After the 70's had past it seemed as if Bad Company was just another classic rock band that had come and gone. But in the 80's there was a change in some of the band members including a new vocalist over Paul Rodgers. With a new sound and more energy Bad Company released "Dangerous Age" in 1988 and got some songs on the charts. But the album was only a comeback and nothing more. But Bad Company didn't stop there and released the suprisingly good "Holy Water" in 1990. With a few more hits Bad Company got back in the rock spotlight in the early 90's.
1. Holy Water (4:07)
The song to start the album is no short of a rocker. With some gospel like backing vocals mixing well with Brian Howe's energetic singing, it grabs your attention quickly and never lets up through the 4 minutes of rocking. Also, the guitar work is good and the riff is catchy as well. 5/5
2. Walk Through Fire (4:48)
This song really took me by suprise, at first it seemed like it was just a bland filler song but when you give it a deeper listen it's a really mellow tune that gets you motivated. Once again, Brian Howe does a fantastic job singing and in the end it's just a great song to cruise to. 5/5
3. Stranger Stranger (4:52)
The third song is the heaviest on the album with a riff full of intesity. The singing isn't too good but it works and the lyrics may be the best on the album. Overall, it's a good rocker and is a little different from the rest of the songs on the album. 4/5
4. If You Needed Somebody (4:21)
The first big hit on the album that went pretty high on the charts. It starts out with an acoustic guitar with some heartfelt singing. The energy picks up with an electric guitar kicking in and towards the end of the song a nice solo is to be heard. The solo is a personal favorite of mine even though it would of been a little better if it were longer. Easily, this song is the best song on the album. 5/5
5. Fearless (3:33)
A quick rock and roll song with some impressive guitar work. The lyrics aren't anything special but I think the guitar solo will satisfy anybody. The singing is top notch again like usual and just a nice song to enjoy from time to time especially in the car. 5/5
6. Lay Your Love on Me (4:05)
Similar to "Fearless" it's another rock and roller with some sweet guitar riffs. The pre-chorus lyrics are stupid as it gets but the main chorus is catchy and with a nice solo included it's a good song. 4/5
7. Boys Cry Tough (5:35)
The longest song on the album is also a song that you have to give a good listen to. It's actually got some interesting lyrics and the song is actually the masterpiece of the album when you think about it. But there is no real substance to this song and it becoming a big hit just can't happen. That being said, its got the qualities all the other songs have like the usual good vocals and sweet riffin' guitars. 4/5
8. With You in a Heartbeat (4:34)
A ballad like song with a catchy riff to go along with it. The lyrics are good but the backup vocals don't really fit well with Brian Howe in this one. But it doesn't hurt the song a whole lot it's a fine song. 4/5
9. I Don't Care (4:33)
The first appearance of filler on the album for sure. It has no hook to it and it just fails to really grab your attention. It's not a bad rock song but it's so plain and pointless its a fact that this is filler. 2/5
10. Never Too Late (3:41)
Another filler like the previous song. This stretch of songs really hurts the album as a whole but once again all it's another plain rock song with bland lyrics and unimpressive guitar work. 3/5
11. Dead of the Night (3:41)
The third filler song and in succession I must say. It's easy to want to just quit listening to the album at this point. This song seems a little better than the last two but it just fails to do anything special. 3/5
12. I Can't Live Without You (3:51)
Finally a song that may actually get hooked into your head. It's similar to "With You in a Heartbeat" and "Walk Through Fire" with some not too faboulous lyrics and great singing. The guitars sound nice and are done just well and get this album back on a good track. 4/5
13. 100 Miles (1:57)
A nice little addition to the album considering the latter of the album seems to be a lot of bland filler. It's a nice acoustic song with a serious tone to it. The singing is quiet but it gets the job done and ends the album on a good note. 4/5
This may be the last Bad Company album to ever really make an impact at all on music and it's not one to forget either. From the rockers "Holy Water" and "Stranger Stranger" to the ballads "If You Needed Somebody" and "With You in a Heartbeat" this album is a nice addition to the collection.
Pros (+)
+ Some great songs (If You Needed Somebody, ect.)
+ Good guitar work overall
+ Catchy choruses
+ Good acoustic work as well (100 Miles, ect.)
Cons (-)
- Some bland filler songs (I Don't Care, ect.)
- Lyrics can be weak on some of the songs
- May be a bit mainstream for radio rock
