Bad Company (3) – Fame And Fortune

I know I'm in the minority here, but as much as I enjoy the early Paul Rodgers albums, the late 80's/early 90's albums with Brian Howe on vocals are my favorite Bad Company releases. They were just completely slick, catchy, melodic (and yes commercial) AOR albums, and Howe's voice was perfect for that style of music. The AOR/melodic rock sound was getting its second wind (and plenty of airplay) at that time, and Howe helped Bad Company capitalize on that.

Unfortunately, that winning sound wasn't quite in place on 1986's Fame and Fortune, Howe's first album with Bad Company. It sounded like the band was trying to continue the sort of synthy, sort of bluesy sound of Rough Diamonds without any regard for their new singer's considerable strengths. Howe isn't the guy to bring in if you want Paul Rodgers lite. He has a voice made for arena rock, which fortunately is what the band would serve up with their next three releases.

Fame and Fortune remains a confused effort that is not really a credit to the band's impressive past or their immediate future. If you're a Bad Company completist, or like me are a big Brian Howe fan, you're obviously going to want this album. Just don't expect too much from it.

NOTE: Wounded Bird reissued Fame and Fortune in 2005. Like all WB reissues it has not been digitally remastered nor does it have any bonus material. If you have an older version of the album there's no need to replace it.

This is a very nice album and very nice sounding album. The sound is crisp, warm, and both vocals and guitars sound beautiful. Production and pressing are good too.

The post band break-up album. Couple of good songs, but not their best work

This album is Garbage. after Paul Rogers left they made some shitty albums. I do like Dangerous Age (1988) but that's still not Bad Company. It is Bad Co in name only. They should have changed their name in 1986 when they got a new singer. Bad Company has had 3 singers but Paul Rogers is the only true Bad Company!!!!

Wow, No Paul Rodgers as the lead singer... Yikes! That's not Bad Company!