The Best Albums By Bad Company

Probably one of the best supergroups of classic rock, Bad Company comprised of members from respectable bands such as Free, Mott The Hoople, and King Crimson. Known for their signature blues rock quality, Bad Company emerged in 1973 as a formidable contender in the rock scene of the decade. While the band has seen multiple frontman changes, it didn’t derail their influence as one of the most prominent rock bands who have endured over five decades of activity. Take a walk down memory lane with the best albums by Bad Company.

Burnin’ Sky – 1977

The fourth album under Bad Company’s belt, Burnin’ Sky was a first in their recording experience, as the band actually used a proper studio instead of a mobile set. Surprisingly enough, the album didn’t hold up too well with the band’s earlier material, creative fatigue evident with the band members. The album starts strong, with the signature energy and vigor of Bad Company’s earlier years, with the title track’s help. “Morning Sun” sounds similar to Rodger’s Free material, while “Everything I Need” features a tinge of that late 60’s rock, borrowing from Led Zeppelin’s style.

Desolation Angels – 1979

Desolation Angels can be seen as a sort of a comeback for Bad Company after Burnin’ Sky’s underwhelming impact. Paying homage to the original heavy blues rock of the band, Desolation Angels was a feel-good release with all the bells and whistles of the earlier form of their sound. “Rock N’ Roll Fantasy” features tight guitar riffs, while “Take The Time” is a soft acoustic counter to the overall feel of the album. Desolation Angels is a well-balanced record that takes both the light and heavy elements and purposefully delegates them throughout the track list.

Run With The Pack – 1976

Run With The Pack, while still one of the best albums by the band, suffered from tracks that lacked the “hit charisma” that it needed. Album opener “Live For The Music” didn’t live up to the expectation, with an ordinary arrangement that didn’t contain the appeal of previous openers. Other tracks were so-so as well, only to be saved by Rodgers during their live performances with his own flair. Still, the album became their first album to reach platinum in the US.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w4DZXZYk5w&list=PL94gOvpr5yt2FpW8jIjECMVt90YcTTedk

Straight Shooter – 1975

Bad Company’s sophomore album was on the works already, even while their debut catalog was still hot on air. Straight Shooter developed a more arena-centric rock sound, from the first album’s Free influence, and proved to be successful as well. “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is said to be one of the heaviest tracks the band ever penned, with prolific guitar work to support it. “Shooting Star” is a powerful story of  the drawbacks of the rock industry’s limelight, which was interpreted by fans as tribute to young legends like Janis Joplin, Van Morrison, and Paul Kossoff.

Bad Company – 1974

After the members’ previous band departures and the consequent forming of the supergroup, Bad Company went on to record their self-title album under the Led Zeppelin management of Peter Grant. Taking on from Free’s influence that followed simplicity as a main principle, borrowing the best of blues rock and and arena rock, without compromising the feel. Gritty and heavy from the start, tracks such as “Can’t Get Enough”, “Rock Steady”, and “Ready For Love” all had their charms, from heavy hitting, to funky, and dramatic arrangements that defined Bad Company’s signature sound.