Michael Jackson BAD Original Studio Multitracks (Listening Session & Analysis)

[@samwell2386]

MJ is so overlooked as a composer

[@SinisterSoundsEntertainment]

That was Quincy Jones. The 2 together was a recipe for perfection

[@mayganphynix8267]

It’s really sad. The way he used his incredible beat boxing and built off that, is SO freaking amazing.

[@andyshtroymish4997]

Uhmm... Never was actually. You don't just get "King of pop" name - it's a deserved and appreciated thing.

[@ICU306]

Especially in his later albums with his beat boxing, especially in bad. Bad is the start of him doing this

[@robertepps2834]

Yeah but that's Quincy Jones doing that music!

[@cedipunktmusik]

It's unbelieveable how much work, talent and passion is put in these Songs

[@noname-nobody1247]

Wow Michael Jackson actually wrote and composed this by himself according to the album credits. Man he really was a genius especially today not a lot of pop artist do their own background vocals. Wow

[@lundsweden]

With a little help from Q and the studio musicans!

[@adamlw7181]

@@lundsweden Not neccasarily. He had a studio in his own home and a lot of the time like with Billy Jean and even the whole Off The Wall album he would write and work on it at home and take the demo to a main studio. There's plenty of the demos out there. A little like homework I suppose. I'm sure he knew where he was going with it before he got it to Quincy.

[@ashishgouenji]

See recent owl city's kelly time stream and fireflies

[@srprice2383]

WTF? And?

[@srprice2383]

What????😂

[@Okie-00-Spool]

I think it's fair to say that MJ had a metronomic sense of time. Wow, the guy was like an atomic clock!

[@kenstephano9615]

So, I hear Michael Jackson never learned to read or write music. He sang the WHOLE instrumental parts, and the musicians had to copy them. I’d love to to hear THAT recording.

[@chrisliepe]

I've heard the same thing... that would be awesome to hear!

[@jared3morgan659]

5:15 through 6:12 has always been my favorite part of Bad to listen to since I was a little kid because of how it build’s up towards the chorus and how smooth the strings are and all the other instruments that harmonizes in that build up; MJ really made me appreciate music !!

[@Joster022]

It also sounds like the intro for the Earth song if I am not mistaken

[@GlamazonNe]

​@@Joster022 You're right it does

[@shaunscm]

Breaking down these multi-tracks is even more powerful in the context of your channel, expertise, and deep insight into voice. Thank you, Chris. And thanks to MJ.

[@chrisliepe]

I appreciate your appreciation :) !! I'm glad you are getting so much value from them!

[@mikeyhugz16]

"Working Day and Night" would be very interesting to break down. Very percussive

[@chrisliepe]

Ya, it sure would be!

[@tagesvaterpatrick8780]

I agree, especially because he sings most of this song with his head voice like he did with "Don't stop..."

[@JordanX767]

Off the Wall album in general. I endorse this!

[@virgilblaze9090]

I remember working day and night came on once when i was in a restaurant. I forgot to eat for a few minutes as i was in a trance 🤣

[@PortiaJay1]

I second that! Especially in that beginning part before the “Aaaaoooww!!” Lol

[@Senor_3210]

Just to hear Him so full of life and energy makes we grateful he was able to experience doing what he loved at a high level. It brings tears to my eyes though. Especially to know I'll never hear another brand new MJ song...

[@DanielaGonzalez-lv8hg]

there's a chance you will

[@omgnetwork5231]

Michael's song's production are top-tier and complex. Even the vocal arrangement!

[@_fpna]

I love hearing MJ vocals when dancing. Thank you

[@i8urbabi]

The bass lines of all MJ songs are always rockin. Seriously good bass tone and groove. Michaels pocket is deep, bass is very important in his music. Awesome to see the similar structuring of the tracks through various songs on different albums. World class production made for easier mixing but its really a treat to see these multitracks and learn a bit how they built up separate tracks to focus the sounds. Quincy and MJ dialed in their work great together. These are great videos.

[@Abraxas47]

The complexity of his arrangements is unbelievable. What I can never get over, though, is the intentionality of his vocals. They're so precise, which is evident on the doubled tracks with their nearly identical execution, apart from things like how far he is from the mic or what he chooses to emphasize... it sounds so free and unrestrained, yet it's clear that he planned and carefully considered every note, pronunciation, slight dietetics in pitch or rhythm, breath, grunt, gasp... everything that made it onto the recording was meant to. What I'm super interested in, though, is how he managed to get that particular tone he has on his backing vocals. They're so locked in, precise, smooth, and perfectly in tune that they sound synthesized, autotuned, beyond human capability. And clearly they weren't digitally altered since this album came out in 1987. I just wanna know how he achieved that remarkable tone!

[@vanceblankenbaker9046]

This was soooo, soooo good. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, Mr. Liepe.

[@mykelbrown2229]

If I may, I would love to see you do an analysis of “Remember The Time,” “Leave Me Alone,” and “Unbreakable.” Also, I would love to see you do more of the less popular MJ songs, those are some of the gems!

[@willward952]

I remember being totally smitten with MJ when I was 15, and to hear this breakdown of the original mix where you get to hear the arrangements separate from the studio mix is stunning. Bad was released in 1987, I can't believe how quickly time flies by, makes you appreciate the time you have on this earth, but also gasp that this was 1987. I also can't believe he's gone which makes me more than sad. Amazing to listen to this and be taken back all those years. Bad rocks, the whole album sustains itself as a music icon and legend in it's own right, and the whole world has to answer right now, just to tell you once again. WHO'S BAD! Thanks for posting this Chris, excellent stuff🥰😯🎵🎶

[@Snyper1405]

Listening to these breakdowns are a delight, and a wonderful insight into the genius that is Michael, and you can't help but get "goosebumps" evertime you hear his voice 🙌🏽🌟💖🎵

[@ANITACHEONG-em8mt]

❤

[@timuryesa]

this whole thing doesnt feel like its human made... this is soooo crazy. Perfection does not exist, but if it would exist it would be the michael jackson songs haha

[@tripledeluxedday]

Perfection exists all around everywhere. If I say it does.

[@Gaven7r]

All the arrangements for these songs are AMAZING!!!! really insane stuff

[@TechToyTV]

Please do Scream. There is sooooo much hidden in that multi-track that isn't heard in the final mix. I love listening to the multi-tracks of that one!

[@Abraxas47]

Ooh, yes!

[@jracerichards]

A compliment to Quincy for bringing in Jimmy Smith for the organ solo which keeps going into the bridge but was only used on the extended mix.

[@realemotion80]

By far his funkiest song. It's Interesting to hear all the intricate parts played separately! Props to you my good man!

[@crnkmnky]

I’m pretty sure Michael’s “funkiest” songs were released between 1978 and 1980. 🤓 #GetOnTheFloor

[@Snyper1405]

Everything he does is funky and fun, after all he's the "GOAT", and the "King Of It All"! 😁🙌🏽🌟💖👑🙇🏽‍♂️🎵🎯

[@itsjustnaima]

His FUNKIEST Song is an unreleased track called "sunset driver" it didn’t make it into off the wall but it’s on KZbin! Check it out and tell me how you feel about it, would love to get a feedback! :)

[@diddybopper2052]

Baby Be Mine is quite funky too… and totally inspired Bruno Mars’s ‘Chunky’. It’s almost a carbon copy.

[@VinylEldred]

It's funny that you say that because did you know the first pressings of Bad (1987) have a more funky version of Bad on them that has more horns in the chours that they later removed on all other pressings of the album and it's apparently because the Quincy Jones said it's not like a pop track to be this funky so they removed the extra horns.

[@KorpusV6]

7:00 solo 1 was Greg Phillinganes who arranged a lot of Michael's songs and also for The Jacksons from Destiny album onwards. He did the incredible middle section on Don't Stop Till You Get Enough. Second solo was by Jazz pianist Jimmi Smith.

[@Gabrielle4870]

Thanks for this info!

[@KorpusV6]

@@Gabrielle4870 you're welcome😊

[@supersery]

MJ always had amazing percussions, rythm, beats, drums. Its his trademark, you can notice it since his production during the Jacksons period.

[@Swat-ed5bt]

Brilliantly analyised. Michael forever! ❤️

[@jamiegunn]

Another great MJ video with the multracks. Without the isolated tracks ; we would not have been aware of his progressive breathing and stomping in between his vocals, but it makes total sense. Thanks again for sharing these.

[@williemo44]

This whole analysis can be summed up with one word: soul. It’s not technical, it’s just soulful. Soul comes from the pain life throws at an artist.

[@DJTomOke]

Never understood how that solo jumped from that first section to the last, the fact it's edited in makes perfect sense!

[@peterzana6260]

holy shit and he said he "hears all the strings and melodies in his head"... like wow... a whole orchestra.

[@tripledeluxedday]

Yeah but Orchestras are weak. They dont even bother to mix them properly even on a mainstream television Brodcast like the Olympics did. They offer canned (pre recorded) sound in place of the live performance for anything to do with strings or "Symphonic".

[@ram-4]

Jazz legend Jimmy Smith played most of the organ solo. The final "pitch bendy" part was by Greg Phillinganes - it's the ending to the track "solo 01" here.

[@lightbringer543]

These MJ breakdowns are purely magic - thanks for making them happen! Peace & love! Rest in peace Michael, you will always live on in our hearts!

[@Nathanaelsun22]

That was so powerful and absolutely awesome, revelation after revelation... Michael Forever...

[@AtomizedSound]

Man I love these types of videos! I wish they could be longer and you showcase more of the instrumentation and vocals but I understand you have conditions with doing this. MJ is a staple in my library of music and his vocal style and arrangements are really awesome. Keep up the great work man!

[@crownofshitPDX]

It would be incredible if you did a video on MJs “Remember the time” one of his best tracks in my opinion. Your videos are EVERYTHING btw, please don’t stop.

[@deeliciousplum]

While stumbling upon Chris' listening session on Michael Jackson, I did not know what to expect. Wow! First and foremost, a huge thank you to those who own the original recordings and who allowed this content creator to share them with us. I am completely blown away. What a joy it must be to be able to explore these tracks in the manner that Chris is. Now, I want to write! Hah. 🌺

[@Shikmusik]

I was obsessed with this album when it came out

[@Goosebear77]

Dimebag Darrell talked about those "imperfections" making it sound and feel great. It's the human element that makes you feel it. He pretty much predicted the state of modern music before he died.

[@partymau5]

I think a breakdown of "Remember the time" would be interesting. My personal favorite song of MJ and an interesting one with him doing the new jack swing sound.

[@samuele64246]

OH MY GOD YES, I WOULD LOVE IT

[@faranggko]

we need it

[@faranggko]

or will you be there

[@simonm9235]

Hope these multitracks leak one day.

[@GalDaniel82]

I totally agree with you Chris it is so great to hear sounds you can't hear in the final mix. This song still sounds so fresh after 35 (!!!) years. Amazing to hear just the drumcyclosonic sound I love that. We can realize the huge amount of work behind the MJ songs when listen to these little but important details ony by one.

[@rome8180]

This really deepened my appreciation for the song. I had no idea there were so many layers of instrumentation. And they all fit together so well while being very different from one another. While I always enjoy studio multitracks, something they don't really add anything new to my understanding of the song. That was not the case with these. This is probably my favorite multitracks video you've done yet.

[@vagnerleite3879]

The things we can learn about performance and production is just amazing

[@crimsonfab]

Thank you so much for these amazing videos, Chris! On this one, I particularly enjoyed the several versions of the solo break, those were so cool. And I know I‘ve mentioned it before, but the rhythm arrangement again reminds me a lot of Kraftwerk, whom he and Quincy Jones tried to emulate at that time. The string part at 4:54 is basically Trans-Europe Express. Mindblown!

[@buxtonofficial4280]

Let me just say. Found you from your Smooth Criminal breakdown and I love these! Would love some more Michael Jackson or maybe even some more 90s stuff like pop-punk. Thanks for these awesome vids!

[@clearkut8746]

I love these MJ teardowns man, BAD is fun, funky &….. Bad. MJ forever.

[@alejandroagamez7326]

I just love the way MJ made his chorus, very melodical, and very pleasant to listen to

[@Bow503]

25:20 love this part ... i've learned so much... thank you

[@johnschick502]

I just finished watching and had to go straight back and listen to the song to see what I could pull out. That stereo synth step was rad. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@CellarStudioProductions]

all those percussive elements are soooo much fun

[@chrisliepe]

They really are!

[@JCMJustin]

This is absolutely fascinating, thanks so much Chris for taking the time to explore this!

[@chrisliepe]

My pleasure!

[@PortiaJay1]

Omg this is amazing! Thank you so much for these breakdowns. I have a whole new respect for this song. I always loved the bass and the horns on this track, but to hear his vocals and the pure grit and how he used his body as an instrument (or two) also… man… this just blew me away! I love it! Thank you again!

[@M7keSonic]

Tabloid Junkie would be an interesting song to see the multitracks, there's so much in that song, imagine how much there's hidden

[@GumdropAly]

5:42 Bridge/build up to chorus. It's so amazing

[@BATTIS94]

26:09 maybe he recorded all the voices for the chorus first (backing vocals included) and then stepped into the recording booth to make some extra takes on that final chorus, so he could listen to the backing voices while ad-libbing.

[@FortuneEmmanuel-ru7ek]

Like i don't know the artist that would beat Michael Jackson till today this man is just so good

[@Haywerth]

For what it's worth, I really enjoy your frequent stops and insight.

[@josieangel4297]

Thank you for your fantastic reaction on Bad.. You have so much respect.. keep doing it.

[@goldeelocks83]

Man this song rips so hard. I have a new appreciation for it.

[@virgilblaze9090]

Had no idea the vocals were doubled. This is such a treat for the fans, thanks Chris! I'd love to hear a breakdown of Speed Demon, that would be interesting.

[@Dthraco]

Composing is it’s own art for sure!

[@austinduff8833]

i love these Michael Jackson videos

[@chrisliepe]

Me too! :)

[@JesterDyne]

This is so awesome... he is so in the moment on these tracks... or HEE HEE is into IHH it. :) Today we would cut all these breaths and stomps but to hear talking a breath in the beat and augmenting another percussion sound... well a "breathtaking" idea

[@GFXMOD]

Keep 'em coming Sir! These are priceless! THANK YOU!

[@omgnetwork5231]

it's great to have someone who is technical discuss this because you capture some nuances that we don't. Thanks, man!

[@fatihozcan6015]

The part (solo1) begin at 7:00 is whole different in video version than the album version.

[@sunsetxdriver7503]

Thank you for the multitrack breakdown and your advice, I really enjoy and learn from your channel! Thank you again!

[@greydazeplays]

This is so cool to hear everything isolated and all the little intricacies you sometimes don't hear in the song

[@Leg7nd]

Ok this is the one. The whole song takes a new level. Thanks.

[@MsAussie83]

If only someone could release a version of "Bad" that is normalized to the point where it's not louder than the other tunes. The only version I can think of that has that quality is the 7" version included on future pressings of the album, one of which I have.

[@tagesvaterpatrick8780]

I love Michaels Music since I was 10 years old. Your insights into the arrangements proved to me that nothing was coincidential with his Music. Thanks for sharing Your expertise and excitement for one of the greatest artists that ever lived 😁

[@kivinity]

It's so cool that you can hear the layers that are used in other songs

[@KevinGoldenEnterprises]

Omg the stomps. So cool. Just went and listened again to studio ver. Heard so many things I never heard before. Thx for these videos.

[@anxiouscreatorstudios]

Its amazing to see how many layers go into a song

[@samuelpascual2462]

Awesome!!! Bad is an incredible song!! It would be funny to break down 2Bad😍

[@Fragaboom]

Thank you for these videos, Chris.

[@chrisliepe]

My pleasure!

[@lu.smoove]

Incredible analysis Chris….I was going down a MJ rabbit hole and stumbled upon GOLD. I’m not sure if you’ve done Thriller but the vocal stacks on that song is otherworldly! Keep these going please 😍 🙌🏾

[@M360-w6o]

MJ wrote 8/11 tracks on bad by himself and co-produced them

[@UmPoucodeTudo]

Hi Chris, This is Cristiano from Brazil. I love your videos (specially Michael's). The way you take the explanations and brings us to the "easter eggs" (as you allways say) really help us going to another level. But I have a wish. Bring "Keep the Faith" (from Dangerous). I love those vocals, so intense and strong. I'd love to to microscope all those sounds. Thank for all you've been bringing to us. Hugs.

[@davebancos]

For context, the two solos are played by two people. Solo 1 was played by Greg Phillinganes and Solo 2 was Jimmy Smith. Greg’s beginning was cut, Jimmy’s end was cut, then Bruce Swedien mixed them together

[@timelessmar5796]

Chris, thank you so much for not only the breakdowns, experience and insight, but also for sharing the enthusiasm that we all have listening to these gems. It's great to have a teacher just as interested and amazed. You make listening to these so much better. Great work! Subscribed and catching up on all your videos. Thanks again!🤘🏻

[@originalvonster]

Cool video, thanks. You’re on an MJ roll lately. I’d like to add Tabloid Junkie to your suggestion list. :)

[@kayluvofficial]

Wow. I really enjoyed every single second of this breakdown. Thank you for letting us know what's happening behind these masterpieces!

[@Yensid98]

So much energy and passion while also being whole unique. Amazing! It would be amazing it you had acres to the "False Fade" version as well.

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Gift from God delivered through music.

[@ayayronald]

Robert Plant sings like a guitar. Michael Jackson sings likes percussion. Combine those 2 aspects and you’ll get something fascinating, not that both aren’t already. And as always, love the videos Chris!!! This channel, along with SpectreSoundStudios, are my favorites.

[@ayayronald]

Hey Chris, you might want to remove some telegram bots that are intruding in your comments, just an fyi.

[@Beetshelps]

Oh men this is amazing i truly enjoyed this vid from beginning to end . Its crazy that they already could create such a song in that era with digital and software tools ! I

[@Zim5.0]

Had no idea that music is made like this, so cool knowing about these hidden stuff, it's like taking apart something to see how it works

[@Neezabja]

That gritty vocal started in the Bad era.

[@user-dt3rj8qm3k]

This is amazing. Thank you for opening my ears to this magic.

[@jammck1399]

Wow, never ever knew about MJ created different versions of "Bad" before the release on Sept 1987. I can tell that he was working hard in the studio with Quincy. His trademark "dahs" "ahs" his always been his thing. Kudos to you examining through the studio version of Bad Michael did.

[@HeartSongWarrior1]

I love when you do this type of video. It’s really an eye opener!

[@jazoloso]

Yo. Mike was a savage. Ppl dnt understand this. It gets overlooked so much. His songs are bodies of work. Artistry. This breakdown is so amazing.

[@DarkChild443580]

Hi. I just discovered your channel and I need to thank you for the job. I’m a Michael Jackson’s fan since I was 5 years old. Now I’m 32 and I’m still like a kid when I’m listening these multitrack. For me Bad album is a masterpiece. MJ want to make better than Thriller, and for me, he does. Hope you can add more multitrack videos of Bad and specially, hope The Way You Make Me Feel. Thanks again and sorry for my English 🇫🇷

[@ianlister6554]

I have subscribed to your channel based on the information on this and other tracks. What genius.

[@chrisliepe]

Welcome aboard!

[@donalonzo63]

Just discovering your channel and thank you for the insight, the Michael Jackson breakdowns are exceptional. My suggested breakdown is a song called 'Kid Charlemagne' - Steely Dan or anything by them. Of course this would be a heavy percussion focus.

[@karenclark3471]

So so so awesome!!!!!!!… Thank you Chris… I love to hear you do this with dirty Diana

[@mayateola4732]

Thank you for this treat! Would love to hear the multitracks of "Who is it"🤩

[@MeeYeeWeeWee]

4:05 reminds me of Wanna Be Startin Something

[@WKFS]

Thought the same thing!

[@freshkingsley]

8:36 the best reaction

[@juanma.arabia]

Thanks for these series. They are awesome. I'd propose "give in to me"

[@MillisecondFalcon]

Thanks again Chris, always a pleasure listening to these!

[@agnieszkalek]

Thank you for MJ videos ♥️