Sweet Evil

In 1977 Rick Derringer's eponymous band, Derringer, released their second album, Sweet Evil. It marked a further decline in quality from 1976's Derringer, which was already a serious dip from Derringer's previous solo work. Tunes like "Keep On Makin' Love" and "One-Eyed Jack" are rudimentary and boring and no amount of hot guitar soloing can save them. Nor does the slick and uninspired production by the usually reliable Jack Douglas of Cheap Trick renown. The record sounds like Joe Walsh outtakes and makes a good case for Derringer sticking with a career as a sideman. — Tim Sendra.