Burning The Ground Exclusive
In 1987, Michael Jackson faced what seemed like an impossible task, following the biggest-selling album of all time, Thriller. Most artists would have played it safe. Jackson did the opposite. He came back louder, tougher, and with something to prove. The result was “Bad,” a song that wasn’t just a hit single, it was a statement.
Released on September 7, 1987, as the second single from the album of the same name, “Bad” introduced a sharper and more aggressive side of Jackson. Gone was some of the wide-eyed wonder of Off the Wall and Thriller. In its place was confidence, attitude, and swagger. Written by Jackson himself and co-produced with Quincy Jones, “Bad” was built to make an impact. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 24, 1987, where it stayed for two consecutive weeks, becoming Jackson’s eighth U.S. No. 1 single.
Musically, “Bad” is driven by a punchy bassline, sharp percussion, and one of Jackson’s most commanding vocal performances. He spits out the lyrics with urgency and bravado, delivering lines that feel more like challenges than pop hooks. It was Jackson stepping into a harder streetwise image, even if he was still unmistakably Michael.
The inspiration for the song reportedly came from a real-life story Jackson had read about a student from a private school who was killed after returning to his old neighborhood and trying to prove he still belonged there. Jackson took that idea and transformed it into a song about identity, respect, and survival. It became less about being “bad” in the criminal sense and more about strength and self-definition.
Of course, no discussion of “Bad” is complete without the short film. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the full 18-minute video was far more ambitious than the average music promo of the era. Set in New York and filmed in black and white, it starred a young Wesley Snipes in one of his earliest screen appearances. The film gave the song a cinematic edge and helped cement the visual identity of the entire Bad era.
The choreography also became iconic. Jackson once again turned movement into part of the song’s DNA. The snapping, the sharp footwork, the aggressive stance, it all made “Bad” instantly recognizable. It was one of those performances that people tried to imitate the minute they saw it.
The larger Bad album went on to make history, becoming the first album ever to produce five Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, with “Bad” serving as one of its defining moments. It proved Jackson could survive the shadow of Thriller, even if critics at the time insisted on comparing the two.
Looking back now, “Bad” stands as one of the essential Michael Jackson singles. It was bold, stylish, and fearless. It showed that he wasn’t interested in repeating himself. He wanted to push forward, even under enormous pressure.
Nearly four decades later, “Bad” still sounds like an artist refusing to stand still.
Because sometimes the best response to impossible expectations is simple:
You ask, “Who’s bad?”
And Michael answers it himself.
SIDE A:
Bad (Dance Extended Mix Includes ‘False Fade’ ) 8:24
Remix – Bruce Swedien
Bad (7″ Single Mix) 4:08
SIDE B:
Bad (Dance Remix Radio Edit) 4:55
Remix – Bruce Swedien
Bad (Dub Version) 4:07
Bad (A Cappella) 3:49
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart (1987) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Australian Music Report) | 4 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 9 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 1 |
| Canada Retail Singles (The Record) | 1 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 5 |
| Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM) | 1 |
| Denmark (IFPI) | 1 |
| Europe (European Hot 100 Singles) | 1 |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen singlelista) | 6 |
| France (SNEP) | 4 |
| Hungary (MAHASZ) | 6 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 1 |
| Italy (Musica e Dischi) | 1 |
| Italy Airplay (Music & Media) | 6 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 1 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 1 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 2 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 2 |
| South Africa (EMA) | 4 |
| Spain (AFYVE) | 3 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 4 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 3 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 3 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) | 33 |
| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard), Remix | 1 |
| US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard), Remix | 1 |
| US Hot Black Singles (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Hot Crossover (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 | 1 |
| US CHR/Pop Airplay (Radio & Records) | 1 |
| West Germany (GfK) | 4 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 07462
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dance-pop
CREDITS:
- Art Direction – Nancy Donald, Tony Lane (2)
- Co-producer, Written-By – Michael Jackson
- Lettering [“Bad” Lettering] – Jeffrey Spear
- Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
- Photography By – Sam Emerson
- Producer – Quincy Jones
- Recorded By, Mixed By – Bruce Swedien
NOTES:
Also Available: Michael Jackson’s LP “Bad” on Epic Records, Cassettes and Compact Disc.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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MJ returned with a new sound and a new face, reborn and ready for the world. Of course now, when I hear this I can’t help but think of how this was originally envisioned as a collaboration with Prince… Discussions were made, but once Prince saw the lyrics… he apparently said “Your Butt is mine…. I can’t do that.” It cracks me up every time I hear it now… I think of MJ singing that to Prince in the subway station, Prince there in his buttless pants… Of course this had an extra layer, as a former Jehovah’s Witness, a… Read more »
Such a monster song (and video) back in the day! It was a big hit for a long time as it felt it was consistently on the airwaves in the USA for over a year. Although I love(d) the acappella, I was pretty disappointed with the mixes of this song (released Sep 1987) as well as MJ’s other mixes of the mid-80s era…not sure why he didn’t leverage Shep Pettibone or others during this time period. Maybe MJ felt the simple extended mixes were just fine and/or the songs were already perfectly perfect before remixing. 🙂 Not a big deal… Read more »
Paul, the music here speaks for itself! Hard hitting, and like you said, it’s delivered with attitude and Jackson’s irresistible swagger. I loved this new musical phase for Michael. I can only imagine the worry he must have had in following up his “Thriller” LP. The pressure must have been intense!! I’m glad he stayed with Quincy Jones. The guy made Michael’s magic even more wonderful. I like to remember the music and the dance moves of Michael Jackson. Although he has a complicated legacy, I still choose to remember the music and the way that music made me feel.… Read more »
This is one I remember buying on cassette maxi single! Later I replaced it with a promo cd single. Love the false fade mix. The video was premiered on prime time TV and we taped it, of course. Interesting for the time it was the 2nd single yet first video! Bizarrely the album was reissued covertly several times with various subtle mix changes (including Bad). Makes it kind of sad because I’m thinking the currently available version is not the one that hit shelves initially. Was an interesting time and I played that album to death. Also of note, the… Read more »
yay!! thanks!!