THE WORKS

Fabulous album. After Queen's daring (and relatively failed) atempt at disco music with Hot Space they took a year off, to gather their senses, and work on solo material. After the much needed break they took a step back, and instead of their usual routine of seeking their borders maintained what they knew they could do.

May wrote some heavy rock songs (Tear It Up, Hammer to Fall), Deacon contributed one of the best pop-song ever written (I Want To Break Free), Taylor improved on his songwriting once again (Radio GaGA) and Mercury was being himself, combining opera with Rock&Roll (It's A Hard Life, Man On The Prowl and Just Keep Passing The Open Windows). two songs were written combining forces, the fabulous and fairly progressive Machines (May/Taylor) and the accoustic ballad "Is this The World we Created...(May/Mercury).

Radio GaGa, was one of the biggest hits Queen wrote, a protest against the importance of music video's on the record sales, as oposed to the musical qualities of the then current bands, and a love song to Radio, naturally combined with a fabulous video (not a contradiction in Queen's world). Elements of Fritz Lang's version of the movie 'Metropolis' where used in the video as part of the deal of Freddie's contribution to Giorgio Moroder's soundtrack for the movie. Basicaly written by Roger, but Freddie took it upon him to improve it, the result is Roger's most progressive pop song.

I Want To Break Free, also came out as a single, with the Queen members dressed in drag the video was rather controversial in the US, but Roger sure looks good in drag.The song in itself is beautifull, although a bit too poppy for most proggers I suppose.

Machines, starting completely electronic, when the human rock band kick in, the song takes the shape of a battle, musically I always compare it to Pink Floyd's Have A Cigar, but I doubt any of you will see the resemblens. A fabulous song.

Just Keep Passing The Open windows, originaly written for the movie Hotel New Hampshire (didn't make the soundtrack), but adapted to fit the album. The title comes from a John Irving's book, and means something along the line of Don't Try Suicide ("The Game"album). Fantastic keyboards and one of Queen's best songs ever (IMO).

I think the four singles (Radio GaGA, I Want To Break Free, It's A Hard Life and Hammer To Fall) are known by most of you. If you like any of these songs the album will be worth your while. For The works is one of Queen's most cohesive records ever, combining the heavy rock of Brian May, with the Rock and Roll infested brilliant rock songs from Mercury, and the two great singles from John and Roger.

A fabulous album, with some progressive elements (Mercury songs, Machines and Radio gaga). Highly recommended to all who like good rock music.