11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1

Reading Time: 13 min read

11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 features music by Billie Eilish, Bon Jovi, Jagwar Twin Michael Jackson, and Taylor Swift.

Ah, let the BAD commence! No worries, though – it’s not too bad! The bad is limited to the word being used in the song titles of 11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1. The Musical Hype would never wish its audience bad vibes! 11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 features music by Billie Eilish, Bon Jovi, Jagwar Twin, Michael Jackson, and Taylor Swift among others. As you can tell by the designation Vol. 1, there is another ‘bad’ musical compendium in the future. Until then, let’s embrace sheer badness via Vol. 1!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Taylor Swift, “Down Bad”

2. Michael Jackson, “Bad”

3. Olivia Rodrigo, “bad idea right?”

4. Jagwar Twin, “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)”

5. Dove Cameron, “Bad Idea”

6. Future, Metro Boomin & Brownstone, “Luv Bad Bitches”

7. Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”

8. Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”

9. Bon Jovi, “You Give Love a Bad Name”

10. Carl Carlton, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”

11. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Bad Luck” (Ft. Teddy Pendergrass)

1.Taylor Swift, “Down Bad”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT // Taylor Swift // 2024

“How dare you think it’s romantic / Leaving me safe and stranded.” Word. THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT is not the best or most memorable album by Taylor Swift (folklore remains the one to beat IMO). However, the commercial success is undeniable – huge! One of the better moments from the two-hour LP (within THE ANTHOLOGY version) is “Down Bad.” No, we don’t wish Swift to be down at all (and she doesn’t seem to be anywhere near bad where matters of the purse are concerned) but her love pain is our listening pleasure. And I quote: “Fuck it if I can’t have him.” Understood, Taylor, understood. For some additional context, see the section to beat, the chorus:

“Now I’m down bad, cryin’ at the gym (Cryin’ at the gym)

Everything comes out teenage petulance

‘Fuck it if I can’t have him’ (Can’t have him)

‘I might just die, it would make no difference’

Down bad, wakin’ up in blood (Wakin’ up in blood)

Starin’ at the sky, come back and pick me up

Fuck it if I can’t have us

I might just not get up, I might stay

Down bad.”

Yep, that’s tortured to the nth degree. By the way, do you remember when Swift never swore? Swift penned and produced “Down Bad” alongside Jack Antonoff.

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2. Michael Jackson, “Bad”

Bad // MJJ Productions // 1987

“Ah, your butt is mine, gon’ tell you right, ah / Just show your face in broad daylight.” The butt lyric from “Bad” is one of the most famous butt lyrics of all time. Adding to the fame, Michael Jackson, the late, great King of Pop, sings one of the most recognized opening lines of all time. How bad is he on this former no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100? “Because I’m bad, I’m bad, Shamone, ah (Bad, bad, really, really bad).” He adds on the edgy, minor-key opener from his 1987 LP, also titled, Bad, “And the whole world has to answer right now / Just to tell you once again / Who’s bad?” Fun fact, “Bad” was conceived as a duet with Prince 🤯, but, unsurprisingly, The Purple One turned down the collaboration. As a solo track, in addition to topping the pop charts for two weeks, “Bad” was certified platinum.

“Your talk is cheap, you’re not a man, ah / You’re throwin’ stones to hide your hands.” Oh, snap, Michael! “Bad” was written solely by Jackson. He and Quincy Jones produced. The instrumental is sleek – 80s production at its finest! It begins with a distinct, opening riff. The rhythm section is locked in. The programming, synths, and keys are colorful – key to the musical excellence. The horns, in all their articulated glory, ‘up the ante.’ Jackson is on autopilot, bringing a fierce, ‘bad’ attitude in the fast-paced, tuneful melodies. He is a bit more poised in the verses, even the butt lyric, but rises to the occasion in the chorus. The extended chorus that concludes “Bad” is nothing short of epic. Jackson’s ad-libs and riffs are stellar. Perhaps Michael Jackson wouldn’t have said this, at least through much of his career, but “Bad” is nothing short of badass.

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Jackson, Bad: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 98 (2024)

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3. Olivia Rodrigo, “bad idea right?”

GUTS // Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen // 2023

“Fuck it, it’s fine.” That’s the kind of energy Grammy-winning pop artist Olivia Rodrigo delivers on “bad idea right?”. “Bad idea right?” was the second single from her sophomore album, GUTS. As always, exemplified by the excerpted, f-bomb lyric, Rodrigo is bold, Gen-Z AF, and unapologetic. Her fuel is fired by a Dan Nigro production, who also co-writes this snarling gem with her. From the jump, “bad idea right?” isn’t a ‘bad idea’ from a listening perspective. The pop/rock groove is infectious and intense. Olivia’s vocal performance is alluring as she’s feisty in the verses with spoken, unapologetic lyrics (“Haven’t heard from you in a couple of months / But I’m out right now and I’m all fucked up”). “Bad idea right?” also has its fair share of sung vocals. When it’s melodic, it’s truly tuneful. The section to beat in this ex-fueled joint is the chorus:

“Yes, I know that he’s my ex

But can’t two people reconnect?

I only see him as a friend

The biggest lie I ever said?

Oh, yes, I know that he’s my ex

But can’t two people reconnect?

I only see him as a friend

I just tripped and fell into his bed.”

“Bad idea right?” = bop.

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4. Jagwar Twin, “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)”

“Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)” // Big Loud Rock // 2023

“Animals, animals, all misunderstandable / Carnivores and cannibals, I want it on demand-able.” Say what, now?! “Mandible, jaw split, hit me with the gossip, gossip / (Are you fucking serious?).” My thoughts, exactly! Jagwar Twin (Roy English) delivered a brief but hella entertaining single with “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)”. Yes, it’s the “Oompa Loompa” part that raises eyebrows. That’s right, English sampled “Oompa Loompa” (written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) from the beloved, 1971 children’s film, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. He even made an entertaining TikTok about ‘the perfect song for your new Wonka movie’.

“Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)” features slick production by English and Ryan Daly. The palette of sounds is sweet – the groove, whistles, and colorful synths are giving! The melodies are fast paced in the verses. Jagwar Twin brings more aggressive, dynamic vocals in the pre-chorus, singing, “(They say) Everything’s perfect here / And the sun is shining / (Hey, hay) Everything’s perfect here / There’s nobody crying.” The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus:

“Oompa Loompa, doompa-de-doo

I got a bad feeling ‘bout you

Oompa Loompa, I don’t know, dude

I got a bad feeling ‘bout you

Bad feeling, bad feeling

I got a bad feeling ‘bout you

Bad feeling, bad feeling

I got a bad feeling ’bout you.”

Ultimately, “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)” is nothing short of a treat. This cut, non-affiliated with Wonka, is a gift!

Appears in 🔻:

Jagwar Twin, Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa): Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 52 (2024)

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5. Dove Cameron, “Bad Idea”

“Bad Idea” // Disruptor / Columbia // 2022

“Baby, we’re a bad idea / Fuck it, let’s do it again.” Hmm, typically, when an idea is bad, you should avoid it like a plague. Dove Cameron does the exact opposite. She embraces the badness in “Bad Idea”. While rekindling the relationship seems like a bad idea, there’s nothing bad about this relatively brief single. Cameron is relatable in “Bad Idea.” How many times have we embraced someone we shouldn’t, against our better judgment, and for whatever reason, can’t quit them? That’s the case in this playful gem where Dove ultimately says, “fuck it,” let’s play with fire. The chorus, with its key f-bomb, is the crowning achievement. That said, the verses – a mix of singing in an undertone, whispers, and some spoken word – are ear-catching as well. Also, shout out to the production (Evan Blair). In the first verse, it’s Cameron’s lover who reaches out: “You’re having revelations / Wish you never let me go / And you say that you miss me…” In the second verse, she states, “Go ahead and tell me something / That you learned in therapy / And it’s almost convincing / But I’ve been known to go against my instincts.” All told, even considering the red flags, Cameron ignores them on “Bad Idea”. It’s sort of like a vicious cycle, right? Right. Well, what’s not vicious is this record – a vibe with cool energy.

Appears in 🔻:

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6. Future, Metro Boomin & Brownstone, “Luv Bad Bitches”

WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU // Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati Worldwide / Epic / Republic // 2024

“Good girl, that’s okay with me / Bad bitches get everything.” That sounds on brand for Future. “Luv Bad Bitches” samples “If You Love Me”, a 1994 song by R&B collective, Brownstone. The song features lush production by Metro Boomin, taking on an R&B identity. Future embraces the melodic, smooth vibes. He sounds wild and shallow as he sings, “[I] like good girls, but I love bad bitches.” That’s about the size of the record where the rapper is drenched in autotune. Soaked! Even after it settles in, Future still has an overabundance of autotune. Doubling down is all the rage. It should come as no surprise that the sixth track from WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU lacks depth. “Let’s get so drunk we forget to fuck,” he asserts in the first verse, adding, “Let’s do some X so we can feel in love.” Yep, that’s how “Luv Bad Bitches” rolls.

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7. Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? // Darkroom / Interscope // 2019

“So, you’re a tough guy / Like it really rough guy / Just can’t get enough guy / Chest always so puffed guy…” The minimalist “Bad Guy” serves as the first full-length record on When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, the compelling debut album by alternative pop artist, Billie Eilish.  On the Grammy-winning “Bad Guy” (Record of the Year and Song of the Year), Eilish sings in an undertone.  She’s calm, cool, and collected, flaunting off her distinct approach and sound. Adding to the intrigue of the listening experience are a unique palette of vocal effects, as well as an air of mysteriousness. “Bad Guy” thrives because of its infectious groove, catchy chorus (partially excerpted above, and continued below), and a fun, if dark, playful style.  It easily nabbed the top spot on the 51 Best Songs of 2019.

“I’m that bad type

Make your mama sad type

Make your girlfriend mad tight

Might seduce your dad-type

I’m the bad guy…”

Billie Eilish and her brother, gifted producer and songwriter, Finneas O’Connell, make a formidable team.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”

Gemini Rights // L-M / RCA // 2022   

“I wish I knew you wanted me.” Ugh, we all wish that we had that knowledge, Steve Lacy. “Bad Habit”, a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, highlights Lacy’s incredible musicianship on his sophomore album, Gemini Rights. The timbre of his voice is radiant as he expresses regret about not expressing feelings to a potential lover.  “If I knew I’d be with you / Is it too late to pursue?” he asks in the first verse. In the second, he seeks transparency, singing, “I wish you wouldn’t play with me / I wanna know.”  While it seems, he’s pointing the finger during the verses, in the chorus, he takes some responsibility, asserting, “I bite my tongue, it’s a bad habit / Kinda mad I didn’t take a stab at it.” Beyond the chorus and regretful post-chorus, the bridge is intriguing, mostly a cappella, leading to a unique break – a change of pace. There is also a compelling outro, which hearkens back to the hip-hop soul/neo-soul era. Ultimately, “Bad Habit” is well-written, with a relatable theme and lyrics.  It is well-produced with a palette of soulful but non-anachronistic sounds that fit the aesthetic in 2022.  Lacy sounds amazing, perfectly capturing this regretful, love-oriented sentiment.   

Appears in 🔻:  

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9. Bon Jovi, “You Give Love a Bad Name”

Slippery When Wet // Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1986

“Shot through the heart and you’re to blame / Darling, you give love a bad name.” Ask yourself this question: Is there any need to say more about this Bon Jovi staple? The answer should be a resounding NO. “You Give Love a Bad Name” speaks for itself. The opening lyric, which eventually becomes part of the chorus, is iconic and never grows old. Jon Bon Jovi and company secured one of the most memorable records – rock or any genre – of the 1980s with “You Give Love a Bad Name.” It was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child. Bruce Fairbairn produced the no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit from their diamond-certified album, Slippery When Wet.

The premise of “You Give Love a Bad Name” is simple. The love, which seemed promising, is toxic. “An angel’s smile is what you sell,” Bon Jovi sings in the first verse, continuing, “You promised me heaven, then put me through hell.” Damn! In the second verse, he describes her as “A school boy’s dream, you act so shy / Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye.” My, oh my! Also, worth noting, Jon calls her “a loaded gun” and, “there’s nowhere to run.” He sounds terrific, executing the memorable melodies like a – wait for it – rock star! Bon Jovi as a band kills it as well, rocking hard. Among the most noteworthy instrumental moments is the guitar solo by Sambora that precedes the outgoing chorus. “You Give Love a Bad Name” is the sugar honey iced tea. It is one of the best of the best from the legendary, Grammy-winning band.

Appears in 🔻:

Bon Jovi, You Give Love a Bad Name: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 103 (2024)

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10. Carl Carlton, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”

Carl Carlton // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1981

“She’s a bad mama jama / Just as fine as she can be.” Woo! What Carl Carlton saying is, this girl is FINE! She’s a 10! Sista got it going on! Honestly, the chorus of his no. 22 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”, says it all. “She’s A Bad Mama Jama” graces Carlton’s self-titled, 1981 album, where he’s easy on the eyes on the cover art 😍. Anyways, the record is one big load of 1980s female objectification. “Her body measurements are perfect in every dimension / She’s got a figure,” Carlton asserts in the first verse. He adds, “I get so excited viewing her anatomy.” Hmm, I wonder just how excited Carl gets 🍆… It is a safe bet on this funky joint that the rocket 🚀 is ready for takeoff: “She’s built, oh, she’s stacked / Got all the curves that men like / Look at her.” Yes indeed! Ultimately, this Leon Haywood-helmed joint expertly describes male horniness. It is a fun song that is far less explicit than the female-objectifying songs of the 2020s but still has the same effect. After all, in “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”, Carlton is thinking with his pants.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

11. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Bad Luck” (Ft. Teddy Pendergrass)

To Be True // Sony Music Entertainment // 1974

“Losin’ out on everything you might try to do / Bad luck, fella’s got a hold on you.” Ooh-wee! Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes earned some hits back in the day. Of course, a key reason for the soul collective’s success was their lead vocalist, the late, great Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010). Pendergrass delivers an engaging lead vocal on “Bad Luck” which appeared as the seventh track on the 1974, gold-certified album, To Be True. Specifically, the single had success on the pop charts, peaking at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Who penned this infectious, six-and-a-half-minute soul gem? That would be Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and Victor Castarphen. Adding to the elite credits are the producers: Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. ICONIC!

“Bad luck (That’s what you got, that’s what you got).” Perhaps, Teddy, Harold, and Blue Notes, but there is nothing unlucky about “Bad Luck” the song, despite what the marvelous chorus suggests. It thrives on its quick tempo and sunny backdrop. The groove is nothing short of superb. Furthermore, those instrumental riffs – the rhythm section and orchestra – are terrific! Of course, the star, Teddy, brings that swagger to the track. It was always easy to buy what the handsome baritone was selling. “You played that number ‘cause that number’s hot / ‘Stead the bookies get you for every cent you’ve got,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Walk around in a daze with your pockets bare / Go see your woman, and she ain’t ever there.” Ugh, well, SUGAR HONEY ICED TEA! Bringing poise early on, as “Bad Luck” progresses, he shows off the full capabilities of his gifted baritone. What more is there to be said? This Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes + Teddy Pendergrass classic speaks for itself. “Bad Luck” never sounded so good!

Appears in 🔻:

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Bad Luck: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 73 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Loud Rock, Boominati Worldwide, Columbia, Darkroom, Disruptor, Epic, Geffen, Interscope, L-M, Mercury, MJJ Productions, Olivia Rodrigo, RCA, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Wilburn Holding Co.; Alex Barnes, Natan, Pixabay, Stomy from Pexels]

11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024