When I think of the term “supergroup”, Bad Company are one of the first bands that spring to mind. With their 1974 self-titled debut album, they absolutely lived up to that billing. The British group featured two former members of Free and their unfussy, soulful rock picks up where Free left off but in a more feelgood, riff-based, rock ‘n’ roll mode courtesy of ex-Mott The Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. And Ralphs ensured they achieved mega success by penning the ingeniously simple single Can’t Get Enough, a cruising and carefree radio staple. Not to be outdone, vocalist Paul Rodgers chipped in the album’s masterful title track, a thoroughly stirring mix of ghostly atmosphere and outlaw manliness. Other highlights include the priapic proto-Whitesnake Rock Steady and a sublimely classy remake of Mott’s Ready For Love. Bad Company were having too good a time to infuse the album’s ballads with anything near the emotional heavy load that Free conjured but tracks like The Way I Choose have proven to be growers over decades of listening and are great vehicles for Rodgers’ smooth vocals. The whole album sounds ballsy and beautiful, especially Ralphs’ creamy guitar tones. Bad Company is the cool, confident and timeless sound of talented musicians revelling in a newfound personal and creative chemistry. When I think of the term “classic rock” Bad Company is one of the first albums that springs to mind.
HMO salutes Mick Ralphs who recently passed away, aged 81.
(Bad Company 2CD deluxe edition from 2015)
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Nice, I consider Bad Company one of the founding fathers of metal.
LikeLiked by 2 people
*points at Metalman* Yep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sad that Mick Ralphs won’t be present when Bad Company are inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame later this year! They should’ve been inducted years ago. May Mr. Ralphs rest in peace!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah that’s a shame. I think it’ll be very emotional for them when they get inducted and he’s not there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I can’t imagine what Paul and Simon must be feeling right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. I’m a big fan. Strangely I bought my copy from The Record And Tape Exchange. Almost opposite The Ipswich Gaumont. Which is the first venue on that tour poster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool coincidence! I bought my first copy from Valhalla in Kilmarnock. Doubt they ever played there…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Valhalla you say? That is very cool
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice tribute, HMO.
The nerd in me (quite a big percentage, it seems) loves that the Bad Co. debut has a rare power of three: “Bad Company” by Bad Company from the LP Bad Company.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s an elite club. What others are there?… I’m thinking Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath
LikeLiked by 2 people
I used to know three (used in a music quiz last century) and I don’t think I knew the Iron Maiden. But for the life of me I can’t recall the third. Maybe overnight at 3am it’ll come to me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right on! Said it perfectly! I remember getting the 45rpm of “Rock and Roll Fantasy” as a kid and played it non-stop!! Didn’t even know about their first album at that time either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was the first song of theirs that I heard too, it’s a great track.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man’s music for manly man men. I bloody love BC
LikeLiked by 1 person