I have been reading reviews for A Kind of Magic, The Miracle and Innuendo. I must say I was appauled at what the critics wrote about Queen. I know that it's not only the critics disliked A Kind of Magic, there were a fair few fans disliked the albulm. The Miracle I thought was a fun Queen albulm with some good sounds and was one of their better albulms since Hot Space, not their best albulm, but better than some. Then when I read the review for Innuendo, I couldn't believe it, saying things about how Days of Our Lives was a sloppy middle aged mess, and that when the albulm was finished you would forget it as soon as it had finished! I myself disagree with this review, because Innuendo WAS the best thing Queen released after Hot Space, and I can't understand why the critics, who seemed to have smashed the other Queen albulms would be so dismisive of this one!
Obviously we have listened to these albulms many times, but I want to know peoples first reactions the very first time they heard the forementioned albulms (AKOM, The Miracle, Innuendo), as if the critics only hear the albulm once, and that was their reaction, what was yours? I will admit that I wasn't sure about The Miacle when I first heard it. But it grew on me after a while, particularly with the title track and I Want It All, but as I said it grew on me, critics obviously don''t have this opportunity to listen to it over and over again. However, I was amazed when I listened to Innuendo the first time, it was a real return to form for Queen, a trully amazing albulm.
So your thoughts, opinions, fustrations, elations, please, let me know..
ta,
M.H
My first impressions of Innuendo was that it was something of a return to form.But then,for me,they never really went away in the first place =/
In listening to that album,you could hear Freddie was being more reflective than normal and in parts that album is sad because of that.
In some parts he was being more frivolous than usual.Songs like "Delilah".
That was my feelings then and still is now. =)
J R Deaky wrote: My first impressions of Innuendo was that it was something of a return to form.But then,for me,they never really went away in the first place =/
In listening to that album,you could hear Freddie was being more reflective than normal and in parts that album is sad because of that.
This is exactly how I feel. I to do not feel they went away, what I should have said was that it was a return to the rock roots of Queen. But as you said it is said in places, and I think the reflections from the lads give the lyrics and music such power, it is IMO one of the most emotional of Queens albulms.
Thanks for your response so far, much appreciated,
M.H
Nothing that great in the 80s and 90s. Last top studio album was Jazz. Could never really understand the hype and popularity of The Works. A few fillers on there definitely. The Miracle and Innuendo are okay, but I hardly ever listen to them. I Cant Live With You, Was It All Worth It, and Scandal are highlights, but any time I find myself listening to Queen now it is the 70s albums or bootlegs. Was pleasantly surprised at how good Return of the Champions was though.
Holly2003 wrote: Nothing that great in the 80s and 90s. Last top studio album was Jazz. Could never really understand the hype and popularity of The Works. A few fillers on there definitely. The Miracle and Innuendo are okay, but I hardly ever listen to them. I Cant Live With You, Was It All Worth It, and Scandal are highlights, but any time I find myself listening to Queen now it is the 70s albums or bootlegs. Was pleasantly surprised at how good Return of the Champions was though.
I could hear parts on Innuendo that reminded me of little riffs they did in the first album.
When i first heard The Miracle i wasnt sure about it but it grew on me.
I was a guy who preferred stuff like Great King Rat,Modern Times Rock And Roll,March Of The Black Queen,Brighton Rock,Tenement Funster,Sweet Lady,Love Of My Life,Bohemian Rhapsody,You Take My Breath Away,White Man etc.I still do love all these tracks but i've got more favourites now =)
A Kind of Magic
When I first purchased this album I thought nothing much of it. I thought it was an ok record with some catchy melodies. Basically, the album didn't feel very complete, but the songs by themselves stood out as being some of their best work.
The Miracle
This album took me by surprise! The entrance of the album (Party) was rather weak, but the album felt COMPLETE after having listened to it for the very first time. The music on this album are simply fun, there isn't much "genious" on it, but damn were Queen in good shape!
Innuendo
Innuendo, in my opinion, was Queen's finest moment. It took me by surprise in every way possible. From the opening of Innuendo to the triumphant end of The Show Must Go On I became entranced. Freddie Mercury's vocals were extroadinary as well...it was simply a miracle that Queen were able to carry on through such a tough time (that being Freddie's illness of course).
CONCLUSION
Queen changed very much from 1986 to 1991...their bond as friends and a band became incredibly strong. It's amazing how something so terrible can bring out the best in a group of friends. I'm sure Queen's progression in becoming an even stronger group of musicians was in result to Freddie Mercury's illness.