The band that launched a million other bands, and a style copied by many. Formed in ’68, they burned bright for 5 years and disbanded in ’73. Kossoff went on to form Back Street Crawler, and would die in ’76 due to complications from drug use. Paul Rodgers would go on to form Bad Company with mega stardom. This simple little blues combo was how they started, and this, their third album, was one of the best. Rodgers’ soulful vocals, and Kossoff’s guitar were the trademark of the band, but they also had a killer rhythm section in Andy Fraser and Simon Kirke.
It’s hard to believe this album is over 50 years old, it still sounds so fresh. Opening track, Fire And Water, is a tour de force of the band’s style – a true classic in every sense. Fantastic vocal from Rodgers – a blue print for the blues rock bands that followed. Oh I Wept is a slow blues groove tune, and again lifted by the great guitar playing and vocals. Remember follows and is carbon copy (style-wise) of the previous tune. The absolute awesomeness of Heavy Load closes out Side 1, and it has a superb almost gospel blues feel to it.
The often copied (but not bettered) Mr. Big opens up Side 2. Killer song, killer riff. It’s such a simple song – but what a delivery! Don’t Say You Love Me is next and slows the pace right down. This song is all about the feel – with a stunning vocal from Rodgers. The album closer (and everyone’s favourite) is All Right Now. What can you say about a track this iconic?! This sign of a great tune is that it sounds as good now than when it was recorded 50 years ago. Yet another one for the everyone should own one bin.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
