What a way to say goodbye.
Although unplanned, what turned out to be Motörhead’s final album is, from start to finish, one of the band’s best albums. Bad Magic is a fast, loud, and crunchy record; that’s not to say it is as raw as many of their earlier albums, but Lemmy’s bass cranked through Hammer and Murder One give the album its uncompromising edge.
Victory or Die is one of the best opening tracks in the Motörhead discography, let alone rock ‘n’ roll, and the record doesn’t quit. Thunder & Lightning is a classic Mikkey Dee whirlwind, as is Shoot Out All of Your Lights.
Phil Campbell’s guitar work shines throughout as he demonstrates his ability to churn out heavy riffs and melodic blues chords whilst matching Lemmy’s lyrical emotion in Till the End, one of the bands most heartfelt tracks to-date, and sounds tremendous on vinyl (pictured below).
The connection between Lem’s mortality and songs like When the Sky Comes Looking for You can be made easily, but that has always been a thematic writing tool of his. He never changed, which was for the better.
Overall, this album is stunning – a cannonball in the chest and air raid siren in the ears. Packed with classic hooks and snarling vocals, this is album crushes. I love it. I was saddened that, when touring the U.S. in support of the album, none of the new songs were played. But I am so very thankful for the opportunity to see the gang melt the stage in NY one last time. They were louder than ever.
I still cannot believe that Lemmy is gone; that Motörhead is gone. But I am more than thankful for what they have given us.
Favorites:
– Victory or Die
– Thunder & Lightning
-Teach Them How to Bleed
-When the Sky Comes Looking for You
-Sympathy for the Devil (Rolling Stones cover)
