Drew Cagle & The Reputation is a high energy, no apologies, national touring rock band from Central Illinois. The band got its name “The Reputation” after Cagle decided to lean into the considerable ridicule he received in the beginning while attempting to perform his original music in a market primarily dominated by cover bands. Driven by his passion for authentic original expression, Cagle set his sights on the surrounding major cities in the Midwest and across the US determined to show the world that greatest rock songs haven’t already been written…
After 3 years, Drew Cagle & The Reputation return with a vengeance with the release of their second full length album, Bad Attitude. An eight-song collection of boisterous rock ‘n’ roll, Bad Attitude combines passionate modern songwriting with the bold sound and swagger of the hard rock superstars from the ’80s. In an album ironically named after a band Cagle’s father performed with in the early ’90s, DC&R manages to encapsulate the classic “chip on your shoulder” aggression and natural danger that rock ‘n’ roll has been missing in recent years.
DC&R’s first single, “All Figured Out,” takes dead aim at naysayers who doubted Cagle’s artistic vision. This song calls out the hypocrisy rooted in premature judgements of others in an epic rock ‘n’ roll fashion. “All Figured Out” clings to the feeling of being counted out and, with a rebellious spirit, aims to inspire the listener to prove their own opposition wrong.
The album’s title track features a guest appearance from legendary ’80s guitarist and original member of Guns N Roses and LA Guns: Tracii Guns. The guitarist joined the record after a run of shows DC&R did with LA Guns in February 2024. Guns & Cagle seemingly duel between vocals and guitar licks throughout the entire song, highlighting themes of ridicule and anti-conformity in a sleazy sunset strip fashion.
Meanwhile songs like “If It’s Not Love,” “So Cold,” and “She Said” tell a story of falling out of love and the struggles that come from mourning it. All of these themes get tied together across the last three songs. “You Think You’ve Heard Everything?”, “Live Right,” and “Wine Talkin”” take the record home with an emotional ending and show you a glimpse into what’s next for DC&R.
Frontman Drew Cagle found his inspiration for Bad Attitude from the roadblocks and resistance he encountered fronting an original rock band in a market dominated by cover bands. From facing the struggles of chasing your dreams to dealing with the trials of lost love, this album never lets up as each song presents a different theme and perspective to tell a story of heartbreak and rebellion.
