By 1991 it stood as the second best-selling album of all time at the time, behind Thriller, having sold 25 million copies worldwide. Subjected to widespread comparisons with Thriller by critics upon release, Bad was positively reviewed, with praise directed at its production and Jackson's vocals. Seven charted in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, including a record-breaking five number ones: ' I Just Can't Stop Loving You', ' Bad', ' The Way You Make Me Feel', ' Man in the Mirror' and ' Dirty Diana'. Nine songs were released as official singles, and one as a promotional single. It was the best-selling album worldwide of 19.

The album also reached number one in 24 other countries, including the UK, where it sold 500,000 copies in its first five days and became the country's best-selling album of 1987. One of the most anticipated albums of its time, Bad debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, selling over 2 million copies in its first week in the US. The album features appearances from Siedah Garrett and Stevie Wonder. Lyrical themes on the album include media bias, paranoia, racial profiling, romance, self-improvement, and world peace. Jackson also experimented with newer recording technology, including digital synthesizers and drum machines, resulting in a sleeker and more aggressive sound. The album's edgier sound incorporates pop, rock, funk, R&B, dance, soul, and hard rock styles. With Bad, Jackson departed from his signature groove-based style and high-pitched vocals.

Written and recorded between January 1985 and July 1987, Bad was the third and final collaboration between Jackson and producer Quincy Jones, with Jackson co-producing and composing all but two tracks. It was released on August 31, 1987, by Epic Records, nearly five years after Jackson's previous album, Thriller (1982). Bad is the seventh studio album by American singer and songwriter Michael Jackson.

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