Artist: Bad Company Album: Rough Diamonds

Year: 1982
Duration: 36:30

A of Bad Company's Rough Diamonds

Bad Company has long been heralded as one of the pioneers of the hard rock genre. Formed in 1973, the band quickly rose to fame with their debut album, and went on to produce a string of hits that have become classics in the world of rock music. In 1982, they released their eighth studio album, Rough Diamonds. This album marked a change in direction for the band, featuring a softer, more polished sound than their previous offerings. In this , we'll take a closer look at what makes Rough Diamonds stand out, and what falls short.
First, it's important to note that Rough Diamonds is a departure from Bad Company's signature hard rock sound. While there are still some tracks that feature driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals, the overall tone of the album is more mellow and polished. This may have been a conscious decision on the part of the band, who were looking to experiment with a more pop-oriented sound. However, this choice may also have alienated some longtime fans who were expecting more of the same.
Despite this shift in tone, there are still some standout tracks on Rough Diamonds. The first single, Electricland, is a catchy, upbeat number that showcases the band's ability to craft a solid pop-rock song. Similarly, Painted Face features a memorable hook and some impressive guitar work from Mick Ralphs. Perhaps the most interesting track on the album, however, is Lonely for Your Love, which incorporates elements of funk and soul into the mix, and features some impressive vocal harmonies from Paul Rodgers.
That said, there are also some weaker moments on Rough Diamonds. The track Untie the Knot feels like a throwaway, with forgettable lyrics and a lackluster melody. Similarly, Trigger Happy is a somewhat generic rock song that doesn't do much to stand out from the pack. Overall, it feels like the band was trying to cover too many bases with this album, incorporating elements of pop, funk, and rock, without fully committing to any one of them.
One of the most innovative parts of Rough Diamonds is the slick production value. The album was produced by Terry Thomas, who had previously worked with artists like Elton John and David Bowie. His touch is evident throughout the album, with clean, polished sound and plenty of layers to the instrumentation. This may have been one of the reasons that the album was more successful in the UK than in the US, as it appealed to British audiences' taste for more polished, pop-oriented rock.
All that said, it's hard to deny that Rough Diamonds is a significant departure from the hard rock sound that Bad Company had become known for. While some tracks still feature the band's trademark grit and energy, the overall tone of the album is more polished and pop-oriented. For some fans, this may be a refreshing change of pace, but for others, it may have felt like a betrayal of the band's roots. Regardless, it's clear that Bad Company was trying to evolve their sound with this album, and while the results may be mixed, it's still worth a listen for anyone interested in the evolution of rock music in the 80s.
In conclusion, Rough Diamonds is an interesting addition to Bad Company's discography, representing a departure from their traditional hard rock sound. While some tracks are strong, the album as a whole can feel somewhat disjointed, as the band experiments with pop, funk, and rock influences without fully committing to any one of them. However, the slick production and polished sound make this album a standout in terms of production value, and it's worth a listen for anyone interested in the evolution of rock music in the 80s.