Album Review: “Straight Shooter” By Bad Company

English supergroup Bad Company’s second album, Straight Shooter, was enough proof that the band could hold its own despite the looming pressures and sky-high expectations that buzzed around. Wise enough to take creative inspiration from their debut album, Straight Shooter was a step-up with its refined rock formula. Bad Company also rode the momentum of their debut release, already heading back to the studio just three months shy of its release.

Opening the album is Mick Ralph’s “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad”, a solid rocker that was released as a single way before Straight Shooter, and is dominated by guitars and stereotypical strained vocals – but in a good way. Rodgers’ stratospheric chops lead the charge strong in this track, and Burell’s bass interludes the chorus with an interesting run. Next on the list is “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, tinged with country influences but immediately remembers its rock roots in a contrasting manner. “Weep No More” is more orchestral, and driven mostly by keys courtesy of piano and organ parts. “Shooting Star” is lyrically influenced by the deaths of prominent icons like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and is layered with folky rhythm and hard rock riffage.

On the second side, “Deal With The Preacher” is heavy blues in its own right, with some sections of solace before proceeding to become an unadulterated jam. “Wild Fire Woman” is something you’d consider as a pop filler, but it’s decent at best. “Anna” is pure ballad goodness, which is peculiarly driven by the drums for a strong atmosphere all over. Closer “Call On Me” is a fitting end to the album with its secured, laid back progression and even goes to borrow the bassline from the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.

If there was an album that really deserved a top spot in 1975, Straight Shooter was definitely right up the ranks with its no-nonsense formulation.