Queen are;
Freddie Mercury; Vocals,Piano
John Deacon; Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Occasional Vocals
Brian May; Guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor; Drums, Backing Vocals
'no synths on this album or any prior album'
After the extremely sucessful 1976 album 'a day at the races', Queen went back into the Studios in 1977. Competely free of managers in this album the band decided to go a different direction. What resulted was a much rawer, heavier sounding album than ever before. Though in many fans opinions this was not a good way to go. The Album featured two of Queens most recognisable hits 'we will rock you' and 'we are the champions'. though unlike the albums before it does contain a few mediocre songs. There is not as much operatics and the fun experimental songs such as 'fairy fellas master stroke' and 'good old fashioned lover boy' were not present. That does not stop this album being great though. It is a good way to see the change of the times. The reason it is more raw and heavier, almost punk sounding is beccause of the punk revolution occuring at the time.
WE WILL ROCK YOU; Possibly Queens most recognisable song. Played at sporting arenas all over the world. released as a double A-side with 'We are the champions'. I dont think it needs any description everyone knows it. Features one of Brain Mays best solo's. 4/5
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS; One of the worlds favourite songs. An Anthem made rock song which sends a shiver down the spine of anyone singing it after just haviing won a sporting game. Featuring great vocals, powerful guitar and solid tight bass and drums this truelly is a classic peice of music. 5/5
SHEER HEART ATTACK; This is one of Rogers songs on the album. It is a face passed punk like rocker. As with most of Rogers songs they are the weakest on the albums and this is no exception. Though it is a good change and shows queens versitility its not one of my favourites. 3/5
ALL DEAD, ALL DEAD; This song has Brian and Freddie sharing the vocals. this is a nice little ballad which is a good change from the fast rock from before. 3.5/5
SPREAD YOUR WINGS; This Is John Deacons first song on the album and is a standout. This is without a doubt one of Queens best songs. Heavy and a ballad at the same time. Has some great Bass work by John and a great solo. A high point on the album. 5/5
FIGHT FROM THE INSIDE; Rogers final song, features him on vocals. I dont like this song. It is a slow heavy rock song with some good bass but overall not a very good song. 2.5/5
GET DOWN,MAKE LOVE; I have neevr been a fan of this song and neither are many other fans. Featuring some good guitar effects. Many people think it is synths but no synths were used in Queen albums up until this point. This is the lowest point on the album, featuring Freddie sexual fantasies by the sounds of the lyrics. 2/5
SLEEPING ON THE SIDEWALK; This song features Brian on vocals. The song was recorded live. The band was practising the song in the studio but not known to them they were being recorded, they thought it sounded so good they left it. It is a good song with a bluesy feel, and you can tell its live and thats what makes it sound good. It has good bass and drums. 4/5
WHO NEEDS YOU; Johns last song on the album. After the brillaint 'spread your wings' it is a shame that he offered this as his second song. One of Johns worst songs. A poppy song with a jamaican feel to it. John's songs are usually highlights on the albums but this is an exception. 2.5/5
IT'S LATE; A good rock song which is musically and lyrically good. Good having a song like this after the low point previously. 3.5/5
MY MELACHOLY BLUES; For me this is another highlight on the album. The band tried to get the 50's style fank sinatra feel and thye did it so authentically its amazing. The bass and the drums gel together so well and freddies piano playing in this song sounds remarkable. Nothing from Brian in this song but it doesnt need it. 4.5/5
So there you have it. Queen tried to move away from there multi-layered experimental sounds and moved into the more mainstream market. If you prefer it its up to you. Though for me this is the one of the last times we hear the true Queen sound. The next album Jazz has it but not as much.
LIKES;
-we are the champions
-spread your wings
DISLIKES
-different sound to this album
-apart from We are the champions and spread your wings there are no real standouts.
-departure of the multi layered operatics
Queens next album would be the 1978 release 'Jazz'
cheers for reading.
