Any classic rock lover will turn their head when they hear one of Bad Company’s greatest hits come on shuffle (or, more fittingly, the radio). That’s why, like any of the great rock bands of the ‘70s, Bad Company gave us 10 from 6 in 1985—a compilation of ten songs from the six albums the original band’s lineup produced from ’74 to ’82.
A supergroup formed in London, 1973, Bad Company was no stranger to the ever-changing vibe shift of 70s rock, and 10 from 6 showcases this evolution. The band members—all well-seasoned musicians from their own past bands—combine their talents in a masterclass of classic rock. The rhythm section provides a tight, head-bangable groove throughout the course of the album, thanks to Simon Kirke on drums and Boz Burrell on bass. Lead singer Paul Rodgers’ rich, emotive voice carries both alluring ballads and sing-along anthems, and Mick Ralphs’ guitar switches from growling, pulsating solos to edgy, rhythm-driving riffs.
10 from 6 opens with “Can’t Get Enough”, the band’s first hit. It’s an energetic and timeless rock classic, made possible with Rodgers’ compelling vocals and Ralphs’ engaging, angular, and almost bluesy riffs throughout. Anyone would tap their foot with this one—if there’s one thing Bad Company had down, it’s a song about yearning with a fiery guitar solo, and “Can’t Get Enough” is no exception.
Next, the band slows the pace down a little with “Feel Like Making Love”, infectiously smooth and bending with Kirke’s steady drumbeat and Ralphs’ gentle, acoustic intro. There’s a sense of vulnerability to this track, as if Rodgers’ soulful vocals are truly introspective and sincere—it feels like a song meant only for the ears of his lover, like we are interrupting an intimate moment by listening in. The tension in the verses is impeccable: it all builds up to Ralphs’ charged, electric solos, roaring, bold, and dynamic, a chorus you can really sing along to. (If I had a better singing voice, this would be my go-to karaoke song.) It’s simplistic, yet the lyrics convey a feeling that anyone can understand: “Baby, if I think about you, I think about love.”
Of course, you can’t discuss Bad Company without delving into their title track. One of their most iconic, “Bad Company” makes you feel like a cowboy—a mysterious outsider, maybe a little dangerous, but magnetic all the same—“I was born six-gun in my hand / behind a gun /
I'll make my final stand.” It’s a slow burn, Rodgers’ voice firstly rings out among only a piano riff and faraway cymbals, eventually combining with Ralphs’ and Burrell’s commanding but earthy sound on guitar and bass. This track conveys that rebellious, freewheeling nature that so many classic rock songs try to emulate, but most never quite manage it the same way that Bad Company does. Our narrator is a true renegade: "Bad company / and I can't deny / bad company / ‘till the day I die.”
Bad Company rounds out 10 from 6 with “Ready for Love” and “Live for the Music”, although one sticks out far more than the other. “Ready for Love” is ultimately the band’s greatest love ballad, standing out from their entire catalogue as their most moody, sultry, and enigmatic. Though not a Bad Company original (actually written and recorded by Mick Ralphs when he was in Mott the Hoople, with a far different, more punchy, fast-paced sound than Bad Company’s rendition), the band truly made it their own. The song opens with a soulful, bluesy guitar riff, Burrell’s bass slowly guiding Rodgers’ unguarded and sensitive vocals. It’s a song about real longing, the vulnerability and intensity of romance, the transition from being reluctant to fully defenseless and willing to adapt: “all my dues surely must be paid / many miles and many tears / times were hard but now they're changing / you should know that I'm not afraid.” Rodgers’ deliberate, almost lonely intensity in his singing adds a layer of sensuality to the track; Ralphs’ rich and passionate guitar picking creates a deep feeling of intimacy for the listener. It’s emotional, soulful, a song that really makes you feel. “ooh, I want you to stay / ooh, I want you today / I'm ready for love / oh baby, I'm ready for love.” There is a universal desire for companionship, and “Ready for Love” encapsulates this feeling like no other.
All in all, 10 from 6 is one of the greatest classic rock compilation albums. It’s a true testament to Bad Company’s ability to make music that feels both powerful and deeply personal. Deliberate pace and evocative storytelling paint a picture, striking the listener with feelings and visuals that can be hard for many bands to create—but Bad Company doesn’t have this problem. Although missing out on some of their other iconic tracks, 10 from 6 selects many of their best, and is one I come back to time and time again. It’s a perfect homage to that 1970s bluesy, punchy rock n’ roll swagger that only few bands maintain, and solidifies their place as one of the best classic rock bands in history.