Michael Jackson
Bad

THE REVIEW

"Boy, you are a fucking dancer..."

That's how Fred Astaire began the phone call he made to a very young Michael after seeing him on TV during the first "moon-walking." A credible judgment, so it seems.
But the young man in question was born and raised in music, had debuted on TV at a very young age with his brothers by forming the Jackson5, and was preparing to conquer the world. This time definitively, only to let it slip away in the last, miserable times.

"Bad" was only supposed to be the logical continuation of the worldwide success of the astonishing "Thriller," and in fact, at least commercially, that's how it was. But not all that glitters is gold, and good Michael, alongside the inseparable Quincy Jones, does not amaze this time. In fact, there's a slight step back in terms of quality. If "Thriller" was a complete and mature album, "Bad" appeared too self-indulgent and attached to market logic. Obviously, there were great musicians involved (Greg Phillinganes, John Robinson, Steve Porcaro, and Mike Landau to name a few), but the cocktail, although pleasing, is not exciting. Some naiveties ("Speed Demon," "Another Part of Me"), alongside authentic masterpieces like the sweet and afro-sounding "Liberian Girl," the engaging title track, and the hugely selling "Smooth Criminal," culminating in the album's pearl, that "Dirty Diana" with the most rock rhythms Jackson has ever done.

The formula is that of the funky-pop piece, with nuances of rock and soul scattered here and there as in "Just Good Friends" in a duet with Stevie Wonder and in "Leave Me Alone." The ballads that from here on will mark (significantly) Jackson's musical career cannot be missing: "Man in the Mirror" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" are still among Michael's fans' favorite tracks. The special edition is recommended, which also includes interviews with Quincy Jones and bonus tracks. Although I am not an avid fan of the now-former alien, this is a good album, but not exceptional.

By now, the most had been achieved with "Thriller," and here good old Michael started to prance around a bit with some overly sentimental songs. An album that remains enjoyable and overall musically fresh. But more could have been done...