Name of the Game (Badfinger song)

"Name of the Game" is the sixth track from power pop band Badfinger's 1971 album, Straight Up.[1] "Name of the Game" was also intended to be released as the lead single from this album, backed with "Suitcase", a track written by Joey Molland, but, despite efforts from George Harrison (who was impressed greatly by the track) to remix the song, the single, as well as the rest of the album, were canceled due to input from Phil Spector."[3][1] Chris Evans chose it as an example of a Badfinger that shows that "though lyrical profundity may have been beyond them, there was plenty of mileage to be got out of the power ballad before Adrian Gurvitz and Michael Bolton came along.[4] Classic Rock critic Rob Hughes rated "Name of the Game" as Badfinger's 8th greatest song, saying "Pete Ham’s piano-led meditation is a prime example of his consummate artistry, replete with purring harmonies and a comely melody.[5] Goldmine critic Bill Kopp included "Name of the Game" as one of "5 wrongfully overlooked Badfinger songs.
BadfingerStraight UpPower popApple RecordsSongwriter(s)Pete HamProducer(s)Todd RundgrenGeorge HarrisonNo DiceGeoff EmerickJoey MollandPhil SpectorThe Concert for BangladeshAllMusicStephen Thomas Erlewinepower balladAdrian GurvitzMichael BoltonGoldmineTom EvansMike GibbinsBob JacksonTony KayeMaybe TomorrowMagic Christian MusicWish You Were HereAirwavesSay No MoreHead FirstBBC in Concert 1972–1973Dear AngieCome and Get ItNo Matter WhatDay After DayBaby BlueApple of My EyeLove Is EasyI Miss YouLost Inside Your LoveLove Is Gonna Come at LastHold OnI Got YouBecause I Love YouRock of All AgesCarry on Till TomorrowWithout YouWe're for the Dark"Meanwhile Back at the Ranch"/"Should I Smoke"