“Bad Company” is a British rock band formed in 1973 by singer Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs, drummer Simon Kirke, and bassist Boz Burrell. The band quickly gained success with their self-titled debut album released the same year, which included hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and the title track, “Bad Company.”
Known for their bluesy hard rock sound and Rodgers’ powerful vocals, Bad Company achieved massive commercial success throughout the 1970s and 1980s. They released a string of hit albums, including “Straight Shooter” (1974), “Run with the Pack” (1976), and “Desolation Angels” (1979), which featured popular tracks like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Bad Company continued to release albums and tour into the 21st century. Their music remains popular on classic rock radio stations and their songs are often featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Bad Company is regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the hard rock genre, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless rock bands that followed. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
1. Can’t Get Enough
“Can’t Get Enough” is a classic rock song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song was written by lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
“Can’t Get Enough” features a catchy guitar riff, powerful vocals by Paul Rodgers, and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics express the narrator’s insatiable desire for love and affection, with memorable lines like “I can’t get enough of your love.”
Upon its release, “Can’t Get Enough” became an instant hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations. The success of the single helped propel Bad Company to stardom and establish them as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s.
“Can’t Get Enough” remains a staple of classic rock radio and is often included in compilations of the greatest rock songs of all time. Its infectious melody, memorable lyrics, and energetic performance make it a timeless classic in the rock genre.
2. Bad Company
“Bad Company” is a classic rock song and the title track of the debut album by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974. The song was written by vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs.
“Bad Company” features a bluesy hard rock sound characterized by a gritty guitar riff, powerful vocals, and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics tell the story of a rebel outlaw who embraces a life of danger and adventure, with memorable lines like “I was born six-gun in my hand, behind a gun I’ll make my final stand.”
Upon its release, “Bad Company” became one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs. It received significant airplay on rock radio stations and helped establish Bad Company as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s.
The song’s raw energy, catchy melody, and rebellious attitude have made it a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite at Bad Company’s live performances. It remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks and a timeless classic in the rock genre.
3. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a classic rock song originally recorded by the band Bad Company, released in 1975 as part of their self-titled debut album. The song was written by lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs.
Lyrically, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” explores themes of love, desire, and intimacy. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and passion as the protagonist expresses their desire to be close to their lover and share an intimate moment. The song’s romantic sentiment is captured in lines like “Baby, when I think about you, I think about love.”
Musically, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” features a soulful and bluesy sound, with Ralphs’ melodic guitar riffs and Rodgers’ soulful vocals driving the song forward. The track is characterized by its catchy melody and memorable chorus, making it a favorite among fans of classic rock music.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Bad Company’s most popular and enduring songs, beloved by fans for its timeless appeal and emotional resonance.
4. Shooting Star
“Shooting Star” is a classic rock song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1975 as the final track on their second studio album, “Straight Shooter.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Paul Rodgers.
“Shooting Star” is a poignant ballad with introspective lyrics that reflect on the fleeting nature of fame and the consequences of a life lived in the fast lane. The song tells the story of a young musician who rises to stardom but ultimately meets a tragic end, serving as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of excess and the pressures of fame.
Musically, “Shooting Star” features a melodic guitar riff, soulful vocals by Paul Rodgers, and a memorable chorus that emphasizes the song’s emotional impact. The song’s powerful message and evocative storytelling struck a chord with listeners and contributed to its enduring popularity.
“Shooting Star” remains one of Bad Company’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a fan favorite and a standout track in their discography. Its timeless themes and memorable melody have solidified its status as a classic in the rock genre.
5. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” is a classic rock song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1979 as a single from their album “Desolation Angels.” The song was written by guitarist Mick Ralphs.
Lyrically, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” explores themes of escapism and the power of music. The protagonist of the song dreams of leaving behind the mundane aspects of life and escaping into a world of rock and roll, where they can live out their fantasies and be free from the constraints of society. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion and longing for a life of excitement and adventure.
Musically, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” features a catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and anthemic chorus, giving the song a classic rock sound that’s both energetic and infectious. The track showcases the band’s trademark blend of bluesy rock and melodic hooks, with Ralphs’ guitar work and Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals taking center stage.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Bad Company’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated by fans for its catchy melody and timeless appeal.
6. Ready for Love
“Ready for Love” is a soulful ballad originally recorded by the British rock band Mott the Hoople for their 1972 album “All the Young Dudes.” The song was written by guitarist Mick Ralphs.
Lyrically, “Ready for Love” expresses the longing and desire for a meaningful romantic connection. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and yearning as the protagonist expresses their readiness to find love and build a deep, lasting relationship. The song’s introspective lyrics and emotive delivery create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth.
Musically, “Ready for Love” features a gentle and melodic arrangement, with acoustic guitar, piano, and strings providing a lush backdrop for the heartfelt vocals. The song’s soulful melody and poignant lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
“Ready for Love” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Bad Company, who released their own version of the song on their 1974 album “Bad Company.” Bad Company’s rendition of “Ready for Love” became a hit single, reaching the top 20 on the charts in the United States.
Both versions of “Ready for Love” are celebrated for their timeless beauty and emotional resonance, making the song a beloved classic in the realm of rock ballads.
7. Good Lovin’ Gone Bad
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is a classic rock song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974 as the second single from their second studio album, “Straight Shooter.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Paul Rodgers, and guitarist Mick Ralphs.
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is a hard-hitting rock anthem with bluesy influences, characterized by a catchy guitar riff, powerful vocals by Paul Rodgers, and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics tell the story of a tumultuous romantic relationship that has gone sour, with the narrator expressing frustration and disillusionment over a love that has turned toxic.
Upon its release, “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” became a hit for Bad Company, receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations and reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s infectious energy and memorable chorus made it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio.
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” remains one of Bad Company’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a highlight of their live performances and a classic in the rock genre. Its timeless themes of love and heartbreak, combined with its powerful musicality, have solidified its status as a rock anthem for generations of music fans.
8. Movin’ On
“Movin’ On” is a classic rock song by the British band Bad Company, released in 1974 as a single from their self-titled debut album, “Bad Company.” The song was written by vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs.
Lyrically, “Movin’ On” explores themes of freedom, independence, and the open road. The protagonist of the song is a drifter who embraces a nomadic lifestyle, always on the move and seeking new adventures. The lyrics convey a sense of wanderlust and a desire to escape from the constraints of society, with lines like “I get up, I get down, and I’m jumpin’ around” capturing the restless spirit of the protagonist.
Musically, “Movin’ On” features a bluesy rock sound with a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riff. The song’s energetic groove and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans of classic rock, while Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals and Mick Ralphs’ melodic guitar work add to the song’s appeal.
“Movin’ On” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Bad Company’s most popular and enduring songs, celebrated by fans for its timeless appeal and infectious energy.
9. Run with the Pack
“Run with the Pack” is a rock song by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1976 as the title track of their third studio album. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Paul Rodgers, and bassist, Boz Burrell.
“Run with the Pack” features a driving rhythm, gritty guitar riffs, and powerful vocals by Paul Rodgers. The lyrics convey a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, encouraging listeners to stick together and face life’s challenges as a unified force.
Musically, “Run with the Pack” showcases Bad Company’s signature bluesy hard rock sound, with a dynamic arrangement that builds to an anthemic chorus. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody made it a favorite among fans of the band and classic rock enthusiasts.
Despite not being released as a single, “Run with the Pack” remains one of Bad Company’s most beloved songs and a highlight of their live performances. Its timeless message of unity and resilience, combined with its memorable musicality, have solidified its status as a classic in the rock genre.
10. Seagull
“Seagull” is a poignant ballad by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974 as a track on their self-titled debut album, “Bad Company.” The song was written by lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs.
Lyrically, “Seagull” explores themes of freedom, longing, and the passage of time. The song’s protagonist reflects on life’s uncertainties and the desire for independence, likening themselves to a seagull flying high above the ocean. The lyrics evoke a sense of solitude and introspection, with lines like “Seagull, you fly across the horizon, into the misty morning sun” painting a vivid picture of the vastness of the world and the endless possibilities it holds.
Musically, “Seagull” features a gentle acoustic guitar arrangement, with sparse instrumentation and delicate harmonies that complement the song’s introspective lyrics. Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, while Mick Ralphs’ melodic guitar work adds to the song’s emotional depth.
“Seagull” is celebrated for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, making it a standout track on “Bad Company” and a fan favorite among listeners. Its timeless beauty and emotional resonance have ensured its enduring popularity over the years.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
