Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here is a glistening, powerful rock record that stays true to power pop while sounding as contemporary as any mainstream rock band of the mid-'70s. It was the kind of record that could have been a hit, but due to a series of legal and managerial entanglements, it was pulled from stores before it had a chance to find its audience. Despite its relative obscurity, most die-hard Badfinger fans maintain that the group shines brilliantly on Wish You Were Here and they're correct.

Ass

Badfinger produced the sessions for the Straight Up sequel themselves, abandoning its lush production for a live, hard-rocking sound. Apple wasn't keen on the record, insisting that it be remixed, then, once it was remixed, refusing to release it, so the band jumped ship to Warner Bros. In the fall of 1973, just after Badfinger released their debut single for the label and were prepping a new album, Apple sprung Ass on the world. It certainly hurt the band, since its heavier rock alienated some pop fans and its chart belly-flop tainted plans for a triumphant return on Warner.

Straight Up

Straight Up winds up somewhat less dynamic than No Dice, largely because that record alternated its rockers, pop tunes, and ballads. Here, everything is at a similar level, as the ballads are made grander and the rockers have their melodic side emphasized. Consequently, the record sounds more unified than No Dice, which had a bit of a split personality. This fine songwriting, combined with sharp performances and exquisite studio craft, make this album one of the cornerstones of power-pop, a record that proved that it was possible to make classic guitar-pop after its golden era had passed.

No Dice

No Dice bears out, boasting old-fashioned rockers, catchy pop tunes, and acoustic ballads. On the surface, there's nothing special about such a well-crafted, sharply produced, straight-ahead pop record, but the pleasure of a power pop album is in the craft. It does achieve the right balance of craft, fun, and emotion. Badfinger proves that songcraft is what separates great power-pop from good, and it's what makes this album a superb pop record.

Magic Christian Music

Since their breakthrough hit "Come and Get It" was written by Paul McCartney, Badfinger was dogged by comparisons to the Beatles, but they were hardly copyists. Elements of the Hollies,the Kinks, and very mild psychedelia are discernable throughout the album, all part of the band's search for their own voice. It's a great collection of dreamy post-psych pop tunes driven by strong hooks and harmonies.