Bad Company - Straight Shooter 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The 1975 follow-up that captured Bad Company at their creative peak

Album Front Cover Photo of Bad Company - Straight Shooter Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

"Straight Shooter," released in 1975, was Bad Company’s powerful follow-up to their debut, cementing their reputation as masters of blues-driven hard rock. The album delivered timeless hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Shooting Star,” and “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad.” With Paul Rodgers’ commanding vocals, Mick Ralphs’ sharp guitar work, and a tight rhythm section from Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke, "Straight Shooter" captured the band at their creative peak — raw, soulful, and radio-ready.

Table of Contents

"Straight Shooter" Album Description:

In the autumn of 1974, against the backdrop of the picturesque Gloucestershire Castle, Bad Company embarked on a musical pilgrimage that would give birth to their iconic "Straight Shooter" 12" vinyl LP album.

The Setting:

Gloucestershire Castle, a majestic castle turned hotel, served as the unlikely but inspired venue for Bad Company's creative endeavor. In September 1974, the band, consisting of Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell, and Simon Kirke, gathered within the castle's historic confines to channel their musical energies. The decision to record in this unique location was a nod to the band's desire to infuse their music with a sense of grandeur and timeless resonance.

The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck:

A pivotal player in this historical musical saga was The Ronnie Lane Mobile Truck, a state-of-the-art mobile recording studio. This innovative studio on wheels allowed Bad Company to capture the raw essence of their performance on the spot. The decision to employ this mobile marvel added an adventurous and dynamic element to the recording process, giving the band the flexibility to experiment and create in unconventional spaces.

Creative Alchemy:

As the band settled into the castle's atmospheric embrace, the creative alchemy began. Building on the success of their self-titled debut album, Bad Company aimed to push musical boundaries while staying true to their blues-rock roots. The collaborative spirit within the band, fueled by the unique energy of Gloucestershire Castle, sparked a songwriting process that birthed some of the band's most enduring tracks.

Recording Highlights:

"Straight Shooter" emerged from the recording sessions as a testament to Bad Company's evolution as a musical force. The hauntingly beautiful "Feel Like Makin' Love" and the introspective "Shooting Star" were among the gems forged within the castle's stone walls. The chemistry between Rodgers' soulful vocals, Ralphs' masterful guitar, Burrell's pulsating bass, and Kirke's dynamic drumming reached a zenith during these sessions, giving each track a distinctive and powerful sonic signature.

Challenges and Triumphs:
Recording within the historic castle presented its share of challenges, from technical hurdles to the quirks of a non-traditional recording space. Yet, it was precisely these challenges that fueled the band's determination to create something extraordinary. The result was an album that not only met but exceeded expectations, solidifying Bad Company's reputation as rock royalty.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

English Blues Rock, Prog Rock

A fusion of British blues and progressive rock — melodic yet grounded in soulful rhythm. This style blends improvisation, emotional depth, and technical musicianship, reflecting both classic rock roots and experimental tendencies of the 1970s.

Label & Catalognr:

Island Records – Cat#: ILPS 9304 (Black Label)

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Full-Length Vinyl LP
Total Weight: 250g

Year & Country:

1975 – United Kingdom

Producers:
  • Bad Company – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Ron Nevison – Sound Engineer
    Ron Nevison is a legendary American producer and sound engineer whose iconic work shaped the sound of '70s and '80s rock. Known for his collaborations with Led Zeppelin, Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, and more, he brought raw energy and polished perfection to countless albums. Learn more in the full biography.
Recording Location:

Clearwell Castle – Gloucestershire, England (Recorded September 1974 on Ronnie Lane's Mobile)

Mixing Studio & Location:

Air Studios – London, England

Mastering Studio & Location:

The Mastering Lab – Los Angeles, USA

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Paul Rodgers – Vocals, Piano, Guitar
    Founding member and powerhouse vocalist of both Free and Bad Company, Paul Rodgers is known for his soulful voice on classics like "All Right Now" and "Feel Like Makin’ Love". Later fronted The Firm with Jimmy Page and Queen + Paul Rodgers.
  • Mick Ralphs – Lead Guitar
    Former guitarist for Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralphs brought his melodic yet gritty guitar tone to Bad Company’s biggest hits. He co-wrote several anthems including "Can't Get Enough" and "Ready for Love".
  • Boz Burrell – Bass Guitar
    Originally a vocalist turned bassist for King Crimson’s early 1970s lineup, Boz Burrell provided solid, soulful basslines for Bad Company, helping define the band’s blues-driven hard rock sound.
  • Simon Kirke – Drums
    A founding member of Free alongside Rodgers, Simon Kirke’s steady drumming style became a backbone of Bad Company’s groove. Known for his subtle power and timing on tracks like "Shooting Star" and "Can’t Get Enough".

Complete Track-listing:

Side One:
  1. Good Lovin' Gone Bad (3:35)
    Written by Mick Ralphs.
  2. Feel Like Makin' Love (5:12)
    Written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs.
  3. Weep No More (3:59)
    Written by Simon Kirke.
  4. Shooting Star (6:14)
    Written by Paul Rodgers.
Video: Bad Company - Feel Like Makin' Love (Official Audio)
Side Two:
  1. Deal With the Preacher (5:01)
    Written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs.
  2. Wild Fire Woman (4:32)
    Written by Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs.
  3. Anna (3:41)
    Written by Simon Kirke.
  4. Call on Me (6:03)
    Written by Paul Rodgers.
Video: Bad Company - Shooting Star (Official Audio)
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter designed by Hipgnosis, showing two red translucent dice with white dots and the number 3917, rolling across a green casino craps table marked with yellow and red betting fields. The band's name Bad Company and album title Straight Shooter appear at the top in bold red and yellow typography, contrasting sharply against the dark green background, symbolizing risk, chance, and the band’s bold, straightforward approach to rock music.

The album cover for Bad Company’s 1975 release Straight Shooter is a bold and symbolic visual designed by Hipgnosis. It features two red translucent dice frozen mid-roll across a casino craps table, conveying a theme of risk, fate, and the unpredictable nature of success.

The dice, rendered in deep red with white dots, display the number 3917 in gold — a visual anchor that adds both mystery and texture to the composition. Beneath them, the green felt table is detailed with betting zones and numbers outlined in yellow and red, grounding the image in a world of chance and precision.

At the top, the band’s name Bad Company appears in bold red letters with a cream outline, while the album title Straight Shooter is placed below in elegant gold typography. The entire scene captures the spirit of 1970s rock — confident, daring, and irresistibly cool.

Front cover of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter designed by Hipgnosis, showing two red translucent dice with white dots and the number 3917, rolling across a green casino craps table marked with yellow and red betting fields. The band's name Bad Company and album title Straight Shooter appear at the top in bold red and yellow typography, contrasting sharply against the dark green background, symbolizing risk, chance, and the band’s bold, straightforward approach to rock music.

The album cover for Bad Company’s 1975 release Straight Shooter is a bold and symbolic visual designed by Hipgnosis. It features two red translucent dice frozen mid-roll across a casino craps table, conveying a theme of risk, fate, and the unpredictable nature of success.

The dice, rendered in deep red with white dots, display the number 3917 in gold — a visual anchor that adds both mystery and texture to the composition. Beneath them, the green felt table is detailed with betting zones and numbers outlined in yellow and red, grounding the image in a world of chance and precision.

At the top, the band’s name Bad Company appears in bold red letters with a cream outline, while the album title Straight Shooter is placed below in elegant gold typography. The entire scene captures the spirit of 1970s rock — confident, daring, and irresistibly cool.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter on Island Records, showing a detailed green casino craps table photographed from above. Yellow and white dice markings, betting zones, and a small stack of miniature red dice sit on the lower right corner. Track titles and recording credits appear discreetly at the bottom left, listing songs like Good Lovin’ Gone Bad and Shooting Star, as well as production notes referencing Clearwell Castle, Air Studios London, and engineer Ron Nevison.

The back cover of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter extends the casino motif from the front sleeve, offering a top-down view of a green craps table marked with vivid yellow betting squares, red number circles, and the elegant word Any Craps visible in script near the bottom.

Printed in crisp white text along the lower edge are the track listings for Side One and Side Two, including “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Shooting Star.” Below them, the recording credits detail that the sessions took place at Clearwell Castle using Ronnie Lane’s Mobile Studio in September 1974, mixed at Air Studios in London, and mastered at The Mastering Lab in Los Angeles.

The design, again crafted by Hipgnosis, keeps the tone clean and cinematic, using bold typography against the muted green backdrop. A small trio of red dice in the lower right corner mirrors the front design, creating a satisfying visual link between both sides of the album jacket.

Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Custom inner sleeve photo from Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter, showing the four band members seated behind a green casino craps table. From left to right: Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, Paul Rodgers, and Boz Burrell, dressed in contrasting tuxedo jackets with ruffled shirts, half in cream, half in dark colors. The table is covered with chips, dice, and betting markers, lit by soft, cinematic lighting that evokes a smoky 1970s gambling room. The composition reflects the album’s central themes of chance, risk, and cool rock-star poise.

The photograph from the custom inner sleeve of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter captures the band at a casino craps table — a visual continuation of the gambling motif seen on the album’s exterior artwork.

From left to right, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, Paul Rodgers, and Boz Burrell are posed in formal tuxedos with frilled shirts, blending a sense of sophistication with their trademark rock intensity. The mix of light and dark attire underscores the contrast between refinement and rebellion that defined Bad Company’s image.

The tabletop is detailed with stacked chips, dice, and colorful betting markers, photographed under subdued, amber lighting that enhances the 1970s atmosphere. The image transforms a moment of play into a portrait of confidence, perfectly embodying the spirit of the album’s title — a Straight Shooter with nothing to hide.

Close-up Photo of Record Label
Close-up of Side One record label from Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter on Island Records, featuring a matte black label with bold orange and white Bad Company logo at the top and the album title Straight Shooter beneath a fine white line. The center hole sits perfectly aligned above the tracklist for Side One, showing songs including Good Lovin’ Gone Bad, Feel Like Makin’ Love, Weep No More, and Shooting Star, each with songwriter credits and durations. The label includes the catalog number ILPS 9304-A, the Island Records logo, copyright © 1975 Island Records Ltd, and crisp typography confirming a clean UK pressing.

This close-up shows the Side One record label of Bad Company’s 1975 album Straight Shooter on Island Records. The label features a deep matte black background with the band’s name printed in bold orange type with a white outline, commanding the top of the label.

Below the dividing line, the album title Straight Shooter appears in thin white capitals, followed by the four track titles: “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Weep No More,” and “Shooting Star.” Each listing includes songwriter initials, reflecting the collaborative energy of the group.

At the bottom sits the iconic lowercase island records logo, accompanied by the catalog number ILPS 9304-A and the copyright notice © 1975 Island Records Ltd. The clean typography, centered spindle hole, and even layout signal a well-produced UK first pressing, prized by collectors for its clarity and precision.

Collector Notes
  • 1 - The label design features the classic black Island Records layout with orange and white typography, typical of UK pressings from the mid-1970s.
  • 2 - Catalog number ILPS 9304-A appears on the lower portion of the label, identifying this as the A-side of the album.
  • 3 - The track listing includes four songs with full composer credits: “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Weep No More,” and “Shooting Star.”
  • 4 - Publishing credits list Island Music Ltd. and Bad Company Music Inc., confirming joint control between the band and the label.
  • 5 - The label carries the copyright notice © 1975 Island Records Ltd., indicating original UK manufacturing.
  • 6 - The centered Island “i” logo and neat rim text are consistent with authentic first UK pressings before the label switched to later palm tree designs.

The Lost Backside of Straight Shooter

Somewhere in a forgotten shoebox lies the photo of Bad Company’s rear view — the reverse of the custom inner sleeve from their 1975 masterpiece Straight Shooter. I would have captured it, but back then every click of the camera felt like tossing a coin into a black hole of storage costs. Film was gold, disk space was sacred, and cloud storage was just... weather.

Looking back, maybe I should have spent the extra kilobyte. But hey, who knew vinyl collectors would one day have *terabytes* of room for regrets? If only we could CTRL-Z the 1970s — just not the music.

Index of BAD COMPANY Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

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BAD COMPANY - Burning Sky album front cover vinyl record

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BAD COMPANY - Run with the Pack 12" Vinyl LP
BAD COMPANY - Run with the Pack album front cover vinyl record

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BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (Swan Song & Island Records) . album front cover vinyl record
BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter

In September of 1974, Bad Company embarked on a journey to create their sophomore album, "Straight Shooter". What makes this album even more intriguing is the location where it all came to life - Gloucestershire Castle.

- Straight Shooter (1975, Island Records) - Straight Shooter ( 1975, Swan Song Records)