"Free," the second studio album by the English rock band of the same name, emerged in 1969 as a platform for the blossoming songwriting collaboration between Paul Rodgers and the youthful 16-year-old bassist Andy Fraser. With eight out of nine tracks credited to this dynamic duo, the album showcases their early creative synergy.
Despite the promise of its songwriting, "Free" faced a challenging reception upon its release. Failing to make an impact on the charts both in the UK and the US, the album struggled to find its audience. Even the single releases, "Broad Daylight" and "I'll be Creepin'," failed to gain traction.
However, despite its commercial shortcomings, "Free" contained notable tracks that would later find new life through covers by other artists. "I'll be Creepin'" and "Woman" were both later covered by the American rock band Three Dog Night, adding a layer of recognition to Free's repertoire.
Although the album may have faltered in its initial reception, "Free" remains a significant piece of the band's history, capturing the early stages of their creative journey and laying the groundwork for their future musical endeavors.