THE GAME

Freddie Mercury's undisguised intentions to experiment with the pop and disco sounds so in vogue in the early 80's found their initial point of intersection in "The Game", Queen's eighth album. A work that features the novel use of synthesizers, thus putting an end to the hitherto proud motto of not including synthesizers, frequently stated on the back covers or inner packaging of the band's previous albums. A detail that did not go unnoticed, and a clear sign that new winds were blowing on the horizon.

The agile and synthesized "Play the Game" serves as a starting point for a general tone that runs between playful and accessible rhythmic developments, such as the mega funky hit "Another One Bites The Dust" with John Deacon's catchy bass, or the entertaining rockabilly "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and Mercury's rudimentary guitar strumming, or the hurried "Need Your Loving Tonight" and "Coming Soon", contrasted with the splashes of hard rock vein of "Dragon Attack" and Brian May's intense riff and sinuous guitar solo. On the other hand, the band's ever-present mellow feel appears in the last section of the album, with the beautiful "Sail Away Sweet Sister" and May's plaintive singing, but especially with the fragility of "Save Me" and the luminous piano/guitar blend of Mercury and May, stamping one of the band's great ballads.

The release of "The Game" generated controversy and some grimaces of non-conformity among the more purist fans of Queen's early days, but at the same time allowed the Brits to continue exponentially expanding their refreshed musical approach to an increasingly receptive international market.

3 stars