This week marks 30 years since Michael Jackson’s Bad album confirmed the King of Pop as one of the most successful artists of all time. But Jackson was not the only artist to produce a classic 1987 album. Both the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy enjoyed successful hip-hop breakthroughs, Bruce Springsteen released his ultimate break-up album, and the Morrissey/Marr partnership managed one last hurrah before consigning the Smiths to history.
To celebrate these releases, we asked readers to name their favourite albums from 1987 and explain why they still matter 30 years on.
Michael Jackson – Bad
It was an album worthy of breaking all records. What impresses me is the different genres of music all in one album. Liberian Girl was the first time I heard someone praising African women as beautiful in a song. The Bad video is also one of the most iconic. The wait for a follow up to Thriller was definitely worth it.
Tabi
Prince – Sign o’ the Times