What makes No Dice by Badfinger notable?

No Dice is notable for including the iconic ballad 'Without You,' which later became a massive hit for Harry Nilsson and was famously covered by Mariah Carey. The album received positive reviews upon release and solidified Badfinger's reputation as key players in the power pop movement of the early '70s. Released on November 9, 1970, No Dice is Badfinger's second studio album, following their successful debut, Straight Up. At this point in their career, they were gaining traction as a significant force in the power pop genre, especially after their breakout hit 'Come and Get It' the previous year.

No Dice works well if you're into steady mid-tempo flow, melodic and harmonious listening and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on No Dice?

No Dice has 17 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

No Dice

Badfinger · 1970

55 min · 17 tracks · power pop

Melodic power pop harmonies intertwine with poignant lyrics, delivering an emotionally resonant experience that captures the essence of early '70s rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Without You — This track showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with melodic sophistication, becoming one of their most enduring songs.
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No Matter What — The song features catchy hooks and harmonies that exemplify Badfinger's signature sound and helped it reach high chart positions.
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Midnight Caller — Its moody instrumentation and introspective lyrics highlight the band's versatility and emotional range, making it a standout moment on the album.
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I Can't Take It — This energetic opener encapsulates the band's raw power pop essence while setting an upbeat tone for the rest of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

No Dice showcases strong melodies and harmonies typical of power pop, with effective pacing and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the sixth track, 'Without You,' introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's emotional tone.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich melodic texture that is characteristic of power pop.
The album includes both upbeat tracks and more introspective pieces, with transitions that often emphasize lyrical themes of love and longing.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo flow
melodic and harmonious listening
long, immersive listening sessions
heartfelt lyrical reflections

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 9, 1970, No Dice is Badfinger's second studio album, following their successful debut, Straight Up. At this point in their career, they were gaining traction as a significant force in the power pop genre, especially after their breakout hit 'Come and Get It' the previous year.
Stylistic neighbors: Big Star· The Hollies· The Move