Kakaku：299 saved$2.99
Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Great CD) 『Love Queen. When I was in high school, our them song was Another One Bites the Dust and it takes me back every time I listen to it. Great CD』
(Queen still rules!) 『If you are a Queen fan, you must have this greatest hits collection. Not only is the music fantastic, the price was great.』
(Perfect.......unmatched creativity in the rock genre.) 『If you like Queen, you need to check out America's best kept secret for over 15 years, Poi Dog Pondering. The new '7' CD is incredible and is the only release to match the creative heights of the mighty Queen.....great, great work. A work of art, really.7』
(Excellent Collection) 『good selection of most of Queen's best songs. I wish Princes of the Universe was included, but one can't have everything.』
(Schizophrenic rock band) 『At their best, Queen produced some of the finest rock songs ever recorded. I'm partial to the great work they did early in their career--tunes like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," and "You're My Best Friend." "Under Pressure," their collaboration with David Bowie, is one of my favorite songs of all time. I accept the claim by several reviewers, who are no doubt more knowledgeable about the band than I, that this is probably the most complete collection of their hits you can find. I had never heard most of these songs before.
The problem is that most of them are terrible, and not just in comparison to their greats. I found many of them to be unlistenable messes with operatic aspirations. It's hard to believe that the many 1-star tunes ( i.e., "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" and "I'm Going Slightly Mad") were composed by the same guys who wrote the comparatively few 5-star songs. Personally, I prefer the one-disc "Greatest Hits" compilation that many of the other reviewers deride. 』 『Queen brought a whole new meaning to the phraseover the top. While rock&roll flamboyance stretched back at least as far as Little Richard, Freddie Mercury continued to camp it up, taking little seriously and smirking at the music's growing pretensions while partaking in them no small bit. Many of the band's singles hold up extremely well, later tracks such as "Hammer to Fall" as much as prime-era numbers such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," and "You're My Best Friend." The quartet's canny sense of melody and sophisticated vocal harmonies--not to mention Mercury's raised eyebrow--have traveled well through the years.--Rickey Wright』
Kakaku：802 saved$8.02
Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (...powerhouse collection..) 『I received this powerhouse collection of Queen hits as a gift -- which I love. I would have given it five-stars if it had included my favorite track, "Keep yourself Alive". Nonetheless, I enjoy this collection immensely.』
(GREAT MUSIC / BAD BURN) 『THIS IS A GREAT PACKAGE BUT WHEN I PUT IT INTO ITUNES THE TITLES WERE ALL WRONG ON THE SECOND DISC, THEY CAME UP WITH THE SAME TITLES AS THE FRIST DISC』
(Queen CD) 『I received the Queen CD I bought from Amazon in a reasonable time and in perfect condition.
Thank You!』
(Just awesome) 『I don't have any comments on this album. It is just awesome Guy Zoetermeer, the Netherlands』
(Ehh...) 『Let me start by saying, I am a Queen fan(atic). Have been since I was 9 years old. I can pretty be counted on to A) buy any Queen merchandise and/or products, or B) or least give said merchandise and/or products a fair look before I pass by. That having been said, I don't think this greatest hits set is really the best representation of the most versatile band ever. That's right, Beatles, I said "ever".
The problem with sets like these is that the average listener will buy it and think, "Well, that's Queen taken of, then", stick it on their shelf and forget about it. But then they'll miss out on great stuff like "Tie Your Mother Down", "Stone Cold Crazy", "In The Lap Of The Gods", "Mustapha", "It's Late", "Flick Of The Wrist"...the list literally goes on and on. Also, this just may be my inner anal-retentive fanboy speaking here, but some of the songs on this set are rather annoyingly edited, at least to my ears. For example, on this set's version of "Under Pressure", Queen's seminal 1981 New Wave collaboration with David Bowie, the second refrain of "This is our last chance" is--POOF!--completely gone. It's very unnerving, and takes someone who's heard the song that way their entire lives completely out of the moment. Further examples include the truncated version of "Fat Bottomed Girls" on Disc One, which on this version fades out, rather than coming to its usual strong finish in the unedited version, which can be found on the original album "Jazz" or the 1992 U.S. maroon-colored release, "Queen's Greatest Hits".
As for the much-maligned "Greatest Hits III" (Disc Three), it's not quite as bad as all that. "Princes Of The Universe" was erroneously left off of most of the previous hits collections; long overdue to be included, as it's one of the best known Queen songs, thanks to the "Highlander" films and TV series. Also, it was good to have some cuts from Freddie Mercury's side projects, most notably "Barcelona" with Monserrat Caballe and "Living On My Own" from the "Mr. Bad Guy" album, which can prove difficult to find. Elton John's passionate rendition of "The Show Must Go On" is very moving in the context of things, and even George Michael acquits himself admirably with a joyous take on "Somebody To Love". Both performances serve as fitting tributes to Freddie Mercury's spirit. As for the remix of "Another One Bites The Dust" by Wyclef Jean? Well, to my surprise, I really didn't think it was as bad as some have made it out to be, especially when compared to some of the Rick Rubin remixes from the 1991 album re-releases (Anybody else remember that remix of "Bicycle Race"? Ick.)
Anyways, to sum up, I personally think it would be better for the beginning Queen listener to at least delve into some of Queen's studio albums first, but being that we live in a world where everybody's in a mad hurry, it's quite understandable that people would pick up the most concise collection of material. Just don't make the mistake of ending your search here.』 『What once seemed Queen's greatest liabilities--a preening flamboyance and pompous, overwrought theatricality--have ironically become their most enduring charms in a gray, postmodern pop-music landscape. While it eschews the glammy, pre-punk hard rock of live faves like "Stone Cold Crazy" and "Tie Your Mother Down" for the band's more quirky club-beat string of latter-day hits, this 51-track triple-CD anthology goes a long way toward documenting the true dimensions of the band's music and fame. Some songs may not be instantly familiar to American fans because of yet another irony: just as their U.S. fortunes waned during the punk and new wave era, the band was exploding into true international superstars. Thus, there may be a sense of discovery here, whether of latter-day Queen material or solo work by Brian May and Freddie Mercury, whose duet on "Barcelona" with diva Montserrat Caballé transcends boundaries of both time and genre. A previously unreleased live performance of "The Show Must Go On" featuring Elton John on vocals is also included.--Jerry McCulley』
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Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (So-So Album by ultimate tribute band) 『Most songs are unremarkable, with only Surf's up and C-lebrity being very good. Of Queen's original 15 studio albums, The Cosmos Rocks is only better than the Flash Gordon soundtrack. Compared to the solo works of Queen's members, I rate it as below average.
I do not regret buying it, but I am slightly disappointed』
(Are You Kidding Me?) 『Okay first off let me say that i am a minor Queen fan and like there songs, not PAUL RODGER QUEEN though. How in there wildest minds replace there original singer, with Paul Rodgers come on, the guy sang for like Bad Company and Free, bands that are not at all like Queen what so ever. I think now a days Queen just has really sold out and making a new album with that Freddie Mercury poser is just a shame really in my honest opinion. If anyone who reads this reveiw disagrees with me please post a comment saying otherwise and i would give this album zero stars if they let you.
floyd(annoymous)』
(It took a while but!) 『Well being that was/am one of the biggest Queen fans on the face of the earth, I was really depressed when I had heard that Freddie Mercury had passes away. I've seen a lot of musicians kick the bucket over the years, but his death really hit me with a sense of sadness?
Well here we are almost two full decades later, listening to a new Queen offering from two of the surviving members (to bad John Deacon wasn't involved?.) I knew before I ever tossed this disc into my cd player that it would not come anywhere near the genius that was Queen in it's heyday, but I had high hopes that it would at least contain some bright spots with them members that were now carrying the torch so to speak.
Does it sound like Queen, not on your life, but it's not supposed to. Nothing will ever sound like Queen again! What we have hear is a straight up rock&roll cd that does work. You do get some snippets of that old school Queen vide from Brian Mays playing and Roger Taylor's (very under rated drummer) drumming, but again, it's something fresh and new and if you're looking for say classic sounding Queen, your looking in the wrong place. Paul Rogers is one of the all time best rock singers in history and he does not tarnish his reputation here. His vocals are fantastic and the band itself is very pleasing to the ear.
If Brian May and Roger Taylor wanted to try and sound like old school Queen, they would have recruited some Freddie Mercury clone or at least someone who sang somewhat like him. The dude from Wham comes to mind (I can't remember his name?) as he did a fine job at the farewell concert way back when. However I believe that the remaining members believed that replacing Freddie was an impossible job and thus decided after many years to just write and see what happened with it. Paul Rogers comes onboard and the rest is history.
I will admit this cd took me about ten listens before I began to truly appreciate it for what it was. Now that I've had it for about three weeks now and have listened to it many times I've really come to quite enjoy it's feel. You wont find any outstanding tracks, but it's all very solid from start to finish and really is an enjoyable listen.
If you cue it up and go, "what is this?" be patient, it'll grow on you like it has me and may even become one of your favorites it time. This cd is a great start to an old band that has found a new groove with a fresh face and some very classy sounding tunes.
Well done ladz!
John I miss your bass playing, you rocked man!!』
(BOTTOM LINE) 『PAUL RODGERS IS ONE OF THE FINEST LEAD VOCALISTS IN ROCK MUSIC. BRIAN MAY IS A BONEFIDE GUITAR ICON. hOWEVER, IF YOUR EXPECTING ANYTHING LIKE VINTAGE QUEEN YOU WON'T FIND IT IN THIS PROJECT.』
(Bad Company) 『I was always able to appreciate the enormous and indisputable talent of Queen. However, they were never really my cup of tea. Bad Company w/Paul Rodgers however is one of my all time favorite bands. I never owned a Queen album and never owned a Bad Company album without Paul Rodgers.
Combining Queen's virtuosity with the likes of Paul Rodgers actually makes sense after hearing the result. This CD to me is heavily flavored with Paul's (Bad Company) influence and Paul finally has the band to equal his level of vocal perfection and writing skill.
Rarely do the remains of two magnificent bands come together and hit a grand slam like this.』 『Tracks on the new Queen + Paul Rodgers album are all newly written by May, Taylor and Rodgers during the late 2007/ early 2008 recording sessions. `Say It's Not True', previously released at the end of last year by Queen + Paul Rodgers as a special World Aids Day download for Nelson Mandela's 46664 HIV AIDS charity will be included, plus a `first' for a Queen album - a cover version.』
Kakaku：601 saved$6.01
Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Most Inclusive Collection) 『The music of Queen is legendary and the untimely death of Freddie Mercury was an end to a great life and great music. Sadly, it has been difficult to get a full cohesive collection of all the best music Queen made due to copywriting issues etc. There is no collection out there that will satisfy everyone but this one is the most inclusive and has most of the major hits. It would be awesome to have a collection with the hits plus the best of the album tracks but for now this collection is the best I've found.
The remastering is perfection and it is the best sound quality I've heard yet. Standout tracks for me are BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, DON'T STOP ME NOW, SAVE ME, SOMEBODY TO LOVE, PLAY THE GAME, WE WILL ROCK YOU plus the 3 bonus tracks. Everyone's favorites will differ and all will find some song they love not included but as I said - for me this is the best collection out there and is definitelty worth the price.』
(Good, but it could be a LOT better) 『Queen have had countless compilations released over the years. We have tons of releases called 'Greatest Hits.' There's a mediocre U.S. version, than there's a great import release. Of course, there is a 'Greatest Hits II,' focusing on the 1981-1991 material. And finally, there is even a 'Greatest Hits III' released (I strongly recommend you avoid that release at all costs).
So, in the early 2000s, Hollywood Records decided to release yet another Queen 'Greatest Hits' album. But this one is far different from the standard 'Greatest Hits' release.
There is nothing from the 1981-1991 period. That means, no 'Radio Ga Ga,' 'I'm Going Slightly Mad,' 'A Kind Of Magic,' 'Who Wants To Live Forever' or 'Hammer To Fall.' That's a letdown. Now, this covers the early years of Queen. Read on.
Tracks from Queen (1973) None Review: No 'Keep Yourself Alive'? Come on! The U.K. version of 'Greatest Hits' also unfairly omitted this classic. Only 'Classic Queen' offers that track. That's the only compilation. A disappointment indeed.
Tracks from Queen II (1974) 'Seven Seas Of Rhye' Review: A great song, one of the best. I have no complaints. Definitely the best song from the album. A classic pick.
Tracks from Sheer Heart Attack (1974) 'Killer Queen,' 'Now I'm Here' Review: 'STONE COLD CRAZY'!?! Where the heck is it? This is supposed to be 'Greatest Hits'! ARGH! At least they included 'Killer Queen,' perhaps my favorite Queen song of the '70s. But the omission of 'Stone Cold Crazy' is just frustrating.
Tracks from A Night At The Opera (1975) 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' 'You're My Best Friend,' 'I'm In Love With My Car' Review: Excellent. The three great tracks from arguably their best album are here. And unlike the previous release, this one actually includes 'Bohemian Rhapsody'! All I have to say is IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
Tracks from A Day At The Races (1976) 'Somebody To Love,' 'Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy' Review: Superb choices, my two favorites from the album. 'Tie Your Mother Down' is here, but in an inferior live version. Still, the follow up to 'A Night At The Opera' gets great coverage here. Hollywood Records got these picks right.
Tracks from News Of The World (1977) 'We Will Rock You,' 'We Are The Champions' Review: Queen were at their peak when they released 'News Of The World.' So glad to see 'We Will Rock You' and 'We Are The Champions,' the two ultimate sports anthems here, but 'Sheer Heart Attack' should also be here from this album as well.
Tracks from Jazz (1978) 'Fat Bottomed Girls,' 'Bicycle Race' Review: The two hits from the album are here. Disappointed to see that an album track like 'If You Can't Beat 'Em' isn't here, but that's minor stuff. 'Jazz' has always been one of my favorite Queen albums, and these are my two favorites from the album, so I have no major complaints. Excellent choices.
Tracks from The Game (1980) 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love,' 'Save Me,' 'Another One Bites The Dust,' 'Play The Game' Review: 'The Game' gets the record for the most songs from an album on this compilation, and rightfully so. Queen were at a career highpoint here, and it shows. 'Another One Bites The Dust' remains one of their biggest hits, and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is a classic rock radio staple. A great album with great picks. Not a single complaint.
Tracks from Flash Gordon (1980) 'Flash's Theme' Review: A great song, but it seems somewhat out of place here. I'm glad it's here, don't get me wrong, but this collection is made for their 1973-1980 stuff, and while this was recorded and released in 1980, Queen were moving towards the direction they would take in the '80s here.
Tracks from Hot Space (1982) None Review: Technically, what's written above is inaccurate, because 'Under Pressure' is here indeed, but it is a live version. Similar to 'Tie Your Mother Down,' the studio version is far superior to the live version.
Live tracks 'Under Pressure,' 'Tie Your Mother Down' Review: Both are far inferior to the studio versions. I question Hollywood Records move to include the live versions of these Queen classics over the studio versions. A little disappointing. I strongly recommend seeking out the studio versions of both of these Queen classics as well.
Overall, this is somewhat disappointing. Everything here (well, except for maybe the live tracks) is five stars. I would buy this only if I were a casual Queen fan who wants their 1973-1980 output or if I were starting my Queen collection, but that would be the only reason I would buy this.
And while three stars may seem offensive to some, to me, it's perfectly reasonable. The picks here are five stars, but Hollywood could have done a far better job, no doubt about it.
Just seek out 'The Platinum Collection' or 'Greatest Hits I&II.' There, you will find all of the Queen the casual fan will ever need. If you are a Queen die-hard or a serious fan, just buy the studio albums. Oh yeah, and just download 'Keep Yourself Alive.'
This is recommended, but only for casual or new Queen fans. Otherwise, I would skip this in favor of better Queen compilations.』
(Timeless talent) 『Freddy Mercury is one of the most unique vocalist in rock history. I did not appreciate his greatness until watching professional bands and American Idols butcher his vocals. Too bad he was mated to such a bland guitarist in Brian May. This CD is a great showcase for a rock legend.』
(Greatest Band Of All Time) 『Queen were truly one of a kind and gave us a sound that was completely unique as it was a mixture of operatic vocals and the amazing guitar skills of the fantastic Brian May. I don't think there's a man, woman or child who haven't heard of Queen or couldn't name at least one of their songs.
I Want It All We Will Rock You Bohemian Rhapsody Fat Bottomed Girls Killer Queen Another One Bites The Dust Under Pressure Radio Ga Ga
Are only a small portion of the greatness that have been produced by Queen over the years and all these songs are featured on this compilation album. If only Mr Mercury were still with us today I would have loved to see what spectacular music he will have produced in recent years, or if he will have performed on the roof of Buckingham Palace along with Brian May at the Jubilee.
We can only wish and wonder what will have been if he was still with us today, but unfortunately we are only subject to our imagination. However when it comes to remembering the good times when Freddy was with us this is definitely the album to stick in your CD player.』
(awesome cd) 『Ive been a queen fan for years, this album has alot of there best, definately worth buying.』 『Japanese exclusive 2001 remastered reissue of 1992 compilation with one added bonus track 'Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)'. Housed in a slipcase.』
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Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Get 'em together) 『When Hollywood Records signed Queen in the late 80's, it seemed like the height of folly. The band had been out of the public eye for years, had not had a hit in the US for nearly a decade, and the first thing the band did was throw a huge party on the Queen Mary. Then Freddie Mercury died of AIDS in 1991, and Innuendo began to receive a second look. Then came a little film called Wayne's World.
Thanks to a pivotal scene in that movie, "Bohemian Rhapsody" took on a second chart life, peaking even higher than it did the first time. Hollywood rushed the Classic Queen compilation out to capitalize on the moment, and found Queen in the Top Ten albums for the first time since The Game.
It didn't take long for Hollywood to get a second disc out, which is a modified version of the original "Greatest Hits." Having swiped "Bohemian Rhapsody" and a couple other for the first go, "I Want To Break Free" and "Body Language" move to this set. The albums after The Works are on "Classic Queen."
A better bet is to pick this CD with "Classic Queen," or go whole hog and get the double set Queen - Greatest Hits, Vols 1&2, which packages them together AND adds a couple bonus songs. They all include nice book packages and lyrics. Frankly, any of the Queen hits collections is worth it, and Hollywood has done their best to issue as many as possible as the Queen legacy soldiers on.』
(CD) 『The CD I received was a copy and I thought it would be a used original.』
(Go for the 'Platinum Collection' or 'Greatest Hits I&II' instead) 『Queen are a legendary band. Led by the legendary vocalist Freddie Mercury, the group released some of the finest albums, from their 1973 debut 'Queen' to their final album in 1991, with 'Innuendo,' they gave us nothing but straightforward rock when other bands were giving us disco and mediocre pop rock.
The American version of 'Greatest Hits' is a disappointing. Hollywood Records originally released this as a companion to 'Classic Queen,' released in 1992 to cash in on "Queenmania" which was started through the legendary film 'Wayne's World.'
I do ask, however, why is this necessary? I'm sure many people have asked that over the years. It wasn't great when it was released in the '90s, and it certainly isn't great in 2008.
The music is five stars, don't get me wrong. Everything Queen did, in my opinion, is five stars automatically (except for the Paul Rodgers tracks).
But, I'll be at least the 90th person to say it, how can you have a 'Greatest Hits' album and not include Queen's biggest hit, 'Bohemian Rhapsody'? Yes, I understand that was on 'Classic Queen,' but can't it appear on 'Greatest Hits'?
Also, I notice that 'I Want To Break Free' is here. Yes, that was one of their great '80s triumphs, but why is it on a compilation of songs focusing on songs from the 1973-1980 period? It seems very out-of-place here. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' should be here; 'I Want To Break Free' should be on 'Classic Queen.'
Overall, I suggest 'Greatest Hits I&II.' The U.K. 'Greatest Hits' albums are far superior to the American versions. Thank god Hollywood released those in the States. The songs are great, but skip this in favor of that instead.
Recommended for the easily pleased casual fan.』
(QUEEN GREATEST HITS) 『I BOUGHT THIS CD FOR THE FIRST SONGS. THE REST OF THE ALBUM IS FORGETABLE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. THE BICYCLE SONG IS LAME. BUT HEY: THIS IS 80'S MUSIC SO ONE MUST HAVE A LITTLE UNDERSTANDING..』
(Queen Greatest Hits) 『Have had this CD for years. Old copy damaged. Just had to have another. Queen's music will be around for a long while.』 『Queen brought a whole new meaning to the phrase over the top. While rock&roll flamboyance stretched back at least as far as Little Richard, Freddie Mercury continued to camp it up, taking little seriously and smirking at the music's growing pretensions while partaking in them no small bit. Many of the band's singles hold up extremely well, such as "Killer Queen" and "You're My Best Friend". The quartet's canny sense of melody and sophisticated vocal harmonies--not to mention Mercury's raised eyebrow--have traveled well through the years.--Rickey Wright』
Kakaku：301 saved$3.01
Hollywood Records
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (The Album ROCK"S) 『Well I am first gonna say that I am not your normal Queen fan, in fact in my younger years I pretty much hated them. I don;t have a good reason for it, it's just that I didn't car for their kind of music, but as I got older I have found some of their songs aren't really that bad. Sot I just bought the album for a few of the song's on it, the rest of them well grow on me in time I guess. The one song I wanted wasn't on this album, that song is " We Are The Champions "
Well that all I got to say on that matter.
Carl Pierce』
(Gourmet Rock&Roll!) 『Listening to this great CD today, I can remember why it was one of my favorite albums in my senior year in HS. Queen really knew how to produce a cohesive album. This album is so eclectic in styles and yet somehow it all fits together so well I can't imagine the album without all of the songs and in the order they were placed. Now this CD offers alternative versions of two of the songs, well I wouldn't have done that, but in the wonderful digital age we can make the albums we own into any order of presentation we want, so that is a trifling issue.
At the time I remember the Brian May disclaimer on the bottom that no synthesizers were used to create this album. In 1975 I didn't get that, but by the early 80's I completely understood. Finally, in 2008 it seems that music for the most part (Cher and Paula excepting) have gotten back to real instruments and real musicians playing real music. But much of that seems to be the old guys on "comeback tours" so I may be over hopeful.
In any case here's the deal,
If you don't own A Night at the Opera, you should it is amazing!
』
(Why 14 instead of 12???) 『I just finished downloading this album, one of my all time favorites, and I noticed that there are 14 tracks instead of 12. The Queen discography states 12. Amazon has included a repeat of I'm in love with my car @ 3:28 and You're my best friend @2:51. One is a second shorter and one is a second longer? Any idea why they would add tracks to this album?』
(A Complete Team Effort by Queen) 『Looking back at the 1970s, sometimes many forget how big the band Queen was. Even as Queen moved into the 1980s, while their popularity did slightly decline in the United States, it continued to be very high in Europe. Their performance at Live Aid is widely considered one of the greatest of all-time and their subsequent "Magic" tour is considered one of the all-time greatest concert tours. If it weren't for Freddie Mercury's death in 1992, we might still be talking about Queen being as big a band as the Beatles. When Queen released their 1973 self-titled debut album, it showed all of the signs of greatness to come. This album would show how the band embraced a "theatrical" feel to their music as well as embrace a sound that would evolve into what would become Heavy Metal. The next two albums, "Queen II" and "Sheer Heart Attack" continued down the road of the theatrical sound. It was that third album, "Sheer Heart Attack" that would not just become a commercial breakthrough album for Queen, but also become an album that would showcase Mercury's abilities as a Hall of Fame vocalist. On "A Night at the Opera", while the band moves slightly away from the theatrical sound at times, they continue to progress with as a band. We also see the other members take it up a notch from already a high level of musicianship.
Queen is an example of the sum of the parts actually being greater than the whole. However, if you take each of the four members of Queen, they easily stand on their own as a top musician in their profession. Freddie Mercury is easily known to be the emotional and flamboyant lead vocalist of Queen who indeed has a legendary voice. Brian May is the legendary lead guitarist and probably the second most popular member of the band. Roger Taylor and John Deacon go extremely underrated. Listen to Taylor's thundering drumming in the studio or live and one can easily understand why he was asked to participate in an All Star Drum Jam (The S.O.S. All-Stars) at the Live Earth concert. As for John Deacon, he might be one of music's all-time underrated bass players. Many of his bass lines have proven to be the foundation for Queen's musical sound. In addition to being top musicians, all four members play integral roles in the songwriting.
Here is a track by track synopsis of this collection:
"Death on Two Legs (Dedicated To...)": This track was written as a "hate letter" to Norman Sheffield, Queen's former manager. The opening lines of the track really back this up with lines such as "You suck my blood like a leach....you've taken all my money - and you still want more". There is definitely anger that comes out in this song - thus giving it a feeling of true emotion.
"Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon": This is the first of three "vaudeville/ragtime" feeling song. The song is highlighted by a combination of Mercury's piano and a wrap-up guitar solo by May.
"I'm in Love with My Car": Queen fans know Taylor is more than just a drummer and this song shows it. Once again, Taylor proves he is a top-rate lead vocalist. Taylor's higher octaves almost give this song what I would consider an early heavy metal feel to it.
"You're My Best Friend": Deacon is often the forgotten member of Queen, but this song proves he is as talented as anything - writing this track as well as playing electric piano and bass. Freddie Mercury's vocals give this song a three dimensional feel in terms of emotion (Deacon wrote this song as a tribute to his wife). Quiet as always, Deacon's bass also proves to be a foundation for this song - also synchronizing well with Taylor's percussion.
"'39": This might be one of the most underrated tracks in Queen's catalog. May handles songwriting, acoustic guitars and adds some amazing lead vocals. This song is tribute to the year 1939. Great background vocals by both Taylor and Mercury. I also give credit to Deacon for some great use of the double bass.
"Sweet Lady": This song has a classic hard rock/heavy metal feel that Queen had now become famous for. Mercury's vocals combined with May's guitars once again gel perfectly.
"Seaside Rendezvous": This is the second of the "vaudeville/ragtime" songs on this collection. I think this is the best of three. The amazing thing is how both Mercury and Taylor simulate woodwind and brass instrument sounds with vocals.
"The Prophet's Song": This is a darker song than the rest of the album. It also has more of a theatrical feel as a throwback to the earlier days of Queen.
"Love of My Life": This has become a popular ballad by Queen - and Mercury in particular. I always felt it was a bid overrated, but the use of the Harp in this song by May once again shows how this group just finds new ways to broaden musically.
"Good Company": This is the third of the "vaudeville/ragtime" songs on this collection. This song is highlighted by May strumming a ukulele on this track combined with some Jazz guitar.
"Bohemian Rhapsody": This is just a legendary song. Music fans are well familiar with this song. I particularly love the three distinct parts to the song: 1) The Theatrical sounding ballad; 2) The Opera-tic choir performed by Mercury, May, and Taylor; and 3) The Heavy Metal-sounding jam led by May's guitars (my personal favorite).
"God Save the Queen": This is the album's wrap-up song as Queen covers the national anthem of the United Kingdom. May's guitars are done in the style of Jimi Hendrix's "Star Spangled Banner". This song would become the trademark finale at live Queen shows.
Overall, this fourth album by Queen shows why they are a Hall of Fame band. This album is definitely worth checking out. Highly recommended. 』
(One of the best albums of all time!) 『I found this album a bit difficult to get into... at first... but once I did it proved to be a work of unspeakable genius. This is, quite simply, one of the best rock albums of all time!』 『Japanese Version featuring a Limited Edition LP Style Slipcase for Initial Pressing Only.』 『Nothing succeeds like excess--at least that's the case with Queen's breakthrough classic,A Night at the Opera. On one level, the title is a reference to the band's operatic pretensions, best in evidence here on the classic "Bohemian Rhapsody," which was championed by headbangers a generation before being revived by theWayne's Worldset. Of course,A Night at the Operawas also the title of a Marx Brothers movie, and the reference isn't lost on Queen, who seldom scaled the heights of pomprock without a knowing wink. The album is remembered for its meticulously produced bombast, but the truth is that there's a wide variety of material here, from the gorgeous piano-based "You're My Best Friend" and the McCartneyesque "39" to the music-hall-style "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" and the pedal-to-the-metal rockers "Death on Two Legs" and "I'm in Love with My Car."A Night at the Operais viewed by most as the quintessential Queen album, and justifiably so.--Daniel Durchholz』
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Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Arguably Queen's heaviest album -- certainly one of their best) 『1974's 'Queen II' was a heavy metal masterpiece. It's genre was unclassifiable rock, if I should put it. It's Queen just rocking out and doing what they did best during the 1973-1982 period.
That's exactly why this is one of Queen's finest album -- it's heavy, and it's got the screeching guitars that make 1970s heavy metal great. It's got the piano-metal numbers here ('Seven Seas Of Rhye,' one of my personal favorites), the mini-operas ('Ogre Battle') and the early Elton John-esque numbers ('The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke') and just about everything else that makes a metal album, well, great.
I prefer this over the '73 debut. 'Queen II' is an amazing album, and the group (May, Deacon, Taylor and Mercury) are in top form here. It's a great album to listen to, and I strongly recommend 'Queen II' for any Queen fan.
While Queen would really gain momentum with their next album, 'Sheer Heart Attack,' this proves Queen rocked very early on.
Overall, I can highly recommend this to any Queen fan. It's just too good to pass up if you are a Queen fan. It's great stuff.
ENJOY!!!』
(Not really one for pop fans - for everyone else this is a hidden masterpiece) 『For fans of the more mainstream pop-rock sound of late 70s and early 80s Queen, this album may come as a bit of a shock. Whilst it is far from from being uncommercial, its densely layered, textured sound and wildly meandering time signatures mark it out as a very different beast. You have to listen to this album many times to really appreciate how great it is, but then like many truly classic albums you keep on finding new things to appreciate and new ways to appreciate tracks you may have listened to many times.
What is often forgotten is how instrumental Queen were to the development of metal for want of a better term. By metal I don't just mean power riffing - although there is a fair bit of that on this album - but the ability to use that as a base and build up an unbelievably powerful and musically overwhelming form around it - the magnificent harmonies, wistful, folksy interludes, the neo-classical guitar and piano arpeggios. It's also surprisingly modern. As you are listening to it, you will instantly be connected to modern bands like Metallica and Muse.
I won't go into individual tracks as other reviewers have served us well in that regard.
Listeners just have to delve in, be patient at first and I promise you it will grab you and take you in almost to transcendence.
』
(Ascending to the throne) 『The difference between Queen and Queen II is really nothing short of amazing. While the first album was a pretty auspicious debut from a nervy prog-rock band, the second album comes off as a band thoroughly settled into its own personality and letting every idea flow free to the recording studio tapeheads. While not completely rid of seventies prog-cliches, this semi-conceptualized album set Queen apart from the pack.
Queen split the original album into a white and black half, with the white half dealing with the regal issues ("Procession" "White Queen As It Began") and the black being the harder rocking ("Ogre Battle" "March of The Black Queen"). You also get a clearer picture of the band's blueprint for extravagance (the really heavy vocal arrangements) along with Brian May's unique guitar sound. Freddie Mercury is already pushing the classical/theatrical piano playing to the front of the band, and once again, Mercury, May and drummer Roger Taylor vary the lead vocal chores.
Still, Queen II had yet to buck the Medieval themes (castles, ogres and - heh heh - fairy fellers put in their appearance all), but the band's assertive musicianship made this a solid album. An interesting thing about this album is that it had no real `hit' songs or Queen classics, but it - in my opinion - was the Queen album that had the best song-flow overall. The following Sheer Heart Attack would finally break Queen in the USA with a hit single, but "Queen II" was Queen's proclamation that they were prepped and ready for world domination.』
(Virtually flawless) 『There are more good songs on this album than most bands write in their entire careers. I am quite partial to early Queen, and this is some of their better early work. If you like hard rock, this is as good as it gets.』
(Good instrumentation, but the tracks just didn't bowl me over) 『Looking back at the 1970s, sometimes many forget how big the band Queen was. Even as Queen moved into the 1980s, while their popularity did slightly decline in the United States, it continued to be very high in Europe. Their performance at Live Aid is widely considered one of the greatest of all-time and their subsequent "Magic" tour is considered one of the all-time greatest concert tours. If it weren't for Freddie Mercury's death in 1992, we might still be talking about Queen being as big a band as the Beatles. When Queen released their 1973 self titled debut album, it showed all of the signs of greatness to come. This album would show how the band embraced a "theatrical" feel to their music (which was something seen by other bands such as the Kinks) as well as embrace a sound which would evolve into what would become Heavy Metal. I expected the follow-up album, "Queen II" to continue much of what "Queen" had started. While "Queen II" continues down the road of theatrical music, overall this album just didn't capture my interest as much as the first album. This review may not make many core Queen fans happy - but while there is some good music on this collection, I just wasn't bowled over.
Queen is an example of the sum of the parts actually being greater than the whole. However, if you take each of the four members of Queen, they easily stand on their own as a top musician in their profession. Freddie Mercury is easily known to be the emotional and flamboyant lead vocalist of Queen who indeed has a legendary voice. Brian May is the legendary lead guitarist and probably the second most popular member of the band. Roger Taylor and John Deacon go extremely underrated. Listen to Taylor's thundering drumming in the studio or live and one can easily understand why he was asked to participate in an All Star Drum Jam (The S.O.S. All-Stars) at the Live Earth concert. As for John Deacon, he might be one of music's all-time underrated bass players. Many of his bass lines have proven to be the foundation for Queen's musical sound. In addition to being top musicians, all four members play integral roles in the songwriting. Although I don't rate this as one of Queen's better albums, one cannot argue about the quality of the instrumentation by the band.
Here is a track by track synopsis of the collection.:
"Procession": This is a short instrumental to start the album. It has a theatrical theme. I believe the majority of this is recorded by Brian May on the guitar. It has a nice segue to "Father to Son".
"Father to Son": This is one of the better tracks on the album. It continues the theatrical feel from "Procession". I particularly felt that Roger Taylor's drums stood out on this particular track, but Brian May's guitar takes center stage toward the end. The lyrics "Kings will be crowned" set a medieval theme to this album. The medieval theme was something that also was found on the debut "Queen" album.
"White Queen (As it Began)": This is one of those tracks where I appreciated the instrumentation, but the song didn't carry me. Most particularly it's May's guitar work that intrigued me - as it took on a Middle-Eastern sound.
"Some Day One Day": Brian May has proven to be a good vocalist and this track is one great example of it. This is a pretty good song - although it deviates from the theatrical theme. May also does a terrific job at integrating electric and acoustic guitar sounds with the end result being outstanding.
"The Loser in the End": This track showcases Roger Taylor's vocals. Taylor has proven he can showcase high vocal ranges. While I like Taylor's vocals on this track and this track has its good moments, I'll say this still falls short of being a great track.
"Ogre Battle": The album returns to its theatrical roots with Freddie Mercury on lead vocals. The beginning of the track showcases some of the heavy metal sound that was found on "Queen". Good track, just didn't capture my imagination.
"Fairy Feller's Master Stroke": This track is all about Mercury as he showcases his incredible vocal talents. The track has a full theatrical feel to it. Again, while I Iiked Mercury's vocals, the track just didn't do much for me.
"Nevermore": This is a short track. It has a theatrical feel to it. Taylor and May provide background vocals to Mercury's lead on this one.
"The March of the Black Queen": Another theatrical-styled track and might be one of the most theatrical sounding compositions by the band. I believe the end of this track was re-used in the classic Queen composition, "Bohemian Rhapsody".
"Funny How Love Is": I liked this track. In particular the chorus really is catchy. I like how Mercury slowly changes his vocal range as this track goes on. Like many of the other tracks, there is a theatrical element.
"Seven Seas of Rhye": On Queen's first album, this was an instrumental that was basically incomplete. Like the first album, this song is also the last track of the album - however this time the band adds lyrics to it. The more complete version definitely outshines the version found on the original Queen album. This is a very unique example on how a band evolves a song.
Overall this was not a bad collection, but I wouldn't rank this as one of the stronger Queen albums. You will continue to see the great instrumentation of the band. While there are some good tracks, overall this album just did not have me doing handstands. Core Queen fans will really like this collection, however casual Queen fans might want to consider some of the band's other work before this album.』
