After seeing countless new accounts appearing on both QOL and this very forum, I've decided to write a coherent review of the new album. By coherent, I mean a real review - not 'i think its stoopid because freddy's not on it'. Those are the kinds of comments I've seen. I'm going to focus on the material, and not even think about the performer.
Overall, I think TCR is a really decent album. If you compare it to the material we now call 'music', TCR is not bad at all. Althought I'm particularly fond of the second half of the album, the first half has some decent melodies and lyrics. They seem to be building up suspense, for lack of a better word, and then giving it their all in the final few tracks.
Cosmos Rockin'
Exactly as Brian described it. Fairly basic and jolly with an upbeat melody, an intro that builds curiosity in the audience, and a long-awaited guitar solo from Brian. A classic Queen album intro. Brian or Paul (or Roger?) are really getting the hang of that bass - I can hear them 'rocking out' quite well in some sections.
Time To Shine
Not the strongest track on the album, but it's not horrible either. I don't think it sounds like an '80s power ballad, as some so-called fans have suggested. I quite enjoy the lyrics and the melody of the chorus. The only part that I am not fond of is the first few choruses. There seems to be a large volume fluxuation when Paul sings the word 'mind'. This effect makes itself scarce in the final choruses, so I like the last half much more than the first.
Still Burnin'
Whatever anybody says, do not, I repeat, do not get mad at Brian for using the We Will Rock You sequence. He wrote the damn thing - he has complete control over what he does and doesn't do with the song. Why did Paul let him do it? Because Still Burnin' is Brian's composition as well. And as Freddie Mercury once said, the writer of the song always gets it his way in the end. Think about Q+PR live. Why do Brian and Roger let Paul sing Bad Company and Free songs? Because they enjoy it! They're not reluctantly playing them, they're not upset by playing them. Thus, neither is Paul. Overall, the track is a very good explanation of why these men continue to make music - because music lights a flame in them. It's what they do. If you loved chocolate (just an example) and had a never-ending supply of it, why would you stop eating it?
Small
Such a wonderful melody accompanied by beautiful lyrics. I think the subliminal message in this song is that even under the urban covering of the Earth (electronics, cars, etc.), Earth is still a beautiful place that many people fail to notice or take for granted. In my opinion, this track is not single material. I think it will find its place as a memorable and heartfelt album track, much like Love Of My Life on ANATO.
Warboys (A Prayer For Peace)
A very heavy track with some powerful vocals by Paul. Some nice sound effects compliment the overall strength of this track. Clearly written as an anti-war song, Paul cleverly points out how ugly the world can be during strenuous and unnecessary battles.
We Believe
For some reason, I can never get through this song. It's quite long, but it lacks the staying power that keeps the listerner listening. I think it's mostly because of the [generally a capella] beginning. Once I get past that, my interest slowly comes back and builds as the track progresses. Lyrically, We Believe is similar to Warboys in a way that it addresses the problems that people are currently facing in the world. It's hard to say whose style this is - it has the classic epic length of a Queen track, but there are many new aspects. A fairly decent track overall.
Call Me
This is where the fun begins! Although penned by Paul, Call Me brings back memories of the humor of previous Queen songs. Musically, I think it sounds like Misfire. In a basic way, it harnesses the same humor that is evident in Don't Try Suicide.
Voodoo
I really think this track was unnecessary on the album. It's a bit too slow for my liking, but I can see how some people may like it. It's written in the blues-style of Paul and really shows no evidence of Queen. Now, I really shouldn't say that - it's not supposed to be Queen anyway.
Some Things That Glitter
This song definitely makes this album glitter. Without a doubt, this is the strongest track on the album. Definitely material for a second single. It features some pleasant guitar work by Brian and finally some piano! Oh, I was waiting so long to hear piano on a new song again. Does anyone know if it was played by Brian or Paul? They're both capable of playing the instrument, as far as I know.
C-lebrity
A hard-core sounding track that I think is a bit reminiscent of Ogre Battle, but without the unique lyrics. Really love the chorus by Brian and Roger (and Taylor Hawkins, from what I've heard). It's really a shame that they didn't take the lead vocals on a song or two like the did on most previous albums, but it's still good to hear their voices once again.
Through The Night
Another strong track. It's not very upbeat, but some good vocal work by Paul. I would love to hear this song in a capella form - whether deliberate or not, Paul's vocals seem to be bit off in the choruses. I'd like to hear a version of him singing with no instruments so that I can verify this.
Say It's Not True
Ah, the track that many remember as the first real studio recording with Paul on vocals. I shouldn't complain too much about Brian and Roger not taking lead vocals, because their work is clearly evident here.
Surf's Up...School's Out!
Love it! It's very upbeat throughout - I love the intro with the piano notes followed by some guitar. The lyrics really were not needed. I think the track would've done fine as an instrumental, really. But on the other hand, the lyrics do add some substance and variety to the recording.
Small (Reprise)
Such a beautiful track...brilliant melancholy guitar work by Dr. May and some barely audible sequences from the original version of Small. Despite its short length, I really think this really carries some emotional strength.
And there you have it! A coherent view of The Cosmos Rocks by Quen + Paul Rodgers. Not Queen featuring Paul Rodgers or vice versa. Queen + Paul Rodgers - a whole new band.
tjbarrett96 wrote:
Some Things That Glitter
This song definitely makes this album glitter. Without a doubt, this is the strongest track on the album. Definitely material for a second single. It features some pleasant guitar work by Brian and finally some piano! Oh, I was waiting so long to hear piano on a new song again. Does anyone know if it was played by Brian or Paul? They're both capable of playing the instrument, as far as I know.
Nice review!
However, there is some fairly obvious piano on "We Believe" aswell... :)
As for who plays the piano, it probably depends on who you believe wrote the track. I'm leaning towards Brian, and I think it's him playing. However, even if Brian demoed it, it could be Paul performing it, following Brian's guide recording.