Queen - A Night at the Opera
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Free Music Notes for A Night at the Opera
Free Music Review: Outstanding Rock
Hit: 5 Stars
While progressive rockers may have been the first to provide significant injections of bombast into rock music, Queen raised bombast to a fine art, and created one of the greatest rock albums in the process of doing so. Though there is bombast, there is beauty too, and Queen proved that a rock album could incorporate a huge diversity of styles and be successful. This album is a critical component of any rock music collection.
The album opens with the first of three rockers, "Death on Two Legs." This song has excellent metal poetry that eschews mumbled and garbled lyrics for clarity and evocation. The words contain gems from beginning to end, such as the line "you're a sewer-rate decaying in a cesspool of pride." Guitars scream and wail and Queen's harmonies are sprinkled liberally throughout. Yet this song retains an element of fun and retains a twinkle in its musical eye. The other heavy rocker is an ode to muscle cars. "I'm in Love with My Car" is a perfect cruising song with crunchy guitars and Roger Taylor's roaring vocal. The two songs are different, but anchor one end of Queen's musical range. Also included is a 1991 remix of this song. There are a few differences between the songs, but I think I still prefer the original. The third rocker is "Sweet Lady." This third song is loud and fast paced, but seems less inspired than much of the music on this album.
After "Death on Two Legs" is the first of three songs that are quirky, fun and kind of clear the aural palate between songs. "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" is an ode to the era of flappers and speakeasies. "Seaside Rendezvous" is in a similar vein, and also comes after a rocker. Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury both do vocal interpretations of instruments that are remarkably effective and fun. The third song in this vein is "Good Company," which comes after "Love of My Life." This song has lead vocals by Brian May, along with a ukulele. This song has a musical style more similar to songs of the 1930s, though with sufficient electronic effects to remind you that the song is influenced by that era but could only have been made in this era. For reasons I am unable to explain this song is a perfect lead-in to "Bohemian Rhapsody."
"You're My Best Friend" and "Love of My Life" are two love ballads that show yet another capability of Queen. "You're My Best Friend" was released as a single backed by the interesting song "'39" and reached #16 on the pop singles chart. Freddie Mercury's vocals provide the emotional kick for this song, and make this song one of Queen's best. "Love of My Life" falls into a similar vein, and features Brian May playing the harp. This song is also beautiful and emotional, and in many ways is more powerful than "Love of My Life." In retrospect, I think this song could have been released as a single and would have done well. This version of the CD includes a 1991 remix of "You're My Best Friend." I am unable to discern any significant difference between the two versions, and thus the addition is of minimal value.
There is one song that is hard to categorize. "God Save the Queen" is Brian May's interpretation of the English anthem. Guitars predominate in this brief piece that somehow is a thank you to the Queen and country.
Though the remaining three songs are quite different from each other, they share a commonality in that they are among the more experimental tracks on this CD, and being a fan of progressive rock, I think they are among the best tracks on this CD.
The first of these songs is "'39." I have seen many interpretations of this song that combines a flavor of country-rock with several other styles to make a totally unique song. I saw one review compare the style to Paul McCartney, and I see the relationship. I could also see a comparison to the Eagle's Joe Walsh years. The harmonies also remind me just a little of the Moody Blues.
The next song in this category is "The Prophet's Song," an 8:21 progressive rock masterpiece. Brian May uses a toy koto, an unusual instrument that lends a slight Asian flavor to the introduction. This song also features an a capella vocal by Freddie Mercury that is fascinating and adds to the numerous dimensions of this song that features a rocking end.
The third song is the bombastic art rock classic "Bohemian Rhapsody." This phenomenal song can be treated as a parody of glam rock, or it can be considered in the context of a rock group that was unafraid of performing their art as they saw fit. The pseudo operatic elements are wonderful and occasionally eerie and always fascinating. The harmonies are outstanding and wonderfully excessive. If ever a song captured everything good about rock music, this one is it. This song charted the first time in 1976 and reached #9. The second time the song charted was in 1992, when it reached #2. You will have some kind of feeling about this song regardless of whether that reaction is one of awe or distaste, but those us who are fans of Queen and progressive rock usually love this one.
Queen hit pay dirt with this album, which reached #4 on the Pop Albums chart. This album was easily Queen's best album, showcasing the talents of four individuals who were able to able to come together and stay together until Freddie Mercury passed away. While Queen had many excellent songs, they had at least one great album, and this was it.
Free Music Review: Delightfully overblown
Hit: 5 Stars
Operatic vocals, acapella sections, fantastic and whimsical lyrics, flamboyant vocal melodies, top notch musicianship and even a kazoo solo or two.In the hands of a lesser band, all these factors could combine to make a pretentious mess. But with Queen, these come together to make a masterpiece, A Night At The Opera.
Queen has left a indelible mark on the rock landscape. The flagship track here, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most known and revered tracks in classic rock. Singers and groups as diverse as George Michael and Metallica have expressed their admiration for Queen. And A Night at the Opera is generally considered Queen's masterpiece.
Why is it so good? Variety, quality, uniqueness, unpredictability and the sheer power of these songs. And of course, Freddie Mercury. His vocal performance here is one of the best of all time. Technically spectacular, tasteful, at times heartfelt and simply amazing. Mercury was one of those vocalists who could make a song better and determine the mood just by singing on it. Plus, He's supported by top notch musician, songwriter(every member pens at least one great song here) vocalists in Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor. The guitar work is exciting, innovative and just fun to listen too. The bass and drums are pretty good too and keep up perfectly. Last but not least, is the genius production on this album. Listen to Bohemian Rhapsody or Prophet's Song and you'll see what I mean.
Death On Two Legs: A Night at the Opera starts out on a bitter yet wonderful note with Death on Two Legs. The song is a vicious screed against the band's former manager. The lyrics and delivery are perfect here. From the menacing instrumental sections to the great melodies, this is one of the best songs on A Night At the Opera. A/A+
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon: What a fruity song. Mercury's vocals are jubilant and flamboyant melodies. They sound like a throwback to the 20s or 30s. Short but pretty sweet. B+
I'm in Love With My Car: This majestic motor vehicle tribute was penned by drummer Roger Taylor. The lyrics are just overblown. The melodies are soaring. Not one of my favorites but still good. B+
You're My Best Friend:It's written by John Deacon, the bassist for his wife. I think I heard this in commericals or the Simpsons or something. Really catchy and Freddie Mercury's vocals are just great here. Not surprise that it was a single. A-
5. 39': The 39th Queen song. Criminally underrated IMO. One of my favorites here. The lyrics may be about space travel but this song still really moves me. Brian May's voice is great and his melodies are just amazing. Very folksy. Great bassline too. A
6. Sweet Lady: I used to not like this song much but it grows on you. The guitar is pretty good and the melodies have their moments. Not one of the best but its still not bad. Better than a lot of tripe that passes for music these days. B
7. Seaside Rendezvous: Even more flamboyant than Lazing... and even better. The instrumentation here is really fun to observe and try to figure out. A testament to Queen's creative talent and uniqueness. I mean what kind of band has a kazoo solo that enhances the music. Cool track. A-
8. The Prophet's Song: At 8:14 this is the longest song here and perhaps the most extravagant. Another underrated epic masterpiece. Brian May wrote this about a dream he had concerning Moses and the Flood. The song has some cool non western melodies.
The first section is a hard rocking affair that's quite beautiful and heavy. The second section is lengthy voice section. Production genius. It's like 15 Freddies singing various lyrical round. Sounds pretty menacing. The final section is akin to the first and wraps up with some instrumental noodling. A/A+
9. Love of My Life: Beautiful song. The intro has classical piano and a harp. Freddie's vocals here are great and his melodies really make this song. I love the melody when he pleads "don't take it away from me". The vocal dubs are really effective here: A
10. Good Company: A little bit like Seaside Rendezvous. Written by Brian May, this track is a bouncy little number with more creative instrumentation. Listen to the great guitar rhythms here. Simply splendid. B+
11. Bohemian Rhapsody: Here it is, the masterpiece. Could possibly be interpreted as Freddie's comment on the guilt("pulled MY trigger now he's dead")and persecution of homosexuality("can't do this to me baby"). Or just a whimsical tale. From the dreamy vocal intro, to the heartfelt ballad, to the wall of voices, to the head bobbing hard rock to the modest conclusion, this is one of the best songs of all time. Just amazing. In terms of emotion, musicianship, production and creativity. One of those songs that redefines what music can be. A+
12. God Saves the Queen: Could have just ended the album with Bo Rap but this isn't too bad. The guitar arrangements are interesting. B
A Night At the Opera is one of those special albums that entertains again and again. From the vicious hard rock assault of Death on Two Legs to the last guitar chords of God Saves the Queen, this is an essential album that should not be missed. If you want to know what kind of album it takes to change rock music, this is a must listen. Highly highly recommended.
Free Music Review: My 1st Queen album (review for CD and DVD).
Hit: 5 Stars
Yup, A Night At The Opera was the 1st Queen album I bought. So far it's the only one I own, but it's certainly motivated me to buy more of their albums. The version I bought has the DVD on it, so I'm going to review that as well. I'd write a review on the particular version I have, but it seems everyone over there is only reviewing the DVD. But enough of that, how about my thoughts on the songs?
Death On Two Legs - 10/10 This one clicked with me immediately. I love Freddie's piano intro, and Brian's guitar is killer. This song has really dark and sarcastic lyrics about insulting and putting down a low-class guy. This is just an all-around great song.
Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon - 8/10 I'm down with having a sense of humour and all, but this song just seems silly. But still, it's Queen. And I really like Brian's guitar solo at the end.
I'm In Love With A Car - 9/10 The first song not sung by Freddie; Roger Taylor (drums) sings it. .5 is taken off because his voice is a bit too raspy for me. Another .5 is taken off because some of the lyrics seem kind of silly after a while. Still, some great guitar riffs by Brian (as always) and some amusing car sounds at the end.
You're My Best Friend - 10/10 One of the catchiest off the album, and one of Queen's biggest hits. I like the keyboard intro too. Nothing needs to be said about it that hasn't already been said.
'39 - 10/10 This is my 3rd favorite off the album. Let me just say that Queen really should've released this one as a single! It works in all directions. It's sung by Brian, and he has a great voice. '39 is the folksiest song off A Night At The Opera. I think it's about sailing to a new country or something ("The Volunteers came home that day and they bring good news of a world so newly born"). But whether I'm right or wrong, it's still a killer song.
Sweet Lady - 8.5/10 To me, this son sounds a little dated. I can't explain why, but it does. And other than that, it just doesn' stand out compared to the other songs on the album. It's about a man who's treated "like a dog", or in other words, *makes sound a whip makes*.
Seaside Rendezvous - 8.5/10 The better of the 2 humourous songs on the album. It's just a lot less annoying than Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon.
The Prohet's Song - 10/10 WHY does everyone hate this song so much?!?!? This is my favorite song off the entire album, and even though I'm not that familiar with their discography, I think this is one of Queen's best songs. It's an epic 8-minute tale about apocalypse ("Oh oh, people of the earth, listen to the warning. The seer he said, beware the storm that gathers here. Listen to the wise man."), or about a man warning the world of apocalypse. It seems to have been inspired by Noah's Ark. Killer song. Don't skip it!
Love Of My Life - 9/10 A pretty piano ballad. Basically about an unsteady couple that represents how marriages can fall apart. Not a bad song, but it's really overshadowed after the last track.
Bohemian Rhapsody - 10/10 The most popular song off the album, Queen's 3rd most popular song ever (We Will Rock You is #1 and We Are The Champions is is #2), and one of the most popular songs in history!! It's a ballad about a poor, hopeless boy who kills someone ("Put a gun against his head, the pulled the trigger, now he's dead"), is put on trial, begs to be let go, but is locked up anyway (well, I'm only assuming that last part). He then looks at his life and realizes that he really doesn't have anywhere to go ("Nothing really matters... anyone can see"). But it's more than the lyrics that change. Bohemian Rhapsody is a crazy song with quick tempo changes, awesome guitar solos from Brian, and even operatic vocals. Certainly one of the greatest song ever written. Only an idiot would skip this song.
God Save The Queen - 7.5/10 A very guitar-based instrumental. If you ask me, they should've made it a part of Bohemian Rhapsody. Still, an interesting instrumental.
Review for the DVD:
Well, it was kind of dissapointing. Instead of showing live performances of the band or music videos, it's just the album played with some video clips of the guys playing. Sometimes it's just pitcures of them, and other times it's not Queen at all!! Unless you like watching muted performances of the band with the album playing over it, the DVD doesn't have much to offer.
Well, that's my take on A Night At The Opera. This was one of the best albums of the 70s, was the best album of 1975 along with Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here, and is one of the best rock albums ever. I had a great experience with this album, and I can't wait to buy more of Queen's albums.
Free Music Review: Bloody Brilliant
Hit: 5 Stars
A Night At the Opera is unmistakably the best album Queen ever produced. Not only are the songs good, but they show the band's sense of humor, which is one of the things I like the most about Queen's work.
Death On Two Legs- 4/5. A really good song. About one of their managers who swindeled them out of a lot of money. It's not only rude and cruel, but really fun and humorous at the same time. The line "Do you feel like suicide? (I think you should...)" gets me everytime.
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon- 5/5. Songs like this, the vaudville-like ones, don't seem to turn up on their later albums (post 1980) and that's pretty disapointing. It's the style that they seemed to have the most fun with, and the kind that Freddie wrote best.
I'm In Love With My Car- 3/5. One of my lesser favorites... Roger is an okay singer and all, but his voice is raspy (he smoked way too much) and that bothers me a bit. On the other hand the song is catchy and fun, it gets stuck in my head often. The only other problem I have with this one is that some of the lyrics aren't very good. But whatever...
You're My Best Friend- 4/5. One of their best. It's a very sweet song that Deacon wrote for about girlfriend (and later wife.) The only thing is that it gets old after you've listened to it one hundred times, I skip past it when I'm not in the mood.
'39- 5/5. Why the smeg wasn't this a hit?! It's a mystery to me. Easily my favorite on the album (beside's Bohemian Rhapsody that is!)The beginning guitar part is wonderful, I love the softer side of Brians writing, its a good break from his regular extreme rocking out sound. Brian seemed to enjoy writing stories into his music, and the lyrics in this are very sad indeed. I wish there were more songs like this in the Queen selection.
Sweet Lady- 2/5. My least favorite on the album. It seems like many people share my opinion on this song. It's an okay song, I just don't think it competes with the other songs on the album. It's just not as high calibur.
Seaside Rendevous- 5/5. My other favorite aside from Bohemian Rhapsody. Also another charming vaudvillesque Freddie song. It cracks me up every time at the end, the line "give us a kiss!" is priceless! I also enjoy the part where Freddie and Roger imitate horns, a fun bit!
The Prophet's Song- 5/5. It seems that not many people have a tolerance for this song. I think it's wonderful. Brian claims that the inspiration for this came from a dream he had about Noah and the floods. The beginning gutiar and toy koto duet is gentle, but foreshadows the coming rock and ensuing madness. Then the first six verses just take my breath away. The harmonies and lyrics are, in my opinion, truly sent from the rock Gods to Brian's sleeping brain so the amassed audiences could shiver with glee at the awesome music. Then comes the 2 minute long acapella multi-tracking, which, like many others, I find rather tedious. But after listening to it nine or ten times, it grows on you. The last little rocking bit isn't as good as the first bit, and the song seems to peter out a bit, but then it comes right back up in the end with spine tingling harmonies and lyrics, and then the haunting guitar and koto bit again to finish it off. All in all an awesome song.
Love of My Life- 5/5. A gorgeous ballad by Freddie. Makes me want to cry every time I listen to it. I especially like it when Brians guitar rock bit melds with the piano and lilting melody, it makes it sound more melencholy than if it had been played with harp! Wonderful song...
Good Company- 4/5. I like this song. It seems very Beatlesesque to me with the Brian vocal and the ukulele. Again, it tells a story. It's okay, not great, but fun to listen to all the same.
Bohemian Rhapsody.- 5/5 (possibly infinity/5...) The. Best. Song. Ever. I can't listen to this song with out having spasms of appreciation and utter joy. Just a masterpiece. Bloody smeg Freddie, I love you.
God Save the Queen.- 4/5. It's a good song, I personally think they should have left it a Bohemian Rhapsody, it's almost impossible to follow that magnum opus up. It bothers me just a little becuase it sounds a bit like they tried to imitate Hendrix playing the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock, but I think it just sound like that because it's a patriotic song. Not the best, but still good.
I really enjoyed this album and I highly recommend it to any one who has heard any Queen. This is actually a really good album if you've been a casual Queen fan for a while, and you want to get deeper into their music. It's impossible for this album to dissapoint if you're looking for high quality Queen. This is their best.
Free Music Review: Give us a kiss...
Hit: 5 Stars
Well this is the best of the best band ever in my opinion. People criticize them for overproduction, which of course is what any great experimental band has ever done in the recording studio. I think certain music to a degree can get criticized if there's no substance to the material other than studio trickery. Queen, especially in the 70s, never shorthanded their fans in music quality and didn't use the synths everyone was adopting at the time. They used their creative minds musically (writing and performing all of their own instruments and instruments you were amazed that they could play such as the Harp on Love of my Life and the Toy Koto on The Prophet Song) and technically layering their vocals, guitar parts and even drums which had to actually be recorded in seperate studios because of the lack of technology they had at the time) to produce the best music they could for their time. They were each virtuosos on their own instruments and their playing was never better than it was on this album. Songwriting-wise they each contributed some of if not their best songs ever on this record lyrically and musically.
Lets first take Roger's I'm In Love With My Car, clearly his best rocker that he himself sings. It's great to hear the vocal harmonies in the chorus, featured as the opening tag in the remixed version not being covered up by all of the other tremendous instrumentation. John Deacon, of all the band members writes the true pop classic of the whole album You're My Best Friend which has been featured in movies and commercials all over the place. It features an electric piano sound which blends perfectly with the vocal harmonies and Brian's guitar work.
Now the big boys, Brian and Freddie...Even though Good Company has tremendous guitar orchestrations and features Brian playing all the guitar and banjo parts on it, I still prefer '39 as his best vocal song. The middle section of '39 featuring Roger singing the mega-falsetto ahhhhhhhh's along with Freddie really adds tremendous atmosphere to the country ballad. That's what is great about pretty much every song written by Brian on this record. You feel like you're being transported to another place. Before I get around to his masterpiece (The Prophet Song), I have to get to Sweet Lady which is a very underated song by him. The lyrics are great "you call me sweet like I'm some kind of cheese" and definately shows his heavy metal-pop sound which becomes more realized in his next rocker Tie Your Mother Down featured on the next album A Day at the Races.
Okay now for The Prophet Song...Early Queen albums had it's share of epic songs like Liar, Great King Rat, March of the Black Queen, all written by Freddie. Now for the first and really only time, Brian takes the ambitious step to write a song with different sections. This song has many levels, from his slow intro played on the toy koto, to the narrative verses, to the anthemic chorus, to the choirboy echoing in both speakers accapella section, moving into the rauchous heavy metal section and then blending perfectly back down to his delicately played koto and connecting seemlessly to the next slow love ballad written by Freddie.
Which leads me to the man MAN!!! Here he's at his purest. Writing really his last ever heavy metal song Death on Two Legs which was about their former manager. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon and Seaside Rendevous shows Freddie's love for the old ragtime/showtune style he started with Bring Back that Leroy Brown on the previous album and followed up with The Millionaire Waltz and Good Old Fashioned Loverboy on the next album.
Love of My Life is a gorgegous song both melodically and harmonically. Then we get to Freddie's masterpiece...Bohemian Rhapsody. What can you say about it..There will never be another one of these ever recorded. Their harmonies (both vocals and guitars) were their best ever on this song. The most special thing about this song has to do with variety of different musical styles performed masterfully.
Most bands refer to Sgt. Pepper by the Beatles when they say they hope they can make an album they can say is their best. A Night at The Opera I believe is far better than the Beatles Sgt. Pepper (not that I think Sgt. Pepper is even the Beatles best). I am truely surprised this album gets overlooked as much as it does when people start thinking about the best albums of all time. Probably due to it's lack of singles since Queen only released You're My Best Friend and Bohemian Rhapsody from it. Lastly, I have to say...the music from this album makes me live.