It’s fair to say thatMichael Jacksonwas both absolutely unstoppable in their heyday.Badhit the pop scene at the height of Jackson’s career, released five years after the smashing success ofThrillerin 1987 and his seventh studio release is, for some, his greatest achievement. On the back of Jackson’s reinvention in a tougher image, the album also pioneered new technology, hopped genres, but fundamentally brought back everything that had made Jackson a household name by ‘87.
Jackson released nine singles fromBad, between May 1987 (“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”) and July 1989 (“Liberian Girl”), and while the last single failed to chart on the Billboard Top 100, Jackson claimed incredible accolades across the world.Badheld the record for UK number one singles from an individual album for other 20 years, after 7 of the 9 hit the top of the charts. Considering the level of expectation that came with the album’s release on the back ofThriller, Jackson’s achievements with the album were astronomical.
But what do Michael Jackson’sBadand Katy Perry’sTeenage Dreamhave in common? On the surface, not much. However,they share a chart-topping record that no-one else has managed.
These Hits Were The Soundtrack Of Their Respective Decades
Impressively, both Michael Jackson’sBad, and Katy Perry’sTeenage Dreammanaged five number one singles, an otherwise unprecedented feat. The very fact that it only happened twice, 23 years apart, says everything about how much it should be celebrated.
Man in the Mirror
Dirty Diana
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
Every single hit onBadis an ’80s classic. “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” is a slow groove that is perfect for a DJ calling all the couple to the dance floor. “The Way You Make me Feel” has a classic disco pop feel that hits home for all listeners. “Dirty Diana” has something for the rock lovers with its ripping guitar solo and intense flying vocal delivery from Jackson. What would this album be without the heartfelt “Man in the Mirror?” The ballad is moving and withstands the test of time as we all look within and strive to be better people.The song was even nominated 1988’s Record of the Year at the Grammy’s.
Parties in the 2000s and 2010s weren’t complete without a Katy Perry song.Teenage Dreamnot only had the teenage love anthem title track butfour other big hits. “California Gurls” was the song of the summer in 2010. “Firework” is a ballad with an inspirational flare the song served as a confidence booster for fans. “E.T.” was her big love song on the record all about the all encompassing feeling of an intoxicating romance. “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” was the party song of the 2010s, perfectly encapsulating the feeling of a wild night with all of your best friends.
Some Artists Have Come Close, But Haven’t Matched Or Surpassed Them Yet
From George Michael To Usher, No One Has Matched Up
The feat of having multiple #1 hits seems to be getting harder over the years as many albums with multiple chart-topping tracks came out in the mid 80s to early 90s.George Michael’sFaithboasted four number 1 singleswith “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” “Monkey,” and, of course, “Faith.” After his successful years with Wham! George Michael became a beloved artist. It was no surprise that his debut record was met with so much love from fans and critics alike when it was released in 1987.
Whitney Houston also wracked up four chart toppers on her incredible self-titled record. The record had the same versatility as Perry and Jackson’s records, but her fifth hit, “Love Will Save The Day,” peaked at number 9. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “So Emotional” are dance bangers to this day. You can’t help but sing along and move your feet when you heat these tracks. “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” brought the emotion and intensity to this album and charted at number 1.
Most recently in 2004,Usher had four songs soar on the charts from his albumConfessions. “Yeah!” and “My Boo” are still club staples that bring everyone to the dance floor two decades later. “Burn” is a classic break-up song overflowing with catharsis. “Confessions Part II” is a song about infidelity that is filled with emotion and a real experience of the song’s producer Jermaine Dupri.
In the era of streaming services, internet hits, and a fast-paced pop culture cycle, albums have less impact. Artists are also often pushed into a niche that limits their range. It may be a long time before we see another album achieve this feat.
