THE MIRACLE

The miracle was regarded as a return to the true Queen sound and principles - live rocking sound, focus on guitars. The band fulfilled the promise indeed, we could say they feel re-energized after a 3-year break. May is more audible than ever since 1980's keyboard input into the Queen sound. Deacon provides top contribution in particular to the dance or electronic inspired tracks like "Invisible man" and "Rain must fall". Mercury's vocal and showmanship shine through whereas Taylor's versatility ranges from pop, rock, metal to the 80's alternative. May feels very inspired, starting with the guitar instrumental on "Chinese torture" continuing to true hard rock/heavy metal riffing and distinguished soloing.

Though the sound will please most of older Queen fans, I think the material is weaker than on the previous 2 albums because of unusually high amount of filler. No denying the band was having fun but almost all of the 4- mark compositions were OK in the album's context but can't stand on their own (Party, Khashoggis ship, Scandal, My baby does me, Hang on there). These have their moments but ultimately feel either undeveloped or are overall not memorable. On the other end of the spectrum, we're faced with 3 incredibly strong compositions, crown jewels. "The miracle" has a fantastic melody, soothing chorus, moments of tension. Guitar solo is delicate and melancholic at the same time. The semi-hard-rock outro is ingeniously arranged if not very inventively played by May.

"I want it all" is another gem, a direct punched rocker. The studio version contains additional very 80's riffing. The mid section starting with the vocal tandem of May/Mercury invites into hard-rocking and then heavy metal territory. If you search of an anthem on this album, this is it.

The last standout is "Breakthrough", though more conventional in its composition, the muscular rhythm and Mercury section take the spotlight. Pay attention to the bass solo followed by the traditional guitar work.

Further tracks worth noting is the dance-friendly "The Invisible man" and the slightly epic "Was it all worth it" with sparse progressive elements in the structure and rhythmic parts. The most ambitious track, could be considered a premature "Innuendo".

Queen did an excellent job by tackling multiple (and some new) styles on this record. Not all exercises had a winning formula but fortunately, there are a couple of excellent tracks.

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