Artist: Bad Company Album: Desolation Angels

Year: 1979
Duration: 0:0-1

Bad Company's Desolation Angels: A

Bad Company had already established themselves as one of the most iconic rock bands of the 70s with the release of four impressive albums before they dropped Desolation Angels in 1979. Although it failed to achieve the commercial success they were expecting, the album still became a cult classic for many rock enthusiasts. In this post, we’ll dive deep into Desolation Angels and explore the history of Bad Company, music genre of the album, the best tracks, the most innovative parts, and finally, our of the album.
Bad Company, the British-American rock band, was formed in 1973 by former Free band members vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke along with guitarist Mick Ralphs and bassist Boz Burrell. They quickly gained mainstream success with their first self-titled debut album Bad Company in 1974. Their signature sound was a mixture of hard rock, blues, and soul. Desolation Angels marked their fifth studio album recorded at Ridge Farm Studios in Surrey, England in 1978.
The album opens with “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” which became an instant classic for the band and reached #13 on the US charts. This upbeat and feel-good track is every bit a classic rock anthem. The album’s next highlight is “Gone, Gone, Gone” which features Mick Ralphs on lead vocals. This emotional ballad showcases Ralphs’ vocal range and is one of the album’s most underrated tracks.
The album’s title track, “Desolation Angels” is the most innovative part of the album. It incorporates elements of jazz and blues and is a pleasing change from Bad Company’s signature rock sound. The song is an instrumental piece that perfectly captures the feeling of desolation and sorrow.
“Evil Wind” stands out for having one of the heaviest riffs we’ve heard from any Bad Company material. The track also features two of the album's most exceptional solos by Mick Ralphs who is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock history. Another standout track is “Crazy Circles,” a song that features Paul Rodgers' signature vocal style. The song's chorus is catchy, and its verses have a bluesy feel to them.
However, there are a few tracks that could have been left off the album. “Early In The Morning” is a cheesy blues number that doesn’t hold up to the rest of the album's songs. “Lonely For Your Love” is more reminiscent of soft rock than typical Bad Company sound.
In conclusion, Desolation Angels is a solid album and a good representation of Bad Company’s sound. It may not have been as commercially successful as their previous efforts, but it has certainly stood the test of time. The album showcases Paul Rodgers' impressive vocal range, Mick Ralphs' guitar skills, the band’s signature sound, and a touch of innovation with the instrumental title track “Desolation Angels.” It is a must-listen for any Bad Company fan and a good place to start for anyone interested in discovering their music.