Bad Company is a British rock band formed in 1973. The group was initially comprised of former members of Free—Paul Rodgers (vocals), Simon Kirke (drums), and Paul Kossoff (guitar)—alongside Mick Ralphs (guitar), formerly of Mott the Hoople, and Boz Burrell (bass), formerly of King Crimson.
Bad Company quickly rose to prominence with their self-titled debut album, released in 1974. The album featured hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Bad Company,” establishing the band as a major force in the rock music scene. Their bluesy rock sound, characterized by gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and memorable hooks, resonated with audiences and helped define the sound of 1970s rock.
Over the years, Bad Company released a string of successful albums, including “Straight Shooter” (1975), “Run with the Pack” (1976), and “Desolation Angels” (1979), which featured hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.” Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, the band continued to tour and record throughout the decades, maintaining a loyal fan base.
Bad Company’s music has left a lasting impact on the rock genre, influencing countless artists with their blues-infused sound and timeless songwriting. Their songs remain staples of classic rock radio and continue to be celebrated by fans around the world, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
1. Can’t Get Enough
“Can’t Get Enough” is a classic rock song by the British band Bad Company, released as the lead single from their self-titled debut album in 1974. The song was written by the band’s vocalist, Paul Rodgers, and remains one of their most iconic tracks.
With its infectious guitar riff, catchy chorus, and powerful vocals, “Can’t Get Enough” became an instant hit, propelling Bad Company to stardom. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable hooks captured the essence of 1970s rock, earning it widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
“Can’t Get Enough” topped the charts in both the United States and Canada, solidifying Bad Company’s status as one of the leading rock bands of the era. Its success helped pave the way for the band’s subsequent albums and established them as a major force in the rock music scene.
Decades after its release, “Can’t Get Enough” remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at Bad Company’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy continue to captivate audiences, making it a standout track in the band’s illustrious catalog.
2. Bad Company
“Bad Company” is a signature song by the British rock band Bad Company, released as the title track of their debut album in 1974. Written by the band’s lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke, the song has become one of their most enduring classics.
With its distinctive guitar riff, gritty vocals, and infectious melody, “Bad Company” embodies the raw energy and rebellious spirit of 1970s rock music. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has lived a life of adventure and rebellion, unapologetically embracing his outlaw persona.
The song’s anthemic chorus and powerful instrumentation made it an instant hit, resonating with audiences worldwide. “Bad Company” became a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at the band’s live performances.
Beyond its commercial success, “Bad Company” has also become synonymous with the band itself, serving as a representation of their sound and ethos. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity continue to cement its status as one of Bad Company’s most iconic and beloved songs, solidifying its place in rock music history.
3. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a classic rock song by the band Bad Company. It was released in 1975 as part of their second studio album, also titled “Straight Shooter.” The song was written by Bad Company’s lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and their drummer Simon Kirke. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is known for its bluesy rock sound and sensual lyrics, expressing the desire and passion between two lovers. It became one of Bad Company’s most successful songs, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and Canada. Over the years, it has remained a staple on classic rock radio stations and is often considered one of the band’s signature songs.
4. Shooting Star
“Shooting Star” is a song by the British-American rock band Bad Company. It was released in 1975 as part of their self-titled debut album, “Bad Company.” The song was written by the band’s guitarist Mick Ralphs. “Shooting Star” is a rock ballad with a melancholic melody and introspective lyrics. The song tells the story of a young rock star who achieves fame and success but ultimately succumbs to the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle, tragically dying young. “Shooting Star” became one of Bad Company’s most enduring and beloved songs, receiving significant airplay on classic rock radio stations. Its poignant lyrics and memorable melody have made it a classic rock staple for decades.
5. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” is a song by Bad Company, released in 1979 as the lead single from their album “Desolation Angels.” It was written by the band’s guitarist Mick Ralphs. The song has a lively rock sound with catchy guitar riffs and a driving beat. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” explores the idea of escapism through rock music, with lyrics depicting a character who dreams of living a glamorous and carefree life as a rock star. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It remains one of Bad Company’s most popular and recognizable songs, often played on classic rock radio stations.
6. Ready for Love
“Ready for Love” is a soulful ballad originally written by Mick Ralphs, the guitarist of Bad Company. The song was first released on the band’s debut album, “Bad Company,” in 1974. It showcases a departure from the band’s typical hard rock sound, delving into a more introspective and emotive territory.
With its haunting melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Paul Rodgers’ soul-stirring vocals, “Ready for Love” became a standout track on the album. The song explores themes of longing, vulnerability, and the search for true love, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Despite not being released as a single initially, “Ready for Love” gained popularity over time, becoming a fan favorite and a staple of Bad Company’s live performances. Its soulful melody and poignant lyrics have made it one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
Over the years, “Ready for Love” has been covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate listeners, making it a standout track in Bad Company’s illustrious catalog and a testament to their versatility as musicians.
7. Good Lovin’ Gone Bad
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is a hard-driving rock song by the British band Bad Company, released as a single from their second album, “Straight Shooter,” in 1975. The track was penned by the band’s guitarist Mick Ralphs and showcases the group’s signature blend of bluesy rock and gritty, no-nonsense lyrics.
With its powerful guitar riffs, pulsating rhythm, and Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals, “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” embodies the raw energy and rebellious spirit of classic rock. The lyrics tell the tale of a tumultuous relationship gone sour, exploring themes of heartache, betrayal, and the consequences of reckless passion.
The song’s infectious energy and memorable hooks made it an instant hit, earning praise from both critics and fans alike. “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” became a staple of Bad Company’s live performances and remains a fan favorite to this day.
Beyond its commercial success, “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” has also become synonymous with the band’s sound and legacy, serving as a testament to their enduring influence on the rock music landscape. Its timeless appeal continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as one of Bad Company’s most iconic and enduring songs.
8. Movin’ On
“Movin’ On” is a song by Bad Company, released in 1974 as part of their self-titled debut album, “Bad Company.” The song was written by the band’s vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke. “Movin’ On” is a bluesy rock track with a driving rhythm and gritty vocals. The lyrics depict a sense of restlessness and determination as the protagonist sets out on a journey to leave his troubles behind and start anew. The song features soulful guitar work and powerful vocals, characteristic of Bad Company’s signature sound. “Movin’ On” became a fan favorite and remains a staple in the band’s live performances.
9. Run with the Pack
“Run with the Pack” is a rock song by Bad Company, featured on their third studio album of the same name, released in 1976. The track, written by the band’s lead vocalist Paul Rodgers, drummer Simon Kirke, and guitarist Mick Ralphs, embodies the band’s signature bluesy rock sound and rebellious attitude.
With its driving rhythm, gritty guitar riffs, and soulful vocals, “Run with the Pack” captures the essence of 1970s rock. The lyrics speak to the idea of living life on one’s own terms, embracing freedom and adventure, and refusing to be constrained by societal norms or expectations.
The song’s infectious energy and catchy hooks made it a fan favorite and a highlight of Bad Company’s live performances. Its anthemic chorus and memorable guitar solos showcase the band’s musical prowess and dynamic chemistry.
“Run with the Pack” exemplifies Bad Company’s ability to craft powerful, no-nonsense rock anthems that resonate with audiences of all ages. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate listeners, solidifying its status as one of the standout tracks in the band’s extensive catalog.
10. Seagull
“Seagull” is a song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974 as part of their self-titled debut album, “Bad Company.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs. “Seagull” is a mellow, acoustic ballad with poetic lyrics and emotive vocals. The song features acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration, creating a reflective and atmospheric mood. The lyrics of “Seagull” explore themes of freedom, longing, and the search for meaning in life. It’s often regarded as one of Bad Company’s most introspective and heartfelt compositions, showcasing their versatility beyond their more typical blues-rock sound. “Seagull” has remained a fan favorite and is frequently cited as one of the band’s standout tracks.