Rough Diamonds

It took Bad Company three years to record the follow-up to 1979’s Desolation Angels. The rock marketplace had changed radically since the band’s inception in the early 1970s. Ironically, bands such as Boston and Foreigner were able to capitalize on the tight, energized, guitar-bred FM radio arena rock that Bad Company practically invented with tunes such as “Can’t Get Enough” and “Rock n’ Roll Fantasy.” Bad Company, on the other hand, were running low on new ideas. Rough Diamonds has its share of moments and the playing is never less than assured. “Electricland” features all the band’s trademarks from singer Paul Rodgers’ confident howl to Mick Ralphs’ strong guitar chops. “Painted Face” uses keyboards and guitars to modify the band’s hard rock for the then current pop marketplace. “Ballad of the Band” works out a notable Chuck Berry riff. “Nuthin’ On the TV” turns an obvious lament into a more obvious blues jam. “Kickdown” sounds like a nightclub jam. The original band would soon decide they had completed their mission. Other line-ups would ensure until a reunion years down the line.