Bad Boys cover

Released 40 years ago

Bad Boys

Haywire · 1986

36 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

Energetic hard rock riffs collide with infectious hooks, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of mid-80s Canadian rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bad Bad Boy — This track serves as an anthem for youthful rebellion with its catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs, perfectly capturing the album's energy.
  • →
    Standin' in Line — The song features a memorable melody paired with relatable lyrics about impatience and longing, showcasing Haywire's knack for combining emotion with hard rock flair.
  • →
    She's Not (The Kind of Girl) — With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, this track stands out as a quintessential example of Haywire's ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic rock with strong hooks but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks employ a verse-chorus structure, with bridges that build tension before returning to the main hook.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • When You Fall Out of Love

    The bridge highlights a moment of vulnerability where the narrative shifts to reflect on lost affection and emotional distance.

    This structural change deepens the emotional impact by contrasting earlier upbeat tones, revealing a more introspective side of the songwriting.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bad Bad Boy 3:42
  • 2 Standin' in Line 3:56
  • 3 She's Not (The Kind of Girl) 3:28
  • 4 Holding You 4:32
  • 5 Out of My Head 3:08
  • 6 When You Fall Out of Love 3:28
  • 7 3 Wishes 4:22
  • 8 Girl in Love 3:41
  • 9 Shot in the Dark 3:29
  • 10 Crazy 2:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata