THE MIRACLE

With the 80s coming to an end most people would likely wonder if Queen would ever return to their hard rocking routes as hinted by a few scattered songs over their 80s discography. Well, those who hoped are in luck. 1989's The Miracle is likely Queen's hardest rocking effort since the turn of the decade. The disco-type influences are sill kicking around, but they've been put far to the background on this effort. With 4 hit singles, all of them non-dancable, it's no wonder that Queen finally snapped out of their disco-trance.

A mix of stadium rock and a tiny bit of progressive influence, but mostly just the hard-rocking the band used to do, The Miracle comes as just that to some of us Queen fans, a miracle. While there are still a few weak or un-noteworthy tracks they're all, for the most part, excellent songs. All of the hit singles from the album are also actually worth mentioning and not pop-garbage! The title track with it's worldly lyrics, I Want It All with it's killer (Brain) May licks and solos, The Invisible Man with it's infectious bass riff and Breakthru with it's break-neck pacing - each one a work of rock glory and with none of the pop moments of some of their recent albums.

It's not all good, however, as some of that disco is still sticking around, even if it sounds a bit more rock like now. The first two tracks are rather forgettable even if they're still good, and the three tracks following Breakthru are all 80s-synth laden pieces that most prog heads won't enjoy. Rain Must Fall keeps the typical synth beat that expects the audience to bust a move while Scandal just presses on the keys a bit to heavily.

Coming to the end however, we're given an unexpected gem. Was It All Worth It is likely the standout of the album with it's almost Iron Maiden-esque riff as it chugs along carrying Mercury's voice as it was meant to be performed - at top volume.

A couple of bonus tracks are included on recent remasters, Hang On In There is a typical rocker and Chinese Torture, a quick 'n dirty, good instrumental.

Not Queen's best album but by no means their worst this one is quite good. 2.5 stars really! Not essential, but certainly not disappointing, still recommended mostly to fans of the band and fans of hard rock. Most prog fans may not find a lot to like.

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