QUEEN II

I was very found of this album when I purchased it back in 1974. Some great hard rock numbers combined with sublime vocal arrangements sounded quite different with the offering available at that time.

Brian definitely heard "Tommy" from "The Who" while he was writing "Father To Son". A brilliant rock opera song on its own (but "Queen" already produced such a marvel in their first album with "My Fairy King"). A highlight.

Even a song as "White Queen" while being built on a softer edge is so pleasant. Maybe sounding as a Led Zep one. The vocal melody is truly gorgeous. Of course, Freddie is a master in this exercise and is so much related with the sound of this band. He could turn an average song into a good one, just using his amazing capabilities. Being the composer or just a devoted band member just performing his duty like here.

But he wasn't the only one to hold the vocals. The heavy rock "The Loser In The End" was a showcase for Roger Taylor. Just to tell the fans that he was also one of the creative guy of the band.

The second highlight is "Ogre Battle" of course. A fully disjointed hard-rock song. It started the B-side of the vinyl album and as their first three albums, there will be a great side and another one. Side one for "Queen I". Side two for "Queen II". We'll discover together about their third release, will you?

Needless to say that Freddie's compositions are absolutely brilliant in terms of vocal harmonies. Even a short piece like "Nevermore" is so remarkable. Hats off! To be as convincing in just over one minute is just incredible. The mark of the greatest, I guess.

The mini opera "March of the Black Queen" is the absolute highlight of this great album. Very much premonitory of later work to come ("Bohemian Rapshody"). Sublime harmonies, wild guitar, sumptuous vocal arrangements, and a fantastic finale. The best song from this album, and one of my top five from the band. Just listen to the final part : just a "Bohemian Rapshody" rehearsal.

And the closing "Seven Seas of Rhye" which builds up on their closing number from "Queen I", is much more crafted here. Of course, vocals again add such a power that it is completely transformed.

A very good way to close an excellent album. Four stars but don't expect any prog in here. Maybe for their next album?