Released exactly 25 years ago today (August 31), "Bad" -- the multi-platinum tour de force that was Michael Jackson's 7th studio album -- cemented the King of Pop and the most formidable musical artist of his, or possibly any other generation. The legend lived up to the task of following his monstrously successful "Thriller" album with a record-breaking 11-song set that showcased all sides of his musical personae and, at times, replaces his polished, pitch-perfect performances with a rougher, racier sheen.

"Bad" marked the third (and last) project that Michael produced with the equally legendary Quincy Jones. The duo laced the album with a mixture of R&B, pop and rock tunes that ranged from dancefloor hits to tender ballads to introspective calls for social change.

"Bad" was the first album to produce five consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was the sixth album to debut at No. 1 in the history of the Billboard 200, spending 38 weeks in the chart's top 10. On its 25th anniversary, we take a listen to the classic album that truly defined Michael Jackson as the King of Pop.
Read more at http://www.billboard.com/new-releases#TOiSFz5UvPtCCIAU.99