SHEER HEART ATTACK

'Sheer Heart Attack' is my favourite Queen album. The album is flawless, the production is imeccable, the vocals are extraordinary, Brian's guitar playing is stunning and of course, the songs are all strong. Showing a variety of styles and moods the album is cohesive and from start to finish sounds incredible. Many of the songs connect with one another and it can be breathtaking how one moment you can feel exhilarated, and the next, caught in a moment of pure beauty, 'Flick of the Wrist' to 'Lily of the Valley' being one example'

Highlights include May's 'Brighton Rock' and 'Now I'm Here', both are incredible, 'Brighton Rock' gave us one of the most amazing guitar solos from the ever innovative Brian May and the intro is a great idea, the sounds of a carnival suddenly become hijacked by May's thundering guitar lines. 'Now I'm Here' is another gem, memorable vocal intro and May's greatest guitar riff. These maybe the heavier songs on the album along with Taylors great 'Tenement Funster', and the short energetic 'Stone Cold Crazy' that was the result of a spontanious jam. These all contrast very well with the shorter piano led songs such as Mercury's beautiful 'Lily of the Valley' or May's hymn - like 'Dear Friends'.

One thing that could very well take you by surprise is Mercury's beautiful piano playing, not mentioned as much as it should be, his piano playing is impeccable and songs like 'Flick of the Wrist', 'In the Lap of the Gods' and even 'Killer Queen' are all the perfect testament to his skills as a pianist.

The album certaintly has it's easier moments, Deacon's first composition for the band 'Misfire', is an innocent, short pop song that is rather decent when May decides to add some excellent guitar to the outro. The album also has moments that are just plain barmy, 'Bring Back That Leroy Brown', in which May plays a Ukulele - Banjo, Deacon plays a Double Bass and Mercury uses his 'Jangle Piano', The song is strikingly off the wall and absolutely wonderful. 'Killer Queen' has probably been stuck in some peoples minds for thirty years and some may find it a little too catchy, but a great song none the less.

The albums closer 'In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited', begins as another piano led track that builds and builds and becomes an incredible anthem, a sort of triumphant sing-a-long that gives one the sense of victory and joy. An excellent way to close the album.

For me, not a bad thing can be said about this album, and it is one of my favourites of all time. Brimming with ideas, wonderful instrumental moments, Mercury's vocals as breathtaking as ever. Could be Queen's finest moment.