Holy Water was the 3rd studio album from the reformed BAD COMPANY, fronted by Brian Howe. The band had reformed in the mid ’80s, but with Paul Rodgers not involved, Howe was recommended by Mick Jones (Foreigner), who had his eye on Howe as a potential replacement to Lou Gramm.
Produced by Terry Thomas (ex CHARLIE), Holy Water featured 13 tracks, more than half co-written by Howe & Thomas, with the producer also co-writing a few others. Holy Water would become the most successful Bad Company album of this period, featuring 3 hit singles – “If You Needed Somebody”, “Walk Through Fire”, and the title track. Bad Company, during this era had adjusted to the times, with a more AOR, pop-rock approach, but still guitar driven (more so here), with blues feel at times on Holy Water (courtesy Mick Ralphs’ guitar); kinda like a heavier Foreigner (IMO), and a bit of that Def Leppard 80s glam-rock feel. Lyrically, not very original, nor much different to the types of things many other 80s acts were writing about (see above mentioned bands, Loverboy, etc..) This album included other favorites and potential singles, with songs like “With You In A Heartbeat”, “Stranger Stranger”, “Fearless” (that intro reminds me of that Damn Yankees hit….wonder which came first?), plus “I Don’t Care” and “Boys Fight Dirty”, The last song is the most different here, “100 Miles”, a tasteful acoustic ballad, sung by Simon Kirke.
I really liked this era of the band, never having been a huge Bad Co fan, I thought the albums with Brian Howe especially the latter 3, were good. A shame that Howe (and this era) doesn’t get more credit for keeping the band going, And very successfully. Songs from this period are not included on any Bad Company compilations, and barely mentioned at the band’s official website (and not positively). Recently Friday Music released a limited 35th anniversary turquoise colored vinyl of Holy Water. Friday Music also released a 2-CD Holy Water w/ Dangerous Age (the previous Bad Co album), with a few bonus tracks in 2013. (RIP Mick Ralphs and Brian Howe)
Holy Water PRODUCER: Terry Thomas Atco 91371 – Classic rockers follow up 1988’s certified -gold “Dangerous Age” with an invigorating set of hard -edged stompers, laced with blues and pop sensibilities. Title track /first single is a kicking, radio-ready anthem, as is “Boys Cry Tough,” both of which are highlighted by singer Brian Howe’s powerful pipes. Contrast comes from “If You Need Somebody” and “100 Miles” (sung by drummer Simon Kirke), a pair of well -sung, cliché -free ballads. (Billboard, 06/90)
BAD COMPANY If You Need Somebody (4:21) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe, Thomas PUBLISHERS: Warner Chappell /TJT Songs /Phantom /WB, ASCAP Atco 4 -98914 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Sensitive rock ballad is given depth and dimension by singer Brian Howe’s heartfelt performance. One of many fine tracks on the band’s current “Holy Water” set. (Billboard, 10/90)
BAD COMPANY Walk Through Fire (4 48) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe. Thomas PUBLISHERS: Chappell /TJT Songs, Phantom /WB. ASCAP REMIXER: Larry Dvoskin Atco 4053 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Third helping from band’s excellent “Holy Water” album is an acoustic – softened pop /rocker that is fueled with a sing -along chorus and well – produced performances. Equally strong choice for top-40 and album rock radio formats. (Billboard, 1991)
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