Search - Mick Ralphs :: Take This

There's a reason Mick wasn't the frontman...

09/07/1998

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Mick Ralphs has written a number of classic rock anthems for both his first band Mott the Hopple and, later, for Bad Company. Each of those bands, however, had strong front men singing lead and contributing songs. There's a reason for that--for all of Ralphs talents as a songwriter(as author or co-author of "Can't get enough", "Feel like makin' love", "Rock 'n' roll queen" and others) he isn't a capable front man.His first solo album TAKE THIS was first released in 1984(during that year he also played as David Gilmour's rhythm guitar player on the ABOUT FACE tour)and reissued a couple of years ago. Sadly, the songs don't stand in the same company as the classics he penned for both Mott and Badco. Although Ralphs occasional lead vocals(in his characteristic high voice) on Mott albums were welcome, here Ralphs sings in a deeper range that doesn't suit him and, frankly, he doesn't pull it off. The second issue are the songs themselves. None of the songs on this album can compare to the classics he has written in the past and, in fact, they share more in common with the faceless corporate rock that later would become a hallmark of Bad Company after lead singer Paul Rodgers departure. The backing musicians(including Badco drummer Simon Kirke)do a credible job of putting over the weak songs on this disc. Although not a complete loss(there are a handful of songs with promise), this is pretty much a vanity project. If you're a Mott the Hopple fan, or Bad Company fan and this is an absolute, must own for you, then you will probably find something to enjoy. Otherwise, stick to Ralphs best moments with his respective bands BRAIN CAPERS & MOTT(for MOTT THE HOPPLE fans) and BAD COMPANY & DESOLATION ANGELS(for BAD COMPANY fans)."

Mediocre

jcallahan@engineered-solutions.net | Bethalto, IL United States | 12/07/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was hoping to find those same haunting Bad Company melodies and fat guitar sounds from the 70's. In addition the song writing is mediore. I thought this album would fit in well with the rest of my Bad Company but that is not the case. None the less I had to get it just to say I heard it for myself. I will give a few more listens to see if it grows on me but right now I am not too impressed!! Sorry Mick!!! I still think your great!"