Oh, Atlanta

The Zoo Crew is spinning Oh, Atlanta by Bad Company from their 1979 album Desolation Angels, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this classic rock vibe. Written by guitarist Mick Ralphs, the song’s upbeat, country-tinged energy captures a longing for the Southern city, with its catchy riffs and Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals. According to a fan post on Rate Your Music, one listener from Georgia raved about the song’s “countryish feel,” saying it resonates deeply with locals who feel the pull of Atlanta’s charm. The track was recorded in September 1978 at Ridge Farm Studios in Surrey, England, and released on March 17, 1979, as part of an album that hit No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard charts.

Another cool tidbit comes from the All About The Rock review of the Desolation Angels: 40th Anniversary Edition, which revealed an alternate take of Oh, Atlanta with a slower tempo and a Fender Rhodes keyboard, giving it a totally different vibe. This version, included in the anniversary release, shows the band experimenting with the track’s groove during those 1978 sessions. The song also got a second life when Alison Krauss covered it for her 1995 album Now That I’ve Found You: A Collection, swapping the rock edge for a bluegrass twist. Plus, it made a surprising appearance in 1993, opening The Nashville Network’s broadcast of the Motorcraft 500 race, tying it to Atlanta’s cultural scene in an unexpected way.

Bad Company formed in 1973 in London, England, as a supergroup of rock veterans hungry to blend blues, hard rock, and soul. Paul Rodgers (vocals) and Simon Kirke (drums) came from Free, where they’d already built a reputation for gritty, soulful rock with hits like “All Right Now.” Mick Ralphs (guitar) brought his songwriting chops from Mott the Hoople, and Boz Burrell (bass) joined after stints with King Crimson. According to their bio on their official website, the band’s name came from a 1972 Western film, reflecting their raw, no-nonsense attitude. They signed with Swan Song Records, Led Zeppelin’s label, and their 1974 debut album, Bad Company, shot to No. 1 with hits like “Can’t Get Enough.” The band’s chemistry, rooted in their shared love for raw, emotional music, made them a staple of ‘70s rock.

You can keep up with Bad Company on their official website, where they share tour dates and news. Their Facebook page is active with posts about anniversary releases and classic photos, while their Instagram offers throwback shots and concert clips. On X, they engage with fans, sharing memories like a March 2025 post from crockpics asking fans for their favorite Desolation Angels track. For fan communities, check out the Bad Company Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and concert memories. Another great spot is Bad Company Wiki, a fan-run site packed with detailed song and album histories for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the band’s legacy.