The Impossible Task: How MJ Followed “Thriller” With 5 No.1 Singles

How do you follow up the biggest album of all time? In 1987, Michael Jackson faced that question head-on with Bad — the ambitious, era-defining follow-up to Thriller. And while it didn’t outsell its predecessor, Bad proved something even more important: that Michael wasn’t a one-album phenomenon. He was an evolving artist, still shaping pop music on his own terms. In this deep-dive video, I break down the entire Bad era — from the blockbuster singles and legendary music videos to the bold artistic choices, Grammy surprises, and groundbreaking world tour. We’ll look at how Michael pushed his sound, image, and message into new territory while staying firmly at the centre of global pop culture. 📀 In this video: • Why Bad was more than just a follow-up to Thriller • The stories behind five record-breaking No.1 singles • How Michael transformed the music video into a global event • The cultural impact of songs like “Man in the Mirror” and “Dirty Diana” • What critics got wrong — and how history proved them wrong From Scorsese-directed short films and iconic choreography to tabloid takedowns and gospel anthems, this is the story of how Michael Jackson reinvented himself — and pop music — in the late 1980s. ⸻ 💬 What’s your favourite single from the Bad era? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your picks. 📊 Subscribe to Pop Charts Nerd for more deep dives into the music that shaped generations. Every chart has a story — and we’re just getting started. ⸻ ✍️ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:23 Setting the Scene - Following Up Thriller 2:26 I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – The Warm-Up 3:49 Bad – The Statement 5:52 The Way You Make Me Feel – The Charm Offensive 7:12 Man in the Mirror – The Message 8:28 Dirty Diana – The Rock Edge 9:41 Another Part of Me - The Unexpected Anthem 10:06 Liberian Girl - The Star-Studded Wink 10:39 Smooth Criminal - The Signature Move 11:06 Leave Me Alone - The Tabloid Takedown 11:31 Legacy of the Bad Era