HOT SPACE

After the succes of previous albums, each having a music-style theme running through it, this time it's dance and disco music they desided to have a go at, I'm torn apart about this album, I like it very much, and it probably is the album that I listen to most, but it is miles away from what I've grown to love about Queen's music (apart from their continuous change of style, which Hot Space is the ultimate excample of). I like it, but I can see why many people will be turned away by it.

The music on this album is really good, but it is designed to be disco music, so the guitars are less prominent than on previous albums, mostly the bassline take the lead, with Freddie singing, and accents are added with guitar and drums. Some great moments to be enjoyed, but you have to want to see it.

Staying Power, introducing Arif Mardin on horns, a very funky disco dance song, with strong arrangements and driven by a great bassline start this album, the following Dancer is a bit more heavy, but the heavy rock guitars are hidden in the danceble arrangements still a great rock song, if you pass the disco grooves. Back Chat is one of my favourites of the album, with a great intro, quite slow arrangement, awsome if you like this, despite Deacon's initial reluctance to have guitar's in this song, May persisted he could make an improvement on the song with his guitar, after much deliberating Deacon caved in and allowed May to experiment with some guitar. May performs brilliantly, but knowing it wasn't innitially planned makes me wonder how it would have sounded without. Body Language was released as a single, and did very well, some nice moments, typical Queen changes throughout, but not really good. Action This Day Disco drums, and a strong groove, nice and a deceptionally simple song wraps up the first half of the album.

The second part of the album starts with the heavy rock of Put Out The Fire unmistakingly a Brian May composition, heavy guitars and some good moments, but not all that good. Life Is Real follows, a John Lennon tribute song, written in the style of Lennon songs, some good moments, but not overtly brilliant. Calling Al Girls some cheesy camp, enjoyable but not very good.Palabras de Amor A fine May ballad, with a swirling synthesiser line, some accoustic guitars and beautifully sung, really a good song. Cool Cat R&B with a little humour, Freddie singing on the top of his voice, it's pop music, but great bass, rhythmic guitars and melodie, great song. The album closes with the David Bowie collaboration Under Pressure a well known song I suppose, some fine moments, especially the vocals are very good, and the bass line is rather appealing.

Hot Space is without a doubt Queen's worst album, and only the dedicated fan will find something of value in this album, so if you're not such a fan, don't bother to check it out. I like it very much, and therefor I thought about rewarding it with three stars, but I really should give only two. Nice and enjoyable if you like campy disco music, but bottom line this is only for fans of Queen.