Queen - A Night at the Opera
|
List Price: Our Price: $10.82 You Save: $3.16 (23%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.77 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for A Night at the Opera
Free Music Review: Queen's most famous album is still as superb as it was in 1975
Hit: 5 Stars
Queen's fourth album A Night at the Opera was released in December of 1975.
The album was the band's sink or swim album, if it flopped it would have been the end of Queen.
Here is a track-by-track summary of the album.
"Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)" kicks off the album in a hard rocking manner which was frontman Freddie Mercury's ode to an ex-management company whom treated the band like dirt. The vaudevillian sounding "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" follows and is great with its 1930s-ish sound and harmonized heavy metal guitar solo at the end is amazing. Drummer Roger Taylor's ode to the automobile "I'm In Love With My Car" follows and is a superb rocker sung by Roger. The ballad "You're My Best Friend" follows and is a nice song written by bass player John Deacon for his wife Veronica (whom he is still married to today) and was a US Top 20 hit in the summer of 1976 peaking at #16. I love the melodies and harmony parts. Guitarist Brian May's "'39" is a great skiffle (folk) song with Brian singing. The song is Queen's sci-fi song about a man who goes time travelling for a hundred years but comes back one year older. Musically sounds like an outtake from either The Beatles' Rubber Soul or a Kingston Trio album. Brian writes the next track, the rocker "Sweet Lady" which is a great hard rock track. Freddie's vaudevillian sounding "Seaside Rendezvous" ends the first half. Got to love those voice orhestrations from Roger and Freddie imitating horns.
Brian's epic "The Prophet's Song" kicks off the second half in epic style and all I can say is WOW! The song was written while Brian was sick with the curable form of hepatitis and an ulcer which forced Queen to cancel a US tour in 1974. It's a great epic, superb vocals. Especially with Freddie's vocal solo which was pure genius. Freddie's "Love of My Life" follows and is a great song about a breakup. Brian's "Good Company" is next with Brian's jazz guitar orchestra, ukulele and vocals on this track is unbelievable. Next is the album's biggest hit and Queen's arguable greatest moment, Freddie Mercury's nearly six minute opus entitled "Bohemian Rhapsody". The song is Freddie's 6 minute magnum opus and a song unlike any in rock history. It has it all, ballad, an OPERA section (voices by the Queen members and was overdubbed and overdubbed to point where master tape almost deteriorated). This song would be Queen's first US Top 10 hit reaching #9 in 1976. Then it would reach #2 in 1992 in the US when re-released because of Wayne's World. Brian's classic rendition of the British national anthem "God Save the Queen" closes this masterpiece.
When this album was released, it went to #4 in the US and became Queen's first million seller and has sold up to 3 million copies to date in the US alone (I helped when I first bought the album on CD in March of 1992 only being familiar with Bohemian Rhapsody and You're My Best Friend as they were on Elektra/Asylum's 1981 version of Queen's Greatest Hits). The album would be re-released for its 30th Anniversary (see upcoming review for the disc).
Highly recommended!
Free Music Review: Queen's Rhapsody
Hit: 5 Stars
Carrying on from the groundbreaking SHEER HEART ATTACK album, Queen went into the studio with Roy Thoms Baker to make the best album of their lives. Happily for all of us they succeeded. There are no fillers tracks on OPERA; and this time they were experimenting with more musical styles. Each member gets the chance to shine. Oh, and there was this little throwaway track called BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY . . . ever hear that one before? DEATH ON TWO LEGS (DEDICATED TO) - Dedicated to a rat of a former manager, this album opener begins with some tasty piano trills before a heavy metal storm is unleashed courtesy of guitarist Brian May. The storm finally breaks into a piano and guitar led rocker that has venom at its core. If they never see this guy again alive, it'll be too soon for them.
Concert favourite from the mid seventies to the early eighties.
LAZYING ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON - Freddie Mercury does Noel Coward, and does him to a tee. Mercury always had an affinity with early twentieth century British music as tracks like this and GOOD OLD FASHIONED LOVERBOY prove. May's lead axework fits right into the mix.
I'M IN LOVE WITH MY CAR - Drummer Roger Taylor's tribute to a racing car buddy (Taylor being an enthusiast himself). This slow paced rocker became Roger's signature tune in concert.
YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND - Hit written by bassist John Deacon. This is a perfect song for lovers who are also each other's best friend. Great keyboard work by Mercury and harmony guitar by May.
'39 - Tale written and sung by Brian. Acoustic guitar works well, with a little lead guitar fretwork thrown in and superb harmony vocals. Sung live by Freddie and included in an `unplugged' segment (See? Queen were trendsetters; and not just in killer videos!)
SWEET LADY - Rocker straight out of Led Zepplin's books about a lady who is anything but `sweet'. In the midst of massive production, Queen could still rock hard.
SEASIDE RENDEVOUS - A huge slice of English `camp', courtesy of Mr Fredrick Mercury. Not only do we get witty Noel Coward lyrics and delivery, we also get barbershop harmonies and short tap-dancing lesson!
THE PROPHET SONG - Epic that is a showcase for Brian May's fretwork, this suffers by being of on the same album as BOHEMIAN RAPSODY. Stellar harmonies throughout and brilliant riffs abound.
LOVE OF MY LIFE - Beautiful ballad that would reach legendary proportions us a concert audience participation number. Although nice here, it reaches it's true potential on LIVE KILLERS.
GOOD COMPANY - Jaunty Brian May sung number, with more than a dash of ukulele thrown into the mixture for good measure.
BOHEMIAN RAPSODY - What can be said about this track that hasn't been sent before? Pure brilliance. Deserves the title: `Epic'. When Queen gave a test pressing of the song to English DJ Kenny Everett and told him not to play it, he `accidentally' dropped the needle on the record about ten times or more! `Nuff said!
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN - A fitting end to the best Queen album ever; this would become the concert closer as well. Brian May played this at the `other' Queen's tribute last year.
Free Music Review: THIS is worthy of the overused label: "A classic"
Hit: 5 Stars
You've got your "IV"'s, "Appetite For Destruction"'s, "Dark Side of the Moon"'s, "Toys in the Attic"'s, "Slippery When Wet"'s, the list perpetually continues.All of which are wonderful, but stalwart fans refuse to acknowledge that most GREAT bands evolved with even better music following their eternally labeled "classic" album. With "A Night at the Opera," Queen did both; they made a PERFECT album and made even more perfect music as their tragically doomed career marched on to the day of sadness in 1991.
If ever there is an album worthy of putting on headphones and clearing your mind of the rest of the world while meditating to an album, surely this is the one. The leadoff song "Death On Two Legs" is perfect, with tasteful piano work, as is the next "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon." There's so much going on in so little time! At this point, you know exactly how to expect the rest of the album: there is no way you can expect anything. The successful diversity of this band is unmatched to this day. The witty personality of Mercury is splotched everywhere, taking an already-greater-than-ordinary-song and putting something to it that is just .... ah, who needs words.
It always helps when there's no filler on an album, and every track stands on its own. This is one of the strongest start to finish albums ever made. The grade-A musicianship and quality diversity only make the jaw drop more as you hear such unique compositions as "Seaside Rendezvous", "The Prophet's Song", and "Good Company."
Then you've got the simple stuff. And only Queen knows how to put an unspeakable magic and emotion into songs with 3 (or in Queen's case 6) chords. Such songs include '39, the compound metered "Sweet Lady," and wellknown hit "You're My Best Friend." Even the mandatory insertion of Roger ("I'm in Love with my Car") is remarkably wellsuited for the occasion.
Finally you've got the songs written by God and given to Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Love of My Life." Enough's been shoved in people's faces about those tunes, so you probably don't need any further commentary. The works of a genius.
A good album 1) doesn't only thrive from its singles, 2) has the creme de la creme of both artistry and emotion, 3) has a wealth of diversity, 4) lacks filler, and 5) flows perfectly start to finish, without even being a concept album. Again, this album passes the test on all accounts.
If you are an American and think you like music AND don't have the majority of Queen's albums (PARTICULARLY this one and Innuendo) then you should be mildly ashamed of youself. Queen never got the appreciation from America that they deserve, people knowing only "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Those Sports Songs." Ugh.
But it makes sense I guess. I'm an American, but devote lots of time to everything I do. Many prefer the quick fix, and avoid Queen/prog/classical music because it demands to much of the listener. Queen is the perfect place to start for those looking for substance in music. Indeed, Freddie pretty much throws it at you and you can't help but "get it" when Queen performs.
Get it.
Free Music Review: The Greatest rock band's greatest CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
When people think of queen, Bohemian Rhapsody must follow. There are 11 great songs on this CD. "Death on Two Legs (dedicated to...)" was written for the band's old manager who cheated them. It's powerful and fun to sing along to. "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon..." is only about 1 minute long, but is contaigious and completely a happy tune. "I'm in Love With my Car" is interesting, because it is sung by Roger Taylor. I think he has a great voice, and I love when he sings. The song is made for any American boy who loves their ride more than their chick! "You're My Best Friend" was written by John Deacon and is a loving and sweet song. No negative energy in this one! "'39" is sung by Brian May, who also has a wonderful voice, very soft. In fact, I've never heard John Deacon sing by himself, but the other three band members have fabulous and unique voices. It's a folky kind of song, with a singable chorus. "Sweet Lady" brings Queen back to their rock roots, with a simple but great guitar lead throughout it. One of my favorite songs on the album is "Seaside Rendezvous", a chipper and funny song, with great vocals by Freddie. It is a complete riot, but at the same time, so catchy. "The Prophet's Song"is 8 and 1/2 minutes long, but super powerful! For anyone who loves the queen opera type songs, this will be a fave. "Love of My Life", is, in my opinion, one of the best love songs written. Freddie's beautiful angelic voice is enough to make you cry. He is so full of beauty and charisma, and this song proves it. It is a piano ballad, which are always beautiful. "Good Company" is another Brian May song, with great vocals and an interesting choice of words. Not deep at all, but fun to sing to.
Last, but certainly not least by any means, the great "Bohemian Rhapsody". I knew all the words to this song when I was 7, and I didn't even know who Queen was! But I loved it, and I still love it today. I think it's great because it is very difficult to know what the song is truly about. Freddie never told the public what the song was about, and I love that, because you can interprit it to fit your own life. This song was made popular because of the SNL classic "Wayne's World", and America finally got to hear the song Britain had known about for years. It is one of the best songs in history, and is even in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most requested song ever.
The last 3 songs on the record are the electric guitar version of "God Save the Queen", and digitally remastered versions of "You're My Best Friend", and "I'm in Love with My Car." This album is probably the best Queen album and is one of my favorites. I should mention I am a 16 year old girl, and my friends all make fun of me, while they're listening to rap and punk. I don't care, though, because I love Queen, I love Freddie, Roger, Brian, and John, and QUEEN is the love of my life!!!
Free Music Review: A Night At The Opera--lesson one in how to make a REAL rock album with substance
Hit: 5 Stars
Queen's album entitled A Night At The Opera remains one of the best rock albums to this day. Thirty one years after it was released on LP, people still snatch this up and Queen displays a strong ability to rock hard and yet be extremely creative in various styles of music as well. This CD proves it.
The CD opens with the very rockin' "Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...)." This song rocks hard and provides a strong beginning for the album. The melody holds your attention and Freddy Mercury's voice is strong and passionate. Awesome! The CD switches gears fast for a more laid back song entitled "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon." The arrangements are strong and Mercury sings this very well.
Other classic rock songs on this album include "I'm In Love With My Car" which compares a car to a man's lover; the beautifully arranged pop music ballad called "You're My Best Friend" and the sweet folk rock tune called "'39."
"Seaside Rendezvous" is one of my favorite songs on this album. Far from being hard classic rock, this song's arrangement has a very "retro" love ballad melody to it that is also very playful. The playfulness and upbeat melody reminds me of the joys of new love. Excellent!
No review of A Night A The Opera is complete without mention of the classic rock song "Bohemian Rhapsody." This song reveals what a young man is thinking after he makes a foolish and impulsive decision to kill someone. The song boasts dramatic operatic vocals and melodies; and I agree with the reviewer who writes that Brian May's guitar solo during this number is nothing short of mesmerizing. "Bohemian Rhapsody" remains one of the greatest classic rock pieces to this day. It will continue to be one he** of a show stopper for quite some time to come, too.
Some reviewers write that the two final tracks, which are remixes of "I'm In Love With My Car" and "You're My Best Friend" are not very different from the original tracks. These reviewers are right. I guess this is a minor disappointment since the rest of the album is practically flawless. Even the brief instrumental rendition of "God Save The Queen" is exciting.
The liner notes contain the full lyrics and great color photos of Queen.
A Night At The Opera proves that Queen was more than capable of producing flawless music in a wide variety of genres. On one single album, you get the hard rock tracks "I'm In Love With My Car" and "Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...)" as well as the folk rock ballad "'39." There is the pop music style of "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon" and "You're My Best Friend" alongside the joyful expression of love in "Seaside Rendezvous." Moreover, you experience the incredible angst and despair expressed in "Bohemian Rhapsody." Freddy Mercury with the rest of Queen performed mightily to please their fans. There will never be another band quite like Queen; and I highly recommend this album for rock fans and pop rock fans everywhere.