Bad English cover

Bad English

Bad English · 1989

62 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

Melodic hard rock anthems intertwine soaring vocals and polished instrumentation, capturing the essence of late '80s arena rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When I See You Smile — This track stands out as a quintessential power ballad, showcasing emotional delivery and strong melodic hooks that defined the band's sound.
  • →
    Price of Love — With its catchy chorus and driving beat, this song exemplifies Bad English's knack for blending hard rock with pop sensibilities, making it radio-friendly.
  • →
    Don't Walk Away — This track combines heartfelt lyrics with soaring vocals, serving as another prime example of the band's ability to craft memorable anthems.

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 solid songwriting and production typical of late '80s rock but lacks standout uniqueness.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective songs.
  • Vocals are prominently layered, often featuring harmonies that emphasize emotional delivery, particularly in the chorus sections.
  • Several tracks utilize a classic verse-chorus structure, with bridges that build tension before resolving back into the chorus.
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • soaring vocals for emotional release
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • heartfelt ballads for reflective moments
  • melodic anthems for sing-alongs
  • consistent flow for easy enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, energetic tracks
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Bad English was formed in 1987 and released their self-titled debut album in 1989, marking a significant moment for its members who were coming off successful careers with bands like Journey and The Babys. This album positioned them at the forefront of the glam metal scene, capitalizing on the commercial peak of hard rock during that era.
Stylistic neighbors
Alice Cooper· Aerosmith· Holograf

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Best of What I Got 4:40
  • 2 Heaven Is a 4 Letter Word 4:45
  • 3 Possession 5:08
  • 4 Forget Me Not 4:58
  • 5 When I See You Smile 4:20
  • 6 Tough Times Don't Last 4:42
  • 7 Ghost in Your Heart 4:46
  • 8 Price of Love 4:47
  • 9 Ready When You Are 4:20
  • 10 Lay Down 4:38
  • 11 The Restless Ones 5:23
  • 12 Rockin' Horse 5:31
  • 13 Don't Walk Away 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata