Classic Rock Album of the Day- Queen - Queen II (1974) ****
When I previously reviewed the first Queen album it was a tough call as both I and II are absolute classics. No one can doubt their talent, range, and influence, and though they became much bigger stars in the late 1970's and '80's, to me this is their talent in pure hard rock essence. Not understating their greatness as pop rock stars, but this just my preferential era.
I originally chose I, by the sheer manner these guys were so innovative, new, and unlike anything previously. Yes you can detect and extract the glam influences, but they took a hard rock edge and made music like no one else. And it didn't hurt the fact that these are a group of extremely talented musicians, and songwriters. There isn't a weak link in this band. And Mercury? I feel he has maybe one of the greatest voices in rock history. Incredible range and power. I am just a little saddened they didn't stay the course of I and II with style, and intent. But they sure knew where the cash was.
What additionally makes these first 2 albums so great is that it allowed Brian May to exercise his hard rocking soloist chops. By the time Sheer Heart Attack and Night at the Opera were published, the style had definitely morphed in a more pop direction. Smart in that it broadened their appeal, but was not good for their base fans who brought them into the limelight.
This one also along with Opera has maybe the most prog feel to it. Band even chose to call the sides black/white instead of 1/2. The white side has a very traditional majestic chordal fell, with what is almost pomp in intent, while the black side more heavy, riffing, and forbiddance. Mercury claims there was no special meaning, but at least my POV, there are definite stylistic differences between the two. But sides are equally listenable, as this album has very little filler.
Fun Fact: Across the board this LP is considered the most critically panned in the band's career. Of course, I have always had a pretty dim opinion of rock critics, who typically don't know shit from shinola.
Side White
-----------------
Procession- Beautiful majestic instrumental that does a fine job intro-ing the rest of the album. 7
Father to Son- Anthem that shifts styles and meter. Metal riffing mid way is classic. 4
White Queen- Another ballad that doesn't meet the strength of preceding song. Who said they had to bat a 1.000? 9
Some Day One Day- Finely sung by Brian May. May has a great voice, but when you are in the same band as Freddie Mercury? Tune has that AOR '70's feel, but fits in nicely in the flow of the LP 6
The Loser in the End- Roger Taylor's add to the album. Weakest cut on the LP. 11
Side Black
-----------------
Ogre Battle- Classic Classic Hard rocking Queen. This song has my favorite Brian May Ax work. Anyone who doubts his abilities needs to invest 5 minutes and listen to this amazing work. Always wondered if Peart got his inspiration for Bytor and Snow Dog from this. I'd wager he had. Great story telling while a tour de' blast of a wall of instruments. Excellent. 1
The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke- Pop singed, but the master stroke was some of the innovative hooks that almost make this tongue in cheek ditty really fit in nicely with the Aesop fable-ish concept. 8
Nevermore- We all know, I am not a fan of crooning balladry, but this is the first song, that Queen showcased Mercury's operatic talents and range. Also not lost in the equation, is introduction of some the best and subsequent harmonization in rock history. Listen to the almost tuning fork resonation. 5
March of the Black Queen- An absolute masterpiece. Maybe the last song to feature and unfortunately include the "N" word by a white band? In any case this benchmark of absolute blending of all the band's talents. Song features some very innovative time and key changes that really especially gives this one that prog feel. 2
Funny How Love is- Queen's greatest ballad, and pretty much a song that has died in obscurity due to fan's non familiarity with their early catalog. The histrionic harmonies just give this song a special feel. 3
Seven Seas of Rye- Somewhat of a followup of the first album. Never really understood what it added. Maybe a super-fan of the band could enlighten me. 10
When I previously reviewed the first Queen album it was a tough call as both I and II are absolute classics. No one can doubt their talent, range, and influence, and though they became much bigger stars in the late 1970's and '80's, to me this is their talent in pure hard rock essence. Not understating their greatness as pop rock stars, but this just my preferential era.
I originally chose I, by the sheer manner these guys were so innovative, new, and unlike anything previously. Yes you can detect and extract the glam influences, but they took a hard rock edge and made music like no one else. And it didn't hurt the fact that these are a group of extremely talented musicians, and songwriters. There isn't a weak link in this band. And Mercury? I feel he has maybe one of the greatest voices in rock history. Incredible range and power. I am just a little saddened they didn't stay the course of I and II with style, and intent. But they sure knew where the cash was.
What additionally makes these first 2 albums so great is that it allowed Brian May to exercise his hard rocking soloist chops. By the time Sheer Heart Attack and Night at the Opera were published, the style had definitely morphed in a more pop direction. Smart in that it broadened their appeal, but was not good for their base fans who brought them into the limelight.
This one also along with Opera has maybe the most prog feel to it. Band even chose to call the sides black/white instead of 1/2. The white side has a very traditional majestic chordal fell, with what is almost pomp in intent, while the black side more heavy, riffing, and forbiddance. Mercury claims there was no special meaning, but at least my POV, there are definite stylistic differences between the two. But sides are equally listenable, as this album has very little filler.
Fun Fact: Across the board this LP is considered the most critically panned in the band's career. Of course, I have always had a pretty dim opinion of rock critics, who typically don't know shit from shinola.
Side White
-----------------
Procession- Beautiful majestic instrumental that does a fine job intro-ing the rest of the album. 7
Father to Son- Anthem that shifts styles and meter. Metal riffing mid way is classic. 4
White Queen- Another ballad that doesn't meet the strength of preceding song. Who said they had to bat a 1.000? 9
Some Day One Day- Finely sung by Brian May. May has a great voice, but when you are in the same band as Freddie Mercury? Tune has that AOR '70's feel, but fits in nicely in the flow of the LP 6
The Loser in the End- Roger Taylor's add to the album. Weakest cut on the LP. 11
Side Black
-----------------
Ogre Battle- Classic Classic Hard rocking Queen. This song has my favorite Brian May Ax work. Anyone who doubts his abilities needs to invest 5 minutes and listen to this amazing work. Always wondered if Peart got his inspiration for Bytor and Snow Dog from this. I'd wager he had. Great story telling while a tour de' blast of a wall of instruments. Excellent. 1
The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke- Pop singed, but the master stroke was some of the innovative hooks that almost make this tongue in cheek ditty really fit in nicely with the Aesop fable-ish concept. 8
Nevermore- We all know, I am not a fan of crooning balladry, but this is the first song, that Queen showcased Mercury's operatic talents and range. Also not lost in the equation, is introduction of some the best and subsequent harmonization in rock history. Listen to the almost tuning fork resonation. 5
March of the Black Queen- An absolute masterpiece. Maybe the last song to feature and unfortunately include the "N" word by a white band? In any case this benchmark of absolute blending of all the band's talents. Song features some very innovative time and key changes that really especially gives this one that prog feel. 2
Funny How Love is- Queen's greatest ballad, and pretty much a song that has died in obscurity due to fan's non familiarity with their early catalog. The histrionic harmonies just give this song a special feel. 3
Seven Seas of Rye- Somewhat of a followup of the first album. Never really understood what it added. Maybe a super-fan of the band could enlighten me. 10
