"Desolation Angels" is the fifth studio album by British rock band Bad Company. Named after Jack Kerouac's novel, the album was released in March 1979. The album reached No. 3 in the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America a month after its release.
Musically, "Desolation Angels" showcased a softer yet varied musical style for Bad Company. While it still contained the strong guitar and rhythm sections known from their previous works, the songs "Gone, Gone, Gone" and "Take the Time" featured keyboards more prominently. Overall, the album's content reflected a mellowing and diversity in the band's sound.
The album marked a significant stylistic turning point for the band, moving away from their earlier, heavier rock sound towards a more polished, radio-friendly approach. The new sound featured tight harmonies, slick production, and synthesizer-driven anthems.
The cover art for the album features a picture of an angelic figure descending from a UFO toward an Arctic-looking landscape, which refers to the title of the album. The angel on the cover was designed and illustrated by fantasy artist Chris Achilleos.
One of the most popular songs from the album is "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy," which epitomizes the band's transition to a more commercial sound. Other notable tracks include "She Brings Me Love" and "Evil Wind."
After the release of the album, Bad Company embarked on a world tour to promote it, which helped cement their status as one of the biggest rock acts of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite the changes in their sound, Desolation Angels was mostly well received by critics and fans alike. It remains one of the band's most iconic albums.
