It is one of his most popular albums released (I’d say 2nd behind Thriller). The album being somewhat a product of its time has nothing to do with the quality of the album. I wish people in general would stop equating “dated” with “bad” (no pun intended) as in lesser quality. I’d like to say that 90% of the music from the 80s , especially mid to late, has that 80s sounds with gated snares etc but they’re still considered great classics. Prince, Phil Collins, Human League, Madonna, Whitney Houston etc.
Don’t get me started on the new Jack swing “dated” discussions going around as well.