You'll Hear It "Bad" – Michael Jackson
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Feb 9, 2026 They dig into Michael Jackson's Bad, from its pressure-filled follow-up status after Thriller to Quincy Jones's smaller role. Musical breakdowns highlight synth programming, Jimmy Smith's organ surprise, and the craft behind 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Man in the Mirror'. Conversations cover mid-album dips, Stevie Wonder's cameo, rock-leaning tracks like 'Dirty Diana', and why side two soars.
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Childhood Cassette Memory
- Peter recalls buying Bad on cassette and wearing the tape out as a kid.
- He remembers the striking album art and tiny multi-fold cassette booklet.
Organic Details Buried In The Mix
- The album hides deep organic touches, like a subdued Jimmy Smith B3 organ buried in the mix.
- Those quieter analog elements coexist with the album's dominant programmed sounds.
Be Careful Telling Others' Stories
- When storytelling in pop, avoid wearing a costume to tell someone else's life story without perspective.
- Authentic perspective matters more after hip-hop and grittier narratives enter mainstream culture.