"Bad" is a pop-funk composition written by Michael Jackson for his 1987 album of the same name, produced by Quincy Jones on Epic Records. The song emerged from Jackson's effort to follow the commercial dominance of Thriller with equally impactful material, and it reflects his characteristic approach of fully conceiving a composition in his head before bringing it to the studio, singing every part from basslines to harmonies into a tape recorder. Built around a repetitive, bass-driven groove rooted in funk traditions, the piece emphasizes syncopation and rhythmic propulsion, incorporating beatbox-like percussion elements and a strong backbeat to generate danceable momentum. The verse-chorus structure draws on rock-influenced pop conventions, while an extended bridge section heightens the dramatic arc. Thematically, the song marks a shift in Jackson's writing toward confrontational, assertive posturing, distinguishing it from the more joyful energy of earlier compositions like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural staple of late 1980s pop. On the album recording, the arrangement features horn sections and layered instrumentation, with notable solo contributions from Jimmy Smith on organ and Greg Phillinganes on keyboard, both adding textural depth to the composition's funk foundation.
