BAD COMPANY
S/T
Swan Song Records 1974
www.badcompany.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Just about all classic rock albums are excellent, but there are a few of them that are on a plane all their own. And as any fan of classic rock will tell you, the self-titled debut from Bad Company is one of those albums. This is one of the greatest triumphs in the history of rock music. With Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, Mick Ralphs, and Boz Burrell together in the same band, rock history was in the making - and some pretty damn good music too.

All eight tracks the band serves up on their debut are classic rock masterpieces. This is one of those classic rock albums that is overrated - and for all the right reasons. "Can't Get Enough" and "Movin' On" are amazing tracks that mix pop rock and hard rock, and the results speak for themselves. "Don't Let Me Down" and "Seagull" are incredible ballads. "Rock Steady" is a damn good blues-based rocker. And who could forget the band's eponymous cut? With its piano-intensive verses and hard rock chorus, it's impossible not to love it. Great songs, great musicians, great album!

Normally this is the paragraph devoted to shortcomings of an album. Bad Company's debut has none.

The Verdict
This album's reputation says it all. Few rock albums even come close. There is no denying the sheer excellence of this release. It's one of the few albums out there worthy of its lofty reputation.

Did You Know?
Prior to Bad Company, Mick Ralphs played with Ian Hunter in the classic glam rock act Mott The Hoople.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Queen + Paul Rogers - Return of the Champions

--Darth Kommissar