Desolation Angels

Opening with “Rock n’ Roll Fantasy,” <i>Desolation Angels</i> continued the veteran hard rock band’s streak of FM radio-ready arena rock anthems. But Bad Company wasn’t satisfied with merely reproducing what had become an effortless plan. For <i>Desolation Angels</i>, the band added keyboards, some electronic enhancements and more acoustic textures that brought the sound up to late-70s hard rock levels. Still, no matter what added colors, the band still comes down to the brawny lead vocals of Paul Rodgers, the clutch rhythm guitars of Mick Ralphs, and the restrained and tasteful grooves of bassist Boz Burrell and drummer Simon Kirke. From there, the acoustic touches of “Crazy Circles,” the R&B crunch of “Gone, Gone, Gone” and “Evil Wind,” and the macho balladry of “Early in the Morning” come together to set the standard for their fellow travelers — such as Boston, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon — who would find their own fortunes much higher than these originators.