A Musical Masterpiece (Greatest Hits Vol.2 - Queen)

Member Name: grown_up_girlie

Product:	Greatest Hits Vol.2 - Queen
Date:	24/06/05 (359 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Musically Outstanding, Real Talent, Tantalising On The Ears

Disadvantages: Absolutely None

**Warning**

I will warn you now before you start reading this - this is a long review so I would recommend getting a nice drink to sip while reading.

**Introduction**

I was born in 1982 which was the decade of Queen's most memorably famous songs. The 4 men that joined together to form this group became, in my opinion, one of the greatest all time rock bands ever. What felt like every day of my childhood, I would hear a 'Queen' song playing on the radio, TV, tape or record player (80's remember). I seemed to know the lyrics and tune to every one of their songs before I could even talk properly, let alone sing. To this day I remain an avid fan of all these hits!

Now, please let me introduce you to one of the greatest CD Albums of all time……

……Queen - Greatest Hits II

If you already know this album through and through, then sit back and enjoy, while I take you through the motions of the greatest Queen titles ever to be produced. I will present each track on this album with both fact and opinion. So I hope you enjoy reading. Here goes…..

**Group Information**

It was year 1970 and there were 4 very talented young men who were brought together to form a group called Queen.

These 4 men were:

Freddie Mercury (Real name Farrokh Bulsara) - Lead vocalist and pianist.
Brian May - Guitarist and backing vocalist.
Roger Taylor - Drummer and backing vocalist.
John Deacon - Bassist.

They went onto becoming one of the worlds most famous rock groups with so many famous songs especially the brilliant hit 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

Sadly, Freddie Mercury passed on in 1991 as he had been suffering for a long time with the AIDS virus. He will always live on through the music he produced in the years before his death.

Brian May and Roger Taylor have been on tour with Paul Rodgers (As vocalist) to perform some of these hits to keep that 'Queen' spirit alive.

The stand-up comedian/comedic writer, Ben Elton has actually joined up with the remaining members of Queen to bring a Theatre production to the stage. It brings some of Queens best performed songs to Theatreland so if you are a fan… it's a must see! (Further details are available at the end of this review).

**CD Cover**

This CD album cover is navy blue and features the 'Queen' logo in gold on the front of the inlay card. I have the 1 CD version and so it comes in a standard transparent plastic CD box. The disc itself has a silver edge and has the matching navy blue CD label with gold writing on it stuck to the disc front.


**Track Listing**

(1). A Kind Of Magic, 1986: This track was written by Roger Taylor and was originally produced for an album of the same title. It was originally commissioned by a director named David Richards, for his feature film 'Highlander' and spent 11 weeks in the UK chart. I feel this is a very inspirational song, lyrically it sings about goals and aspiration to fight through life. Musically it is has an up beat tune with a soft bass guitar being played by John Deacon. A nice 'get up and go' song, so make sure you have your hairbrush ready to sing into - perfect for a karaoke party.

(2). Under Pressure, 1981: This track was actually the result of an impromptu recording session between both Queen and David Bowie. This was Queen's first collaboration with another artist. This song gave the band their 2nd success at no.1 in the UK chart. This track remained in the UK top 40 for 11 consecutive weeks. When I listen to this track it takes me to a different level unlike other artist's lyrics. Lyrically it speaks about the pressures in life and the outcomes of these pressures on society as well as on the individual. It focus's a lot on love, the meaning of love and also how love can stop these 'outcomes' from effecting us so badly. This is a very catchy tune which features both Freddie Mercury's vocals as well as David Bowie's. I can listen to it over and over again as musically it tantalises my eardrums.

(3). Radio Ga Ga, 1984: This track was again written by Roger Taylor for 'The Works' album. The track was actually inspired by MTV and was no.1 in 19 countries across the world. It sat in the UK chart for 9 weeks. This song is lyrically, literally about a radio. Freddie Mercury sings about the passion of his good old radio and how he can rely upon it through his life and how the many songs played on his radio give him the will to go on. Musically this has a slower tune with a very strong beat throughout. You can really feel this one through the floor - also a great one to sing along too! This song doesn't have much meaning to me emotionally although I can sing these lyrics with passion because I know how much I can relate to loving my music just like Freddie relays in the lyrics.

(4). I Want It All, 1989: This was written by Queen and has been taken from 'The Miracle' album. This song is another classic rock song and was originally performed after Queen took a 2 year break. It remained in the UK chart for 7 weeks. Lyrically, Freddie Mercury sings about being young and wanting it all. He expresses how he wants a secure future and about having the aspiration to achieve everything possible in life. To me this song is a very inspiring one. It is a lovely upbeat track to listen too, it helps keep me focused. I feel that Freddie Mercury had most the control over the composure of these particular lyrics mainly because from a young age, he knew what he wanted to achieve in life and well….. There is no doubt in my mind that he certainly got 'his all'.

(5). I Want To Break Free, 1984: 15 Weeks in the UK chart and actually written by John Deacon. This song was Queens longest chart topper in the UK and was originally produced as the 2nd track of 'The Works' album. It became very famous and is actually one of Queens's most famous songs across Europe. Lyrically this is a fabulous tune, a very catchy happy tune with a strong bass line throughout. Freddie sings about freeing himself from the love he feels for a partner. He sings about leaving and how life still goes on without that special person being in his life. This song is a very emotional one for me; although the video to it is hilariously funny (They all dress up as women in a house). To be able to express yourself in this way, lyrically I mean, it is very comforting and if you, like me, have ever had to leave someone special then you can relate to every word mentioned.

(6). Innuendo, 1991: Written by Queen and taken from an album of the same name. This was Queens 1st release of the 90's and sent them straight to no.1 in the UK chart where it then stayed for 6 weeks. This song takes on board a variety of musical themes and not only shows the talent of the band vocally but really enhances the talents of the instrumentalists! It is fast paced one second and then slows down with Mexican style music; it then leads into a choir vocal - wow, only 'Queen' could get away with this much eccentricity. There is a part in this song too suit every musical taste. Lyrically 'Innuendo' is a special song; it has a lot of hidden meaning and depth to it, it personally makes me question my own thoughts and beliefs in the world - mainly about religion. I think this song was written to make you think like this. This has to be one of my favourite 'Queen' songs.

(7). It's A Hard Life, 1984: Written and performed by Freddie himself it was taken from 'The Works' album. This song opens with a line from aria "Vesti la giubba" from Leoncavallo's opera "I Pagliacci". Remaining in the UK chart for 9 weeks this song became the bands first release to appear as a 12" picture disc. Lyrically it is exceptional; you really appreciate the tones and range of Freddie Mercury's voice with this one. Musically it is outstanding - both the vocal and backing music is performed to the highest possible standards. The smooth rhythm of this song has me weeping sometimes. The meaning of this song is one that most people can relate too. How can you live with a broken heart? Well, it's not easy, but with songs like this at least you can have a good cry when need too.

(8). Breakthru, 1989: Written and performed by Queen this was another track taken from 'The Miracle' album. It gave the band another top 10 hit and sat in the UK chart for 7 weeks. Lyrically the group sings about love 'Breaking through' into your life and the rollercoaster journey it takes you on. Musically this is an up-tempo beat and is a 'happier' type song. This song brings a smile to my face when I hear it, as I remember the emotions I felt when I met my partner. I felt the same way Freddie describes in this terrific song.

(9). Who Wants To Live Forever, 1986: This song actually only got to no.24 in the UK chart but it did sit there for 5 consecutive weeks. It was written by Brian May and was taken from the 'A Kind Of Magic'. album. This song is musically more of a ballad and its focus is centred on the famous 'Highlander' film I earlier mentioned. It also features the National Philharmonic Orchestra (Of which the whole orchestra starred in the music video). Lyrically it was composed in the back of a car after the band had viewed a rough cut copy of the 'Highlander' film. This is a beautiful song, especially considering where it was composed. I am very touched by this song; it is again very deep. I believe it has different meanings to each individual listening. I know I wouldn't want to live forever, not in this life. There are too many people I couldn't live without - this song really focuses on this.

(10). Headlong, 1991: Taken from the 'Innuendo' album it was composed by Queen and spent 4 weeks in the UK chart. Musically this is a fast rock song and is very upbeat; a great one to move those hips too. Lyrically, it's about being out of control and how you can act without thinking first. The message I gain from the lyrics is that if you live life in the fast lane then you will eventually lose control. This song doesn't affect me emotionally as I tend to take life slowly, however, I do take on board the lyrics and just enjoy this fabulous fast-paced tune.

(11). The Miracle, 1989: Spending 5 weeks in the UK chart and being produced by Queen and David Richards. The Miracle is lyrically about man-made miracles throughout the world today. This song questions the human ability to reach 'peace on earth' and asks for an 'end to war'. The underlying message of this song according to my interpretation is "If we can create miracles in life then why can't we stop war and poverty?" I feel very strongly about this song as the lyrics portray points that the world leaders should be paying attention too. Unfortunately, in this day and age there are war criminals (Not mentioning names), who play war for their own gain. If only Freddie were the world ruler eh! Musically this tune is again catchy and surprisingly even with these meaningful lyrics, it is very up-beat. I guess this is to help the portrayal of how good it would be to end world suffering!

(12). I'm Going Slightly Mad, 1991: Another track taken from the 'Innuendo' album. This track has a slightly different change of mood. It sat in the UK top 40 for 5 consecutive weeks making it another success for Queen. This song is lyrically about… well, the title says it all to be honest! The lyrics are made up of odd scenarios happening such as "I think I'm a banana tree, oh dear!" This song has a bizarre tune to it, similar to one of a horror movie and quite frankly it does nothing for me other than make me laugh. The video to accompany this is brilliant so if you ever get the chance to view it, I would!

(13). The Invisible Man, 1989: Sitting comfortably for 6 weeks in the UK chart this song is innovative and of a different style to the normal eccentricity of Queen. It is primarily based upon a computer game and you see each member become computerised using motion control. You really do need to see this video to appreciate what the lyrics to this song actually mean. This song mentions each member of the band, and as it comes to 'their' particular verse in the song, you hear them performing 'their' particular instrument for a few seconds. Overall - a nice up-beat tune. Overall: A nice song to listen too. .

(14.) Hammer To Fall, 1984: Written by Brian May and again featuring in the 'Highlander' film. This track is one of Queens heavier rock songs. Lyrically it is primarily focused upon the plot of the movie. Musically this shows off Brian May's incredible talent for playing the guitar. Having not seen the movie myself I cannot really appreciate this song for how it should be.

(15). Friends Will Be Friends, 1986: This song was written by Freddie Mercury and John Deacon. It was released to coincide with the bands 'Magic Tour' and to celebrate their 30th single release. This song has become somewhat of a traditional anthem and is very well known amongst the generations. Lyrically it is obviously all about 'friends' and what they can and can't do for you, how much love they give you and how they will always be there for you. I love this song, it's a deep song and especially, with having some brilliant friends myself, I can really appreciate every word of this tremendous song. Musically it is a slower song and you can really feel the emotion in the music and lyrics. The instrumental talents in this song are very obvious - overall: Tremendous.

(16). The Show Must Go On, 1991: This song signalled the bands 40th single release and was again taken from the 'Innuendo' album. It sat in the UK charts for a massive 10 weeks and was also released as a double-A side to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' after Freddy Mercury's death. The lyrics to this song can easily upset me, every word spoken in the beautiful song is meant with such passion (Cause of knowing that at the time of recording, Freddy Mercury knew he had AIDS). Musically it is has been sung in a minor key to create a sense of sadness. The vocal range is outstanding yet again. I don't think I need say anymore about this track as everyone knows how big a void, Freddie's death left behind and the lyrics just mark his death even more.

(17). One Vision, 1985: This song was released just after the bands tremendous appearance at the 'Live Aid' concert. This performance sent their single sales soaring which in turn led this particular single to sit in the UK chart for 10 consecutive weeks. It was written by Queen and was taken from the 'A Kind Of Magic' album. Musically, this is another up-beat song with a very strong bass line - I think it was deliberately meant to be this upbeat so that you could capture the meaning of the lyrics. The lyrics, in my opinion, are again focusing on bringing the world together as one nation and to stop war and poverty. You have to appreciate this song even if it's just because of what it stands for!

**Technical Information**

Release date of album: 1991
Approx running time: 75:57
Audio format: Compact Disc Digital Audio
Label: Parlophone
EAN: 0077779797127

**Where To Buy**

This album can be purchased at any high street store or online. Using the DooYoo' search facility will return good competitive results from online retailers. I paid £9.99 for mine from 'Virgin Megastores' so you can use this as a good guidance figure.

Others CD's in range:

Queen: Greatest Hits I (1 CD) - £10.99
Queen: Greatest Hits III (1 CD) - £8.99
Queen: Platinum Collection - Greatest Hits I, II & III (3 CD Box set) - RRP £19.99

www.play.com stocks all of these above albums.

Other media available:

Queen: Greatest Flix II - The Video
Queen: Greatest Pix II - The Book
Queen: The DVD Collection Greatest Video Hits 1 (2 Discs) - RRP £19.99
Queen: The DVD Collection Greatest Video Hits 2 (2 Discs) - RRP £19.99
Queen - The DVD Collection: Live At Wembley Stadium (2 Discs) DVD - RRP £19.99
Queen - On Fire: Live At The Bowl (2 Discs) DVD - RRP £17.99

Theatre tickets:

To book tickets to see the 'We Will Rock You' musical you can find information and prices at:

www.ticketmaster.com

**More Information**

For more info on Queen you can visit any one of these good sites:

www.queenonline.com - Official site
www.queenzone.com - Unofficial site
www.queenworld.com - Fan club

**Recommendation**

Any 'Queen' lover must not be without this album in their collection. It will still be 'in' in many years to come. I have the whole collection but chose this particular album as it features the best songs and lyrics I have ever had. Lyrically this album is a masterpiece.

Summary: