Search - Thin Lizzy :: Bad Reputation

You better turn yourself around...

Mark H. | Hanson, MA USA | 12/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From strength to strength as a recording band, nevertheless Thin Lizzy were reduced to a three piece once more due to the temporary incapacitation of Brian Robertson. Unfortunately for Robbo this would ultimately lead to his exit from the band. For 'Bad Reputation' most of the guitar duites fell to Scott Gorham who was often looked at as a second banana in this celebrated partnership. However Gorham produced arguably his finest work as an axeman and 'Bad Rep' is a better album for it. Despite the hiatus of Robbo, 'BR' contains much of the trademark harmonies that defined the band's sound. The title track is an incredible piece of street metal which also includes another outrageous performance from Brian Downey. "Soldier of Fortune", "Southbound" and "Dear Lord" further demonstrate that sometimes less is more. Robertson does contribute killer leads in "Opuim Trail" and "Killer without a Cause" (another classic!) but Scott takes care of business quite well. And Philip? He's the same genius as always whether emulating one of his heroes in "Dancing in the Moonlight" (Van Morrison) or making one of his celebrated confessionals in "Dear Lord" (I believed your story now you believe mine!). "Dancing" proved to be a minor hit for Lizzy but their last real success in the States would have to wait til the live record. 'Bad Reputation' the album would prove to be the end of an era as far as the band's studio albums went, the last stand of troubled genuis Brian Robertson. For consistent, brillant hard rock in the mid to late seventies, there was none better than Thin Lizzy. Time is right to settle scores!"

One of their best

John Alapick | Wilkes-Barre, PA United States | 04/06/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Thin Lizzy's 1977 release, Bad Reputation, is another strong album from the underrated Irish band. Phil Lynott's continued growth as a songwriter is apparent throughout and the band continue to further their horizons musically. The album is best known for the wicked title track (certainly one of their heaviest songs) and a juicy slice of R&B called "Dancing in the Moonlight." One of the band's best tracks, "Dancing..." works on every level from Phil's great vocals and his funky bass line to the snappy horn lines and its catchy chorus. Like their previous album (Johnny the Fox), Bad Reputation works best on the more melodic tracks as "Southbound" and "That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart" are great songs led by the band's dual guitar sound while the mellower "Downtown Sundown" and "Dear Lord" are just as good. As for the harder rockers, they're all very good with "Soldier of Fortune" and the title track being on the level of the best ones on Jailbreak or Johnny the Fox. All told, Bad Reputation is another strong album from Thin Lizzy and is worth checking out."