The name of this playlist says it all: “10 Really ‘Bad’ Songs.” The key part of each song featured on this playlist is the use of the adjective ‘bad.’

It’s that time again! What time is that? Time for another playlist! The latest playlist is comprised of 10 Really ‘Bad’ Songs.  Just how bad are these songs? Honestly, it has nothing to do with quality.  The key guideline for compiling this particular list was that the song featured the word bad in the song title. Obviously, there are lots of songs that would meet the criteria, but “ain’t nobody got time” for all that! So, without further ado, here are 10 – love ‘em or hate ‘em!

1. Halsey, “Bad at Love”

Album: Hopeless Fountain Kingdom

Astralwerks, 2017

On the powerful “Bad at Love,” Halsey is open about being bad at love.  On the first verse, she references her “boy back home in Michigan.”  Ultimately, she messes it up and “Now he’s gone and he’s calling [her] a b*tch again.”  On the second verse, it’s a “girl with California eyes.” Unfortunately, she “Never got a chance to make her mine / Because she fell in love with little thin white lines.” There’s not much more to add – “Bad at Love” is pretty self-explanatory.

2. Migos, “Bad and Boujee”

Ft. Lil Uzi Vert

Album: Culture

300 Entertainment  

“Bad and Boujee” doesn’t convey a deep message – understatement. That said, it’s a sensational banger by the “it” hip-hop collective of 2017. Migos have definitely been ubiquitous in regards to the Culture.  Furthermore, “Bad and Boujee” is another product of ever-formidable producer, Metro Boomin. The hook, clearly, is where the “bread is buttered.”

3. Taylor Swift, “I Did Something Bad”

Album: Reputation

Big Machine, 2017

Taylor Swift’s big personality shines on the electrifying, minor-key joint, “I Did Something Bad.”  One example of this personality is some ‘minor’ profanity from Ms. Swift: “If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing.” As unapologetic as her own profane turn may be, she packs more of a punch throughout the course of the verses, not to mention the simple, but catchy chorus.

“They say I did something bad / Then why’s it feel so good? /… Most fun I ever had / And I’d do it over and over and over and over again / It just felt so good, good.”

4. Luke Bryan, “Bad Lovers”

Album: What Makes You Country

Capitol Nashville, 2017

“Baby, we ain’t never been bad lovers / Love, we can laugh it off / We both know we’re better off, under covers.” “Bad Lovers” arguably doesn’t rank among the ‘best of the best’ of What Makes You Country, the sixth studio album by Luke Bryan.  That said, it’s a pleasant song that slackens the pace contextually, and despite lacking frills, it’s respectable and solidly executed.

5. 21 Savage, “Bad Business”

Album: Issa Album

Epic, 2017

“Bad Business” features a strong backdrop, like much of Issa Album. 21 Savage exhibits a toughness lyrically, sans emotional delivery.  The dark side of the rapper still shines through, “Bad Business.” That said, we could’ve been spared the oral sex references: “I pull it out the boxers and then she lick it.” Perhaps this song truly is bad.

6. Superfruit, “Bad 4 Us”

Album: Future Friends

RCA, 2017

“Bad 4 Us” is an enjoyable record, featuring fantastic vocals and an infectious the groove. The production has some great touches, led by soulful guitar, pronounced bass line, and urban-pop cues. The sound can be described as shimmering. “Bad 4 Us” clearly possesses the ingredients of a hit through and through.

7. Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, “Bad Things”

Album: bloom

Interscope, 2017

“Bad Things” featuring Camila Cabello, was a gift to pop radio, as well as a gift to Machine Gun Kelly.  Fans of the rapper’s Cleveland flow likely wrote off “Bad Things,” but those less invested certainly gave him another look. Cabello is exceptional here.  Vocally, she showcases her potential, exhibiting a radiant vocal tone, bursting with youth.  She shines on the memorable chorus, the selling point of the record:

“Am I out of my head? / Am I out of my mind? / If you only knew the bad things I like / Don’t think that I can explain it / What can I say, it’s complicated…” 

8. Selena Gomez, “Bad Liar”

Interscope, 2017

Selena Gomez dropped a bombshell in 2017 – she’s a “Bad Liar.” Well, maybe or maybe not, but “Bad Liar” is indeed the name of her hit single. The record has an interesting sound which distinguishes itself from other singles on the radio.  In regards to its quality, it’s polarizing; some love it, while others aren’t as high on it.  Personally, it feels a bit unfinished, and lacks some of the bombast that makes most pop great.  Still, there’s something here.

9. Miley Cyrus, “Bad Mood”

Album: Younger Now

RCA, 2017

“Bad Mood” follows “Thinkin’,” one of the best songs off a polarizing album, Younger Now. While “Bad Mood” has an elephantine task, it meets expectations.  Set in a minor key, Miley Cyrus showcases her big personality, as well as her distinct vocal tone.  The old-school country vibes work out splendidly.

10. Shawn Mendes, “Bad Reputation”

Album: Illuminate

Island, 2016 

“Bad Reputation” is a heavy song for teenager. Nonetheless, this Shawn Mendes joint is well-written and ultimately, authentic.  The use of cello adds to the drama. As always, Mendes shines vocally. The best moment is undoubtedly the chorus:  

“And I don’t care what they say about you baby / They don’t know what you’ve been through / And trust me, I could be the one to treat you like a lady / Let me see what’s underneath, all I need is you.”

Photo Credit: Astralwerks, 300 Entertainment, Big Machine, Capitol Nashville, Epic, RCA, Interscope, Island