| jamster1111 08.10.2010 18:37 |
Which albums did Freddie sound the best on? 1. A Day at the Races 2. Barcelona 3. News of the World 4. Queen 5. Innuendo 6. Hot Space 7. The Game 8. The Miracle 9. Sheer Heart Attack 10. A Night at the Opera I chose a day at the races first because that album had the perfect amount of power and clarity and I feel each song couldn't have been sung with any more passion than they already were. That album basically shows how great Freddie was and how unique of a tone he had in a nutshell. |
| tcc 08.10.2010 19:20 |
Don't laugh at me but I think Freddie showed off his voice best in the A Kind of Magic album. He sounded very matured and strong with a sizzle in the voice. The type of songs in the album allowed him to show off his range, for example in Who Wants to Live For Ever. |
| Gregsynth 08.10.2010 22:55 |
Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Explanations: 1. Innuendo: Freddie's voice was a balance between the raw 80s Freddie, and the delicate 70s Freddie. The clarity and sweetness of his voice returned, and his head voice improved greatly. Some of Freddie's best vocal performances come from this album (Innuendo, Don't Try So Hard, I Can't Live With You, and The Show Must Go On). Also, Freddie's emotional level in his vocals were wonderful (These Are The Days Of Our Lives for example). Freddie also demonstrated a nice lower register performance on I'm Going Slightly Mad, and Ride The Wild Wind. 2. Barcelona: This grossly underrated gem has been cited as some of Freddie's best vocal work (and songwriting work). This is the last album where Freddie could still sing full-throttle in that powerful chest voice (before AIDS starting weakening that register--forcing him to sing more in "head voice"). Songs like Barcelona and How Can I Go On, feature some of Freddie's best ever phrasing. Ensueno showed everyone, that Freddie could sing "baritone," and The Fallen Priest has some wonderful lines as well. 3. A Kind Of Magic: If you want raw, masculine, and high-powered vocals from Freddie--then this is the vocal album for you! Every song on this album, features Freddie at his most powerful. Although the clarity and sweetness of the 70s (and somewhat of the early 80s), has been lost, Freddie makes up for it, with some of his BEST chest register singing ever! Almost every song features Freddie belting notes like C5-D5, and Freddie uses his powerful middle register as a foundation for this album. Songs like Gimme The Prize, and Princes Of The Universe have Freddie at his raw chesty best! 4. A Night At The Opera: This album is known more for the songs, and harmonies (rather than vocal performances alone), but Freddie has some wonderful moments on this album. Death On Two Legs has some awesome phrasing, and his tone is excellent throughout the album (especially on songs like Love Of My Life, The Prophet's Song, and Bohemian Rhapsody). Although it's fair to say that his voice didn't have quite the power it would later possess, Freddie's "sweetness" and "tone" is much better than his 80s version, and fans of his 70s voice, generally prefer this album over the 80s ones. 5. Mr. Bad Guy: Although it is divided in opinions (some like it, some hate it), the one thing most people agree on, is that Freddie sounded awesome throughout! This album (along with A Kind Of Magic), features Freddie at his most powerful! Freddie's tone is rather raw on this record, but for fans who like power over sweetness, this album will not disappoint! Songs like Lets Turn It On feature Freddie singing in a powerful chesty tone in the 4th and 5th octaves (topping at Eb5), and demonstrates some brilliant vocal harmonies. Other performances worth noting are: I Was Born To Love You, Man Made Paradise (awesome phrasing), and Love Me Like It's No Tomorrow (some of Freddie's best ever chest singing)! There's my two cents! |
| jamster1111 08.10.2010 23:41 |
On A Kind Of Magic he sounds too powerful and not like himself and the Freddie that we know from the 70's. It seems as though on that album he's more obsessed with squeezing on high notes than he is singing the song with a sweet tone. He sounds too much like a rock singer on The Works and A Kind of Magic, which he wasn't a rock singer. He was more of an everything singer |
| Gregsynth 08.10.2010 23:52 |
Maybe he sounded too much like a rock singer, because he IS a rock singer. |
| jamster1111 09.10.2010 00:23 |
Freddie was not a rock singer. He was an everything singer. Plus, from about 84-86 it seems as though he tries to sing like something he's not and tries to imitate other rock singers. His most recognized voice was pre 1984 and mostly from the mid 70's where he was at his best. |
| Gregsynth 09.10.2010 00:28 |
Freddie never sounded like anyone else--even during that mid-80s era, it was still Freddie's voice--just raspier. And Freddie IS a rock singer, he's just tried so many styles/genres/variations, that he's not a "normal" rock singer. |
| tcc 09.10.2010 00:34 |
My three cents worth: I like his voice whatever the period. However his 70's voice is thin compared with the rich 80's voice and I agree with him for smoking to make the voice huskier - it has more sizzle. |
| Gregsynth 09.10.2010 00:39 |
Plus he was a much better singer in the 80s! |
| qrock 09.10.2010 04:16 |
Freddie's voice sounded great on EVERY Queen Album. Hard to see which one is best because his singing was never really the same in every release. |
| Bad Seed 09.10.2010 06:16 |
Gregsynth wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Think I would agree with this, although would probably also stick NOTW in. I think this is the album where Freddie truly 'found' his voice. Although Innuendo features some of his very best performances, I do often wonder about the authenticity of the vocals. On most of the tracks he just sounds as if his vocal has been notched up a semi or two? |
| Thistle 09.10.2010 09:26 |
1 - Innuendo 2 - Barcelona 3 - Made In Heaven 4 - A Kind Of Magic 5 - Queen II |
| Gregsynth 09.10.2010 11:24 |
Bad Seed wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Think I would agree with this, although would probably also stick NOTW in. I think this is the album where Freddie truly 'found' his voice. Although Innuendo features some of his very best performances, I do often wonder about the authenticity of the vocals. On most of the tracks he just sounds as if his vocal has been notched up a semi or two? =========== The reason why Freddie sounds so different compared to other releases, was because of a combination of two things: He dropped his cigarette habit, and he lost chest power (due to AIDS), so he sang mostly in "head voice" for his highest notes (which sound higher and thinner than usual). |
| mike hunt 10.10.2010 07:37 |
i like this topic.......i like his voice on every album. The first 2 or 3 albums you could hear his voice was still in Developement, a bit thin but still great. It was A Night At The opera where it all came together vocally I think, it's when he went from a very good singer to one of the best rock and roll singer's ever....... "love of my life" "the Prophet song" and Bo Rhap are Examples. The top albums vocally i think are........ A Night At The opera- at his best IMO Barcelona- maybe his best Hot space- He could do anything with his voice at this point. News of the world- it's late, My melancholy blues, spread your wings A Day At The Races- his singing is almost equal with A Night At The Opera on this one Mr. Bad Guy- Musically not a great album, but like Hot space, vocally great.. Inuuendo- some of his best performnces Jazz- lots of Great moments on this one Queen2- My favorite queen album, but still Developing his voice at this point The Game A kind of Magic- SHA- One of the best queen albums of all time, but still developing his voice at this point Queen- voice sounds young here, sounds good, but if we're talking power he's not close to later albums The miracle- Sounds a bit strained compared to earlier albums the works |
| john bodega 10.10.2010 08:11 |
I dunno; disliking one of his vocal styles is sort of like pointing at a rainbow and thinking it needs less yellow. I find all of his phases pretty interesting. Even in the 80's when he would tend to oversing things horribly ("How Can I Go On" in some of the really high bits) it's like this - it was his artistic decision to go with those vocal lines. It's a part of his personality. I prefer to just appreciate him for what he was, as opposed to thinking "that's great" or "that sucks". |
| Bad Seed 10.10.2010 11:43 |
Gregsynth wrote: Bad Seed wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Think I would agree with this, although would probably also stick NOTW in. I think this is the album where Freddie truly 'found' his voice. Although Innuendo features some of his very best performances, I do often wonder about the authenticity of the vocals. On most of the tracks he just sounds as if his vocal has been notched up a semi or two? =========== The reason why Freddie sounds so different compared to other releases, was because of a combination of two things: He dropped his cigarette habit, and he lost chest power (due to AIDS), so he sang mostly in "head voice" for his highest notes (which sound higher and thinner than usual). ============== Well its quite well known that he was still smoking at this time, he is seen smoking in many pictures. Also its not just the high notes that sound odd, he sounds pitch shifted (to me) throughout whole songs. Im sure on the COTW documentary you can see a MIH track sheet where it shows the vocal being moved up a semi-tone. |
| jamster1111 10.10.2010 12:31 |
Ya well whatever it was. I still think on A Day at the Races he had his best tone. He could sing with falsetto perfectly along with sing high notes with power and still sound clear and not yelling. Also, he had settled in and got used to his nodules by that point when on A Night at the Opera he was just getting used to them. |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 12:55 |
Bad Seed wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Bad Seed wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Think I would agree with this, although would probably also stick NOTW in. I think this is the album where Freddie truly 'found' his voice. Although Innuendo features some of his very best performances, I do often wonder about the authenticity of the vocals. On most of the tracks he just sounds as if his vocal has been notched up a semi or two? =========== The reason why Freddie sounds so different compared to other releases, was because of a combination of two things: He dropped his cigarette habit, and he lost chest power (due to AIDS), so he sang mostly in "head voice" for his highest notes (which sound higher and thinner than usual). ============== Well its quite well known that he was still smoking at this time, he is seen smoking in many pictures. Also its not just the high notes that sound odd, he sounds pitch shifted (to me) throughout whole songs. Im sure on the COTW documentary you can see a MIH track sheet where it shows the vocal being moved up a semi-tone. =============== I know he was still smoking during the Miracle era, but I haven't seen any photos of him smoking during 1990-1991. Freddie never pitch-shifted! |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 12:59 |
jamster1111 wrote: Ya well whatever it was. I still think on A Day at the Races he had his best tone. He could sing with falsetto perfectly along with sing high notes with power and still sound clear and not yelling. Also, he had settled in and got used to his nodules by that point when on A Night at the Opera he was just getting used to them. ============== Well his tone was at its best during the 70s and his falsetto was at its best up until 1982, but he didn't have the power to his vocals (yet). Albums like The Game and Hot Space are extensions of that voice. |
| Bad Seed 10.10.2010 16:36 |
There are pictures of Freddie smoking in 91, he may have cut down but had certainly not kicked the habit. Freddie may not have pitch shifted, but you can't say that for sure. |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 17:35 |
I seriously doubt he altered his vocal pitch--I mean he never did it before (in the context we're taking about)! Why would he do it then? The vocal difference had to be from cutting back the cigarettes (he sounds much clearer). |
| jamster1111 10.10.2010 23:19 |
Don't you think the vocal difference on Innuendo is from the fact that he was dying of AIDS. He was much thinner so his voice probably reflected on his body and therefore his voice sounded very thin but still very powerful. By the way, I don't know if I mentioned this yet but A Day at the Races has his best voice. Who the hell cares about power when you don't have a good tone. And he has all the power he needs. If you don't think he had power listen to Somebody to Love and get back to me on that. And still, power is a very small aspect. It's emotion and tone that counts, and course how stable he sounds. |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 23:29 |
But a 1982 Freddie is a much better singer than 1976 Freddie: -Better Stability -Better technique -More power -Better use of range -Greater use of voice You seem to only go by tone and/or emotion: He would've sang a 1982 studio version of STL better than the original version. |
| jamster1111 10.10.2010 23:37 |
His tone was better in the 70's |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 23:40 |
Yeah, his tone was at its best during the 70s. But just because that was better--doesn't mean he was a better singer. |
| jamster1111 10.10.2010 23:42 |
This is not about when he was the best singer and when his technique was the best. For that it would probably be somewhere in the mid to late 80's. This is about what album he sounds the best on. |
| Sebastian 10.10.2010 23:42 |
> I seriously doubt he altered his vocal pitch--I mean he never did it before (in the context we're taking about)! Why would he do it then? While I also seriously doubt he altered his vocal pitch, I completely disagree with the argument you use. He'd never died before 24.11.1991, why would he do it then? He'd never written a song called 'The Miracle' before late 80's, why would he do it then? (Or if he'd written it, he hadn't had it released by the band). He'd never played guitar on stage before November 1979, why would he do it then? He'd never played synths on a Queen album before early 1980, why would he do it then? He'd never played harpsichord on a Queen record before August 1973, why would he do it then? |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 23:45 |
jamster1111 wrote: Don't you think the vocal difference on Innuendo is from the fact that he was dying of AIDS. He was much thinner so his voice probably reflected on his body and therefore his voice sounded very thin but still very powerful. By the way, I don't know if I mentioned this yet but A Day at the Races has his best voice. Who the hell cares about power when you don't have a good tone. And he has all the power he needs. If you don't think he had power listen to Somebody to Love and get back to me on that. And still, power is a very small aspect. It's emotion and tone that counts, and course how stable he sounds. ============= But Freddie never had a bad tone. It's all subjective, but tone isn't all what makes him a better singer. Yeah his tone was at it's best during the 70s, and he had more clarity and emotion, but that's it. Every other era (1980-onwards), has him singing better than his 70s stuff. |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 23:49 |
Sebastian wrote: > I seriously doubt he altered his vocal pitch--I mean he never did it before (in the context we're taking about)! Why would he do it then? While I also seriously doubt he altered his vocal pitch, I completely disagree with the argument you use. He'd never died before 24.11.1991, why would he do it then? He'd never written a song called 'The Miracle' before late 80's, why would he do it then? (Or if he'd written it, he hadn't had it released by the band). He'd never played guitar on stage before November 1979, why would he do it then? He'd never played synths on a Queen album before early 1980, why would he do it then? He'd never played harpsichord on a Queen record before August 1973, why would he do it then? ============== What does that have anything to do with it? My argument made total sense: Bad Seed said he used vocal correction during Innuendo to make him sound "higher." My argument was "why there, but not THEN?" |
| Gregsynth 10.10.2010 23:53 |
"jamster1111 wrote: This is not about when he was the best singer and when his technique was the best. For that it would probably be somewhere in the mid to late 80's. This is about what album he sounds the best on." ================== The topic was "best studio vocal performances." You shifted it to "what he sounds best on," then I shifted it to "Freddie's best vocal albums."If we're going by THAT topic, then Hot Space is the album where he sounded the "best" on. |
| mike hunt 10.10.2010 23:59 |
Gregsynth wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Mr. Bad Guy Explanations: 1. Innuendo: Freddie's voice was a balance between the raw 80s Freddie, and the delicate 70s Freddie. The clarity and sweetness of his voice returned, and his head voice improved greatly. Some of Freddie's best vocal performances come from this album (Innuendo, Don't Try So Hard, I Can't Live With You, and The Show Must Go On). Also, Freddie's emotional level in his vocals were wonderful (These Are The Days Of Our Lives for example). Freddie also demonstrated a nice lower register performance on I'm Going Slightly Mad, and Ride The Wild Wind. 2. Barcelona: This grossly underrated gem has been cited as some of Freddie's best vocal work (and songwriting work). This is the last album where Freddie could still sing full-throttle in that powerful chest voice (before AIDS starting weakening that register--forcing him to sing more in "head voice"). Songs like Barcelona and How Can I Go On, feature some of Freddie's best ever phrasing. Ensueno showed everyone, that Freddie could sing "baritone," and The Fallen Priest has some wonderful lines as well. 3. A Kind Of Magic: If you want raw, masculine, and high-powered vocals from Freddie--then this is the vocal album for you! Every song on this album, features Freddie at his most powerful. Although the clarity and sweetness of the 70s (and somewhat of the early 80s), has been lost, Freddie makes up for it, with some of his BEST chest register singing ever! Almost every song features Freddie belting notes like C5-D5, and Freddie uses his powerful middle register as a foundation for this album. Songs like Gimme The Prize, and Princes Of The Universe have Freddie at his raw chesty best! 4. A Night At The Opera: This album is known more for the songs, and harmonies (rather than vocal performances alone), but Freddie has some wonderful moments on this album. Death On Two Legs has some awesome phrasing, and his tone is excellent throughout the album (especially on songs like Love Of My Life, The Prophet's Song, and Bohemian Rhapsody). Although it's fair to say that his voice didn't have quite the power it would later possess, Freddie's "sweetness" and "tone" is much better than his 80s version, and fans of his 70s voice, generally prefer this album over the 80s ones. 5. Mr. Bad Guy: Although it is divided in opinions (some like it, some hate it), the one thing most people agree on, is that Freddie sounded awesome throughout! This album (along with A Kind Of Magic), features Freddie at his most powerful! Freddie's tone is rather raw on this record, but for fans who like power over sweetness, this album will not disappoint! Songs like Lets Turn It On feature Freddie singing in a powerful chesty tone in the 4th and 5th octaves (topping at Eb5), and demonstrates some brilliant vocal harmonies. Other performances worth noting are: I Was Born To Love You, Man Made Paradise (awesome phrasing), and Love Me Like It's No Tomorrow (some of Freddie's best ever chest singing)! There's my two cents! You really think freddie sounded better on Innuendo than A Day At The Races? and A Night At The Opera?....you Obviously don't know as much as you think you do. I think ADATR and ANATO, News of the world are freddie's best overall vocal work along with the 80's Hot space/Mr. Bad Guy and Barcelona. Innuendo he was great, but he sounded strained compared to the other Albums I mentioned. |
| Gregsynth 11.10.2010 00:05 |
Did you even read the whole thread? Or are you just making straw-man arguments for the hell of it? I said OVERALL Innuendo was a better vocal album than ADATR or ANATO (subjective), he couldn't do any of that material in the mid 70s! Again, you're only going by tone--I'm going by everything overall. |
| Gregsynth 11.10.2010 00:09 |
And no, he doesn't sound strained on Innuendo. He does sound "thinner" but not strained. You want to hear a "strained" album? Look at Jazz, The Works, Mr. Bad Guy, and Magic! Those albums have more noticeable vocal strain than Innuendo (though I love his "power" voice alot). Don't attack other people for their opinions. |
| mike hunt 11.10.2010 00:37 |
Not attacking no one........I bet the house freddie couldn't sing somebody to love or love of my life in 1991 either, so that argument doesn't work. |
| Gregsynth 11.10.2010 01:13 |
Yes he could. If he could sing Innuendo, All God's People, and The Show Must On (in ONE TAKE), in 1990-1991. I'm pretty sure he could sing STL and LOML (they aren't as vocally challenging). You did make an ad hominem attack in the one post "You think he sounded the best on Innuendo--you obviously don't know as much as you think." |
| tcc 11.10.2010 01:15 |
My half a cent's worth of opinion :-) : Except for the first time he sang the lyric "I am a prisoner of love inside you", I thought some nice tones could be heard from Freddie in the songs "One Year of Love" and "Who Wants to Live Forever" in the Magic album. The second round of singing "I am a prisoner of love inside you" towards the end of the song "One Year of Love" was very well done. |
| Gregsynth 11.10.2010 01:20 |
tcc wrote: My half a cent's worth of opinion :-) : Except for the first time he sang the lyric "I am a prisoner of love inside you", I thought some nice tones could be heard from Freddie in the songs "One Year of Love" and "Who Wants to Live Forever" in the Magic album. The second round of singing "I am a prisoner of love inside you" towards the end of the song "One Year of Love" was very well done. ================ I agree that he had some nice tones on the AKOM album! I do see your point about the first "prisoner" line (it's over-sung a bit). |
| maxpower 11.10.2010 06:07 |
I think Freddie sounded best vocally The Game through to Hot Space which oddly enough most people (me included) thinks he sounded his best live |
| mike hunt 11.10.2010 06:46 |
maxpower wrote: I think Freddie sounded best vocally The Game through to Hot Space which oddly enough most people (me included) thinks he sounded his best live I think The game is when it started becoming the Freddie mercury Show. The other's musically had it's moments during the 80's, but freddie's voice got stronger, while brian and roger were doing less and less interesting things on their respective Instruments. The 70's were much more equal. |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 15:41 |
No matter how many times I've heard it, I just can't believe that Freddie sang AOBTD until his throat bled! |
| jamster1111 12.10.2010 18:22 |
Greg, So you're telling me that his a kind of magic belting and powerful raspy tone is better and sounds better than his sweet higher voice where the songs actually had notes in the 3rd octave and it wasn't about singing in the early 5th octave. You're telling me a kind of magic is a better vocal album than the flamboyant glam rock singing and falsettos on Queen and the early albums? You must be crazy? Of course none of them are bad at all but that's like choosing to have a million dollars (which is still pretty good) or a billion dollars (which is even better). Of course you're gonna choose a billion dollars but anyone would be happy with both. Also his tone from the early to mid/late 70's was more unique and harder to imitate. It is much easier to impersonate his belting a kind of magic vocals (take gary mullen for example) than impersonate how he sang those 70's song. I'm sorry but no one has ever come close to impersonating how he sang borhap or somebody to love but there have been a few who came close to singing songs like a kind of magic, who wants to live forever, and friends will be friends |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 19:01 |
jamster1111 wrote: Greg, So you're telling me that his a kind of magic belting and powerful raspy tone is better and sounds better than his sweet higher voice where the songs actually had notes in the 3rd octave and it wasn't about singing in the early 5th octave. You're telling me a kind of magic is a better vocal album than the flamboyant glam rock singing and falsettos on Queen and the early albums? You must be crazy? Of course none of them are bad at all but that's like choosing to have a million dollars (which is still pretty good) or a billion dollars (which is even better). Of course you're gonna choose a billion dollars but anyone would be happy with both. Also his tone from the early to mid/late 70's was more unique and harder to imitate. It is much easier to impersonate his belting a kind of magic vocals (take gary mullen for example) than impersonate how he sang those 70's song. I'm sorry but no one has ever come close to impersonating how he sang borhap or somebody to love but there have been a few who came close to singing songs like a kind of magic, who wants to live forever, and friends will be friends =============== I never said he "sounded better" during A Kind Of Magic, I said he was a better "singer" during that timeframe. No, I'm not crazy. Again, you are talking about TONAL preference. I'm talking TECHNICAL stats. Lets look at ADATR vs Magic on a breakdown: Breath Support: MAGIC Register Switching: RACES Register Usage: MAGIC Range Usage: MAGIC Vibrato: MAGIC Power: MAGIC Tone: RACES Pitch: MAGIC Volume control: RACES Projection: MAGIC Resonance: MAGIC Sustain: MAGIC Sweetness: RACES Technical Versatility: RACES Tonal Versatility: RACES Stylistic Versatility: RACES Phrasing: MAGIC Not everybody prefers the 70s voice over the 80s voice. So your money analogy made no sense. |
| jamster1111 12.10.2010 20:25 |
Who the hell fucking cares about breathing and that shit. I don't care whether he actually was a terrible singer during a day at the races and all those recorded tracks were just luck that he sounded good. The point is that he sounded AMAZING on that album. If you say he had no breathe support take a listen to millionaire waltz and get back to me on that. I don't think he could have sang that middle part (before the rock section) in the 80's. Maybe he could have but it wouldn't have sounded anywhere as beautiful and melodical. Also, just listen to the rock section in that song and his voice is also powerful enough to sustain those notes and really make you feel like he wants you to "come back to him". And after this whole post, I ONLY mentioned Millionaire Waltz. Somebody to love is on a whole nother planet. Oh and also on white man you can really feel like his anger in his voice because that is what the song is about. He could have never achieved this in the 80's (especially past 82) nor could he have sang light numbers like my fairy king and killer queen in the 80's. Also, you can take two solid Rock songs for each era. For example if you take It's Late and Hammer To Fall, those are two similar hard rocks songs, but although he sang with more "power" on Hammer to Fall, It's Late was sang with a significant amount of power as well as well as pure emotion and rhythm. Obviously he could have hit some of those C#5's during the 80's with a lot more ease but he sang them just fine in the 70's and provided enough power that was perfect for the song. Indeed he sang songs like One Year of Love and Who Wants to Live Forever beautifully on A Kind of Magic but they just lack that quality that he had during the 70's. And once again, the argument is about which album he sounded better on. NOT when he was a better more powerful singer. |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 20:49 |
Again, you're pulling straw man arguments again Mr. Jamster! :D... I have never once said Freddie was a bad singer during the 70s (or ADATR). And I never said he had no breath support on Races. I said his breath support was better on Magic, because he's singing lines in the higher range (5th octave) in his chest voice with ONE BREATH. I have never heard him do that on Races. I ALWAYS said his TONE was better during the 70s. You're acting like I'm pro-Magic and using that to discredit Races (which is I believe your favorite album: so there's bias on your end). I love Freddie's vocals on Magic, but it's definitely not my favorite "Queen" album by a long shot. Most of my favorite albums are from the 70s (Opera is my #1 album). There's PLENTY of anger on Magic: Ever heard Gimme the Prize? One Vision? Princes Of The Universe? Freddie wanted to prove to everyone that Queen was BACK on the map (Live Aid rejuvenated them). So he sang with balls and power on every song (which I will agree doesn't work on a few numbers--like One Year Of Love). No, Freddie couldn't sing Killer Queen or the early stuff (on an emotional level) in the 80s, but then again he couldn't sing anything post 1977 during the pre 1977 era (not enough range, power, grit, etc). So that argument is void (on both ends). And the last sentence made no sense: The topic was "best studio performances" (a subjective, wide-variety topic), but you then shifted it to "what he sounded best on" (with tone being the #1 factor), I then shifted it to a topic that could go in more directions ("Best vocal albums)." Last sentence: If I was using power as my main point on my arguments--why would I put Innuendo and Opera in my list? :D You can't win Jamster! |
| tcc 12.10.2010 21:22 |
Okay guys. I listened to the NOTW and AKOM albums. From the last song My Melancholy Blues in NOTW to the first song One Vision in AKOM, I could hear the degradation in Freddie''s voice. He really sounded very rough in One Vision but in the songs thereafter it was not as rough. So, voice-wise, I agree the 70's voice is better. In terms of which album he sounded best, now I am a mixed up kid :-) |
| jamster1111 12.10.2010 21:24 |
First of all. By saying his breath support was better on Magic and he could hit 5th octave notes with one breath, who the hell cares? How is how high the note is even relevant in this argument. You could say the same by saying that Steve Perry or Geddy Lee are better singers than Mercury because they had a better technique and can hit higher notes with however many breaths. Hell, you can even say that Tracy Milburn is a better singer because he sang more stable at times and could hit higher notes. The truth of the matter is that is all bullshit. The reason why people consider Mercury so special is not because of his breathing techniques, resonance, or power. It is because of his unique tone and character in his voice that NO ONE could impersonate which he had the most of in the 70's and especially towards the mid 70's where he really developed his voice. I'm am not bias towards Races as I never said that it was their best album (because Frankly I believe that was opera or innuendo), I just stated that Freddie's vocal performances are the best on that album because of various factors such as emotion, tone, and diversity in songs. Like I said before, his uniqueness came from the 70's and not the 80's "i wanna be a rock singer" crap. And I never said you were using only power as your main argument. I said that power was one of the main things that you tended to look for which leads to the fact that I still don't understand how Races or News of the World aren't in your top 5 because he sang with a shit load of power there and in the 80's just exaggerated it with a raspier, deeper tone. Let's put it this way. He was a much more interesting, dynamic, and diverse singer in the 70's than he was in the 80's. It seems as though his singing style kind of "flattened" out in the 80's especially post 1982. He just lost that creativity that he had on songs like Millionaire Waltz and My Melancholy Blues. Case closed. He sounds better on Races than A Kind of Magic and whether he sounds better on Queen, Queen II, SHA, Opera, Races or NOTW is all a matter of personal preference. |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 21:40 |
tcc wrote: Okay guys. I listened to the NOTW and AKOM albums. From the last song My Melancholy Blues in NOTW to the first song One Vision in AKOM, I could hear the degradation in Freddie''s voice. He really sounded very rough in One Vision but in the songs thereafter it was not as rough. So, voice-wise, I agree the 70's voice is better. In terms of which album he sounded best, now I am a mixed up kid :-) ============ Yeah, I agree with Freddie having a better voice during the 70s. I'm just saying on a "technical" level he was better in the 80s. |
| jamster1111 12.10.2010 22:19 |
Ahhhh so ha-ha! You admit it! Finally. |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 22:26 |
Oh! Mr. Jamster! This debate will continue forever (because I like it)! So, let me address your points (which have more Red Herrings and Straw mans among them): What do you mean "who the hell cares?" for the breath support? I don't want Freddie CHOKING or his voice giving out when he goes high. You could say that for Races too (because there's some high note phrasing there). When I made the "Usage of range" argument, I'm talking BOTH ends of the vocal spectrum (high and low). Freddie's low range was WEAK during the 70s, and his highs weren't developed fully. By Magic, his voice had GOOD range on both ends. By saying "who cares" on breath support and range, you are missing a point: Freddie wouldn't have those AMAZING performances during the 80s and Innuendo. We would have no "The Show Must Go On," "Scandal," "One Vision," "One Year Of Love," "Gimme The Prize," "I Want It All," "Innuendo," "All God's People," etc. You wouldn't want that would you? I wouldn't want Freddie always singing ala 70s either--I don't want him doing the "AC/DC formula" (sounds the same/similar from album to album). I'm almost GLAD he smoked (ironic, isn't it?)! Also, you again made Steve Perry and Geddy Lee as straw men and red herrings: WHO CARES? They are COMPLETELY different singers from Freddie (they are some of my favorites though). Those guys weren't "range-show-off" singers either. I do agree that Freddie is mostly known for his "voice" (which if I'm assuming, is the TONE argument again), and that I can't dispute. However, some people prefer 70s Freddie, and some prefer 80s Freddie. But, I do agree that it's his "voice" and "uniqueness" that he's mostly known for. Oh come on, you have said to me numerous times that ADATR is your favorite album. It's even on your Youtube channel! Don't even try to squeak by that! My favorite album is Opera, but I'm not biased! Yes, his uniqueness and diversity is better on Races, I'm not disputing that (it's impossible to dispute). But saying that all he did was play "rock singer" during his later career is inaccurate. He did NOT always sing with a "I want to be a rock star" tone or attitude during the 80s. It was a personal preference during 1980-1982, and then from 1983-1986 he couldn't help it (his voice was too harsh), but then he got his "voice" back for Barcelona! You think he sang with the "rock star attitude" on THAT album? Man, Barcelona is AMAZING! He's got power, range, DIVERSITY, EMOTION, EVERYTHING! That's why it's higher on my vocal album list! You indirectly kept mentioning the "power" argument in almost every post after I made my list. You first said he sounded too much like a "rock singer" (which means too powerful), then you did say he was in fact "too powerful." Again, most people wouldn't say that. You just love the 70s voice over the 80s voice! And again you made a straw man statement: I did NOT put POWER as a main base for my list! I used an OVERALL benchmark to make that list. That's why you DON'T see Magic at #1, but rather Innuendo. Opera's in that list too. He was a more "diverse" singer in the 70s--but it doesn't mean he "sang" better then--he was just more creative. It ain't case closed: We need more opinions (from everybody). So here's the deal: 70s: Sounds better, more diverse 80s: Better singer, better technique |
| Gregsynth 12.10.2010 22:27 |
jamster1111 wrote: Ahhhh so ha-ha! You admit it! Finally. ============= No, you didn't read my last post. :D |
| mike hunt 13.10.2010 01:33 |
Gregsynth wrote: Oh! Mr. Jamster! This debate will continue forever (because I like it)! So, let me address your points (which have more Red Herrings and Straw mans among them): What do you mean "who the hell cares?" for the breath support? I don't want Freddie CHOKING or his voice giving out when he goes high. You could say that for Races too (because there's some high note phrasing there). When I made the "Usage of range" argument, I'm talking BOTH ends of the vocal spectrum (high and low). Freddie's low range was WEAK during the 70s, and his highs weren't developed fully. By Magic, his voice had GOOD range on both ends. By saying "who cares" on breath support and range, you are missing a point: Freddie wouldn't have those AMAZING performances during the 80s and Innuendo. We would have no "The Show Must Go On," "Scandal," "One Vision," "One Year Of Love," "Gimme The Prize," "I Want It All," "Innuendo," "All God's People," etc. You wouldn't want that would you? I wouldn't want Freddie always singing ala 70s either--I don't want him doing the "AC/DC formula" (sounds the same/similar from album to album). I'm almost GLAD he smoked (ironic, isn't it?)! Also, you again made Steve Perry and Geddy Lee as straw men and red herrings: WHO CARES? They are COMPLETELY different singers from Freddie (they are some of my favorites though). Those guys weren't "range-show-off" singers either. I do agree that Freddie is mostly known for his "voice" (which if I'm assuming, is the TONE argument again), and that I can't dispute. However, some people prefer 70s Freddie, and some prefer 80s Freddie. But, I do agree that it's his "voice" and "uniqueness" that he's mostly known for. Oh come on, you have said to me numerous times that ADATR is your favorite album. It's even on your Youtube channel! Don't even try to squeak by that! My favorite album is Opera, but I'm not biased! Yes, his uniqueness and diversity is better on Races, I'm not disputing that (it's impossible to dispute). But saying that all he did was play "rock singer" during his later career is inaccurate. He did NOT always sing with a "I want to be a rock star" tone or attitude during the 80s. It was a personal preference during 1980-1982, and then from 1983-1986 he couldn't help it (his voice was too harsh), but then he got his "voice" back for Barcelona! You think he sang with the "rock star attitude" on THAT album? Man, Barcelona is AMAZING! He's got power, range, DIVERSITY, EMOTION, EVERYTHING! That's why it's higher on my vocal album list! You indirectly kept mentioning the "power" argument in almost every post after I made my list. You first said he sounded too much like a "rock singer" (which means too powerful), then you did say he was in fact "too powerful." Again, most people wouldn't say that. You just love the 70s voice over the 80s voice! And again you made a straw man statement: I did NOT put POWER as a main base for my list! I used an OVERALL benchmark to make that list. That's why you DON'T see Magic at #1, but rather Innuendo. Opera's in that list too. He was a more "diverse" singer in the 70s--but it doesn't mean he "sang" better then--he was just more creative. It ain't case closed: We need more opinions (from everybody). So here's the deal: 70s: Sounds better, more diverse 80s: Better singer, better technique How was freddie a better singer in the 80's?........If he sounded better and was more diverse in the 70's?...doesn't make sense......The only thing he had more of was power in the 80's. The thing that made him so special and puts him in another league than most singers is his diveristy. A lot of singer's had a more powerful voice, but those guy's still fall below freddie as an all around singer. Not many could sing something like 'leroy brown' and then stone cold crazy or it's late then my melancholy blues, it takes a special singer to pull that off........and if anyone mentions Geddy Lee and Freddie mercury in the same breath as a singer I'll pull the few hairs i have left out of my head. I love Rush. In my top 5 of my favorite Bands, but Geddy was never a great singer. That high pitched winey voice did get better as he aged though. Steve perry one of the best of all time, but IMO sang the same style (love songs) on almost every song.......Freddie's Diversity was insane when you think about it....... I guess I agree with Jamster overall, but Gregsynth makes some good points. |
| Bad Seed 13.10.2010 06:43 |
Gregsynth wrote: No matter how many times I've heard it, I just can't believe that Freddie sang AOBTD until his throat bled! ============== Well there's one. Did Freddie sing it in E and it was speed up to F? Or did he sing it in F? I think The Wyceff version is in its original key of E, and I think Freddie sounds more natural on that. For some reason I didn't put this in my 5, but I think Hot Space is where he is at his best for me. Still has most of the clarity and tone of the 70s, but has the range with power of his mid-late 80s voice. Best of both. |
| Gregsynth 13.10.2010 10:58 |
Bad Seed wrote: Gregsynth wrote: No matter how many times I've heard it, I just can't believe that Freddie sang AOBTD until his throat bled! ============== Well there's one. Did Freddie sing it in E and it was speed up to F? Or did he sing it in F? I think The Wyceff version is in its original key of E, and I think Freddie sounds more natural on that. For some reason I didn't put this in my 5, but I think Hot Space is where he is at his best for me. Still has most of the clarity and tone of the 70s, but has the range with power of his mid-late 80s voice. Best of both. =============== Freddie did sing it in the key of E. It's just for some reason, the whole song is sped up half a semitone. |
| Gregsynth 13.10.2010 11:01 |
mike hunt wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Oh! Mr. Jamster! This debate will continue forever (because I like it)! So, let me address your points (which have more Red Herrings and Straw mans among them): What do you mean "who the hell cares?" for the breath support? I don't want Freddie CHOKING or his voice giving out when he goes high. You could say that for Races too (because there's some high note phrasing there). When I made the "Usage of range" argument, I'm talking BOTH ends of the vocal spectrum (high and low). Freddie's low range was WEAK during the 70s, and his highs weren't developed fully. By Magic, his voice had GOOD range on both ends. By saying "who cares" on breath support and range, you are missing a point: Freddie wouldn't have those AMAZING performances during the 80s and Innuendo. We would have no "The Show Must Go On," "Scandal," "One Vision," "One Year Of Love," "Gimme The Prize," "I Want It All," "Innuendo," "All God's People," etc. You wouldn't want that would you? I wouldn't want Freddie always singing ala 70s either--I don't want him doing the "AC/DC formula" (sounds the same/similar from album to album). I'm almost GLAD he smoked (ironic, isn't it?)! Also, you again made Steve Perry and Geddy Lee as straw men and red herrings: WHO CARES? They are COMPLETELY different singers from Freddie (they are some of my favorites though). Those guys weren't "range-show-off" singers either. I do agree that Freddie is mostly known for his "voice" (which if I'm assuming, is the TONE argument again), and that I can't dispute. However, some people prefer 70s Freddie, and some prefer 80s Freddie. But, I do agree that it's his "voice" and "uniqueness" that he's mostly known for. Oh come on, you have said to me numerous times that ADATR is your favorite album. It's even on your Youtube channel! Don't even try to squeak by that! My favorite album is Opera, but I'm not biased! Yes, his uniqueness and diversity is better on Races, I'm not disputing that (it's impossible to dispute). But saying that all he did was play "rock singer" during his later career is inaccurate. He did NOT always sing with a "I want to be a rock star" tone or attitude during the 80s. It was a personal preference during 1980-1982, and then from 1983-1986 he couldn't help it (his voice was too harsh), but then he got his "voice" back for Barcelona! You think he sang with the "rock star attitude" on THAT album? Man, Barcelona is AMAZING! He's got power, range, DIVERSITY, EMOTION, EVERYTHING! That's why it's higher on my vocal album list! You indirectly kept mentioning the "power" argument in almost every post after I made my list. You first said he sounded too much like a "rock singer" (which means too powerful), then you did say he was in fact "too powerful." Again, most people wouldn't say that. You just love the 70s voice over the 80s voice! And again you made a straw man statement: I did NOT put POWER as a main base for my list! I used an OVERALL benchmark to make that list. That's why you DON'T see Magic at #1, but rather Innuendo. Opera's in that list too. He was a more "diverse" singer in the 70s--but it doesn't mean he "sang" better then--he was just more creative. It ain't case closed: We need more opinions (from everybody). So here's the deal: 70s: Sounds better, more diverse 80s: Better singer, better technique How was freddie a better singer in the 80's?........If he sounded better and was more diverse in the 70's?...doesn't make sense......The only thing he had more of was power in the 80's. The thing that made him so special and puts him in another league than most singers is his diveristy. A lot of singer's had a more powerful voice, but those guy's still fall below freddie as an all around singer. Not many could sing something like 'leroy brown' and then stone cold crazy or it's late then my melancholy blues, it takes a special singer to pull that off........and if anyone mentions Geddy Lee and Freddie mercury in the same breath as a singer I'll pull the few hairs i have left out of my head. I love Rush. In my top 5 of my favorite Bands, but Geddy was never a great singer. That high pitched winey voice did get better as he aged though. Steve perry one of the best of all time, but IMO sang the same style (love songs) on almost every song.......Freddie's Diversity was insane when you think about it....... I guess I agree with Jamster overall, but Gregsynth makes some good points. ==================== When I mean "better singer in the 80s," I'm talking strictly on a technical level. |
| mike hunt 14.10.2010 11:35 |
tcc wrote: Okay guys. I listened to the NOTW and AKOM albums. From the last song My Melancholy Blues in NOTW to the first song One Vision in AKOM, I could hear the degradation in Freddie''s voice. He really sounded very rough in One Vision but in the songs thereafter it was not as rough. So, voice-wise, I agree the 70's voice is better. In terms of which album he sounded best, now I am a mixed up kid :-) I don't know.......After listening to Innuendo for the first time in a while i could understand why it would be high on someone's list. Even #1. I guess it depends what your in the mood for. His voice changed so much .from era to era, but most of that album he was amazing. |
| Wijnand 15.10.2010 07:20 |
I prefer Freddie's voice from the 60's... Wreckage and Ibex... But I think this thread is very amusing ;-) |
| Gregsynth 15.10.2010 12:37 |
The 60s were awesome! :D I'm glad you like this thread! I always come back and read the debates. I have debates like these all the time on Skype (and it's with at least 4 people). |
| Gregsynth 24.03.2011 15:39 |
Hmmm. It's been awhile since this was made. So I'll update it a bit: TECHNICAL STATS 1. Innuendo 2. Barcelona 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. Hot Space 5. Mr. Bad Guy TONAL STATS 1. Hot Space 2. A Day At The Races 3. News Of The World 4. A Night At The Opera 5. Barcelona Now, lets make a list on the "studio performances." |
| Sheer Brass Neck 24.03.2011 22:12 |
Freddie was a better singer in the 70s because a) he sang infinitelly better songs in the 70s, b) his songs resonated more with people than in the 80s and 90s. and c) the job of a singer is to get people to relate to your song. I believe in It's late, Love of my Life, STL, etc. because they move me. If he had better breath control or less hair on his nuts in the Magic/Miracle years which made his sing higher and more powerfully doesn't mean a thing to me because the songs were well played and sung but pretty much fluff and I had no emotional attachment to most of the 80s stuff. So you're both right and wrong :) |
| Gregsynth 24.03.2011 22:45 |
Sheer Brass Neck wrote: Freddie was a better singer in the 70s because a) he sang infinitelly better songs in the 70s, b) his songs resonated more with people than in the 80s and 90s. and c) the job of a singer is to get people to relate to your song. I believe in It's late, Love of my Life, STL, etc. because they move me. If he had better breath control or less hair on his nuts in the Magic/Miracle years which made his sing higher and more powerfully doesn't mean a thing to me because the songs were well played and sung but pretty much fluff and I had no emotional attachment to most of the 80s stuff. So you're both right and wrong :) ============== Well his tone was definitely better in the 70s-82 era, but he did much more with his voice as he aged. He got better live as well. Compare STL from 1977 to 1981 = the 80s versions win. Love of my life was better live in the 80s than the 70s (Freddie did more with his voice, did the long sustained falsetto, etc), and I wish It's Late wasn't dropped! |
| Gregsynth 25.03.2011 00:47 |
I do agree that the songs and music were better in the 70s! XD |
| Gaabiizz 25.03.2011 00:56 |
Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. A Night A The Opera 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. Jazz 5. The Miracle 6. News Of The World 7. Mr Bad Guy |
| Gregsynth 25.03.2011 01:26 |
gaabiizz wrote: Here's my top 5 Freddie vocal albums: 1. Innuendo 2. A Night A The Opera 3. A Kind Of Magic 4. Jazz 5. The Miracle 6. News Of The World 7. Mr Bad Guy ========= Innuendo! |
| kosimodo 25.03.2011 17:30 |
I love His voice on all albums... If i do have to pick: Parts of NOTW i do especialy like: Its Late and SYW do always sound so 'live' I kinda like that:) |