Bad Company is a British rock band formed in 1973, known for their bluesy, hard rock sound and powerful, anthemic songs. The band was founded by former Free vocalist Paul Rodgers, ex-Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs, ex-King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell, and drummer Simon Kirke.
Their self-titled debut album, *Bad Company* (1974), featured the hit single “Can’t Get Enough,” which established the band’s reputation and showcased their signature style. The album was followed by several successful releases, including *Straight Shooter* (1975) and *Run with the Pack* (1976), with hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
Bad Company’s music is characterized by its robust guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a blend of rock and blues influences. Their sound has earned them a place in classic rock history, with their songs frequently featured on classic rock radio and in popular culture.
Despite various lineup changes over the years, the band has continued to tour and perform, maintaining their status as a prominent figure in rock music.
1. Rock and Roll Fantasy
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” is a song by Bad Company, released in 1979 as the lead single from their album *Desolation Angels*. Written by the band’s lead guitarist Mick Ralphs, the track reflects the band’s bluesy, hard rock style and features a blend of catchy riffs and anthemic lyrics.
The song is known for its upbeat tempo, driving guitar riffs, and Paul Rodgers’ distinctive, powerful vocals. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” captures the spirit of escapism and celebration of rock music, highlighting the joy and exhilaration of being a rock star and the impact of rock and roll on personal identity.
The music video for “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” showcases the band’s energetic live performance style and adds a visual dimension to the song’s themes of rock and roll excitement.
The track received positive reviews from critics and fans, and it became one of Bad Company’s notable hits, further solidifying their place in the classic rock genre.
2. Movin’ On
“Movin’ On” is a song by Bad Company, released in 1979 as a single from their album *Desolation Angels*. Written by Mick Ralphs, the track is known for its straightforward rock sound and reflective lyrics.
The song features a classic Bad Company style with a steady rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals. The lyrics focus on themes of leaving behind past troubles and moving forward with a sense of resolve and optimism.
“Movin’ On” exemplifies Bad Company’s ability to blend hard rock with thoughtful lyrics, resonating with fans of the genre and contributing to the band’s enduring legacy in rock music. The track received positive reception and remains a notable part of their discography, highlighting their characteristic sound and lyrical depth.
3. Good Lovin’ Gone Bad
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is a rock song by Bad Company, featured on their 1974 self-titled debut album. Written by the band’s lead singer, Paul Rodgers, and guitarist, Mick Ralphs, the track is known for its bluesy rock sound and raw energy.
The song features a driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and soulful vocals from Rodgers. Lyrically, “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” explores themes of heartbreak and disillusionment, with the narrator reflecting on a relationship that has gone wrong and the emotional impact of that loss.
“Good Lovin’ Gone Bad” is a standout track on Bad Company’s debut album, showcasing the band’s ability to blend hard rock with blues influences. The song’s gritty, energetic style and heartfelt lyrics contributed to its appeal and established Bad Company as a major force in the rock music scene of the 1970s.
4. Shooting Star
“Shooting Star” is a powerful rock song by Bad Company, released in 1980 on their album *Rough Diamonds*. Written by the band’s lead singer, Paul Rodgers, and guitarist, Mick Ralphs, the song is known for its compelling narrative and driving rock sound.
The track tells a story about the rise and fall of a rock star, reflecting themes of fame, excess, and the eventual downfall that can come with it. With its gripping lyrics and dynamic guitar riffs, “Shooting Star” captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and its potential consequences.
“Shooting Star” showcases Bad Company’s ability to craft engaging stories through their music, with its blend of hard rock instrumentation and reflective storytelling. The song remains one of the band’s notable tracks, appreciated for its lyrical depth and rock edge.
5. Bad Company
“Bad Company” is a track by the British rock band Bad Company, released in 1974 as the title track of their debut album. Written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs, the song is a quintessential example of the band’s bluesy hard rock style.
The song features a memorable guitar riff, a steady rhythm, and Paul Rodgers’ powerful, distinctive vocals. Its lyrics evoke themes of freedom and rebellion, with the chorus celebrating the band’s identity and their music. The track’s robust sound and catchy melody helped establish Bad Company as a significant force in rock music.
The *Bad Company* album was well-received, and the song itself became one of the band’s signature hits. Its success marked the beginning of a series of hit records for Bad Company and cemented their place in classic rock history.
6. Can’t Get Enough
“Can’t Get Enough” is one of Bad Company’s most iconic tracks, released in 1974 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. Written by Mick Ralphs, the song exemplifies the band’s signature hard rock sound and blues influences.
The track features a driving rhythm, a memorable guitar riff, and Paul Rodgers’ powerful, soulful vocals. The lyrics express themes of desire and the irresistible allure of a passionate relationship, with the chorus emphasizing the song’s central message of craving and satisfaction.
“Can’t Get Enough” became a major hit, reaching high positions on the charts and receiving significant radio airplay. Its success helped establish Bad Company as a prominent force in rock music and remains one of their most celebrated songs. The track’s catchy melody and robust sound have made it a classic, continuing to resonate with fans of classic rock.
7. Feel Like Making Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a classic rock song by Bad Company, released in 1975 on their album *Straight Shooter*. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Paul Rodgers, and guitarist, Mick Ralphs, the track is known for its smooth, soulful sound and evocative lyrics.
The song features a laid-back groove with a blend of rock and blues influences, highlighted by Rodgers’ expressive vocal delivery. The lyrics explore themes of intimacy and romance, conveying a sense of deep connection and desire.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” became one of Bad Company’s signature hits, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 10 on the Hot 100. Its combination of emotional depth and musical sophistication has made it a memorable and enduring part of Bad Company’s catalog.
8. Run With The Pack
“Run with the Pack” is a song by Bad Company, released in 1976 as the title track of their third studio album. Written by Mick Ralphs and produced by the band along with the renowned producer, *Ted Templeman*, the song exemplifies the band’s distinctive hard rock style.
The track features a driving beat, energetic guitar riffs, and Paul Rodgers’ powerful vocals. Its lyrics convey themes of freedom and camaraderie, celebrating the sense of belonging and adventure found within a group of like-minded individuals. The song’s upbeat tempo and anthemic chorus make it a quintessential example of Bad Company’s ability to blend rock with a sense of rebellious spirit.
“Run with the Pack” was well-received and contributed to the commercial success of the album. The song remains a favorite among fans and a staple in Bad Company’s live performances, showcasing their classic rock sound and enduring appeal.
9. Gone, Gone, Gone
“Gone, Gone, Gone” is a song by Bad Company, featured on their 1979 album *Desolation Angels*. Written by the band’s lead vocalist, Paul Rodgers, and guitarist, Mick Ralphs, the track is known for its soulful rock sound and poignant lyrics.
The song features a blend of rock and blues with a strong, emotive vocal performance by Rodgers. Lyrically, “Gone, Gone, Gone” reflects themes of loss and longing, with the narrator expressing heartache over a relationship that has ended. The song’s melancholic mood is conveyed through its reflective lyrics and the emotive instrumental arrangement.
“Gone, Gone, Gone” is appreciated for its heartfelt delivery and its ability to capture the emotional depth of the band’s music. It remains a notable example of Bad Company’s skill in combining rock with emotional resonance.
10. Burnin’ Sky
“Burnin’ Sky” is the title track from Bad Company’s 1977 album of the same name. Written by band members Mick Ralphs and Paul Rodgers, the song features the band’s signature blend of bluesy rock and powerful vocals.
The track opens with a soulful, emotive melody and gradually builds into a driving rock anthem. Paul Rodgers delivers the lyrics with his distinctive, raspy voice, conveying themes of longing and reflection. The song’s arrangement includes a mix of guitar riffs, a steady rhythm section, and a compelling chorus that captures the essence of classic rock.
While “Burnin’ Sky” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of Bad Company’s other hits, it remains a beloved part of their catalog and is appreciated by fans for its classic rock sound and heartfelt lyrics. The song exemplifies the band’s ability to combine raw rock energy with introspective themes.