best Music Video Short Form for "Leave Me Alone". It also won three American Music Awards out of five nominations: Favorite Pop/Rock Album , Favorite Soul/R&B Album , and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for "Bad".

Bad is widely regarded as one of Jackson's best albums and one of the greatest albums of all time. It has been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 10 million copies in the United States. It has also sold over 35 million copies worldwide, making it one of the bestselling albums ever. It has been ranked among the best albums of all time by various publications and organizations, such as Rolling Stone , Time , VH1 , MTV , among others.

Bad has also influenced many artists across different genres and generations, such as Justin Timberlake , Beyoncé , Bruno Mars , Lady Gaga , Chris Brown , among others. Many songs from the album have been covered or sampled by other artists, such as Alien Ant Farm , Fall Out Boy , Rihanna , Kanye West , among others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bad is an amazing album that showcases Michael Jackson's talent and versatility as an artist. It features 11 (or 12) songs that span different genres and themes, from funk to rock, from love to social issues. It also features some of his most memorable performances and videos, such as "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Smooth Criminal", among others.

Bad is not only an album; it is also a cultural phenomenon that broke records and set trends. It is an album that defined an era and influenced generations of music lovers and makers. It is an album that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated for its artistic value and historical significance.

FAQs

• What does ZIP stand for in Michael Jackson Bad Album Zip 12?

ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan , which is a system of postal codes used in the United States. ZIP 12 refers to one of the versions of Bad that contains 12 tracks instead of 11.

• What is the meaning of Bad?

Bad has different meanings depending on the context. In general, it means something that is not good or desirable . However, in slang terms, it can also mean something that is very good or impressive . In this case, Jackson used it as a positive term to describe himself and his music.

• Who is Annie in Smooth Criminal?

Annie is a fictional character who is the victim of a smooth criminal in Smooth Criminal . She is not based on any real person or event.

• Who is Diana in Dirty Diana?

Diana is another fictional character who represents a groupie who tries to seduce Jackson in Dirty Diana . She is not based on any specific person or event.

• Who are the celebrities in Liberian Girl?

The celebrities who appear in Liberian Girl are: Steven Spielberg , John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Whoopi Goldberg , Quincy Jones , Rosanna Arquette , Dan Aykroyd , Richard Dreyfuss , Danny Glover , Steve Guttenberg , Jasmine Guy , Amy Irving , Rick James , Jeffrey Jones , Brigitte Nielsen , Lou Ferrigno , Paula Abdul , Debbie Gibson , Corey Feldman , Malcolm-Jamal Warner , Sherman Hemsley , Billy Dee Williams , Carl Weathers , Weird Al Yankovic