Every time I hear this song I cant help feeling that the song was wasted with synths and too light arrangement. I wish this song had a harder backing track like Modern Times Rock'n roll, or in that landscape. For me the intro with Freddie singing could have been skipped as well. Rogers singing in this song is great in my ears, and I find it extremely catchy.
So the question is. Do you like the song as it is, or could it have been better done in a different way?
The thing is, we'll never know unless an alternate studio version emerges. I guess I'd like to hear a heavier track, but tbh, I also love it the way it is. Of course, Roger's vocals are excellent on it, but I also think that the Freddie intro is a great way to open the song - in fact, it's one of my favourite examples of Freddie's voice, and works just as well live when Fred sings the lot. Either way, you're right - it is a very catchy song :)
Hi there, perhaps the thing to remember is that Rock It as it stands is very much of it's time (late 70'/80's power pop). So the light touches of synth marry well with the reference to 'Rocking in space' and the sparse texture is very much where Queen were at. My recollection on first listening is that I loved it from the word go.
CDV
Here's a live version that might interest interest you. It's synth-free and definitely heavier (listen to those drums!) Intro's left in, yes, and it's Freddie singing (apart from Roger on the high harmonies, the usual), but I thought it might be your cup of tea. link
I think it the sound on that fits together well. Brilliant intro vocals from Freddie which really showcase his voice and good punchy vocals from Roger. The instrumentation suits it. The title also fits. Nice work.
AlbaNo1 wrote:
I think it the sound on that fits together well. Brilliant intro vocals from Freddie which really showcase his voice and good punchy vocals from Roger. The instrumentation suits it. The title also fits. Nice work.
I like it :) Wish Roger sang lead vocals though!
Do you know if there is multitracks for the song? Would be fun to play with it.
A version with Freddie should have been released eos.
All though people may enjoy Roger's husky voice, I think he is more suited to backing vocals as his voice cracks quite badly sustaining any notes. Too many cigarettes I suspect!
There is no way Roger could have pulled those notes out with the strength and dexterity that Freddie managed with the intro vocals.
My belief is the band came up with the right formulae with Freddie doing all the leads and Roger and Brian harmonizing to create the Queen sound.
Sorry -Roger's vocal skills are nowhere rounded enough to lead vocals on his own, especially for a group of Queen's stature and for their diverse material. His range is limited to the very high notes and all that gravel.
I am sorry once you heard Freddie's vocals in his prime (early 80's), what else is there to compare. Rock It is Roger's song, We'll never know how far could Freddie have taken this song with a few more takes if the Band were not happy with his initial efforts.
Band Forever wrote:
A version with Freddie should have been released eos.
All though people may enjoy Roger's husky voice, I think he is more suited to backing vocals as his voice cracks quite badly sustaining any notes. Too many cigarettes I suspect!