Kind Of Magic, A - Queen > Reviews > Queentessentially Queen

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Rip roaring tracks
Disadvantages:	None spring to mind

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I've been dusting off the cd collection again and found this crown jewel lurking amongst them, looking just that bit more regal than the rest. So it's time to give it a right royal reviewing and see if this Queen is fit for a King, or a cabaret act.

I am of cousre talking about Queen's 'A kind Of Magic' album which was released in 1986. This album also doubles up as the soundtrack to the movie 'Highlander' with the exception of the first track 'One Vision' which comes from the movie 'Iron Eagle' (anyone ever seen it because I haven't ?).

Much has already been written about Queen themselves so I'll not over elaborate here. Basically they were formed in the early 1970's but didn't come to real prominence until 1975 when 'Bohemian Rhapsody' stormed the charts. Following this they grew from strength to strength with a string of successful albums, backed up by outrageously extravagent stage shows. Queen's true coronation as the Kings of music however, came in 1985 during the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. Spurred on by this they undertook a series of concerts during 1986 aka the 'Magic Tour', which were sadly to be their last as a complete band, due to Freddie Mercury's deteriorating health. These concerts, of which I was fortunate enough to see one, coincided with the release of 'A Kind Of Magic'.

1) One Vision

What a track to start the album, bass ridden with an absolutely mind blowing, fast paced drum beat throughout. Brian May contributes with a screeching guitar solo and Freddie Mercury's vocals are as majestic as ever. On a slightly humorous note, the final line of this song should read "Just gimme gimme gimme One vision" but if you listen carefully I am sure that Freddie actually ends with "Fried Chicken". Did he honestly think we wouldn't notice his little joke ?

Verdict - We are amused.

2) A Kind Of Magic

The title track of the album has a thumping bass line throughout and a steady drum beat. The guitar sound is much subtler in this track, but adds well to the songs overall ambience. The vocals are as good as ever and bear great relavence to the 'Highlander' movie.

Verdict - We are amused.

3) One Year Of Love

Quite a soft, almost discrete song but a cracker nonetheless. A kind of ballad, which Queen do ever so well. The orchestral finale' makes this song for me. It kind of tells a tale along the lines of "It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all"

"Just one year of love
Is better than a lifetime alone
One sentimental moment in your arms
Is like a shooting star right through my heart."

Verdict - we are amused.

4) Pain Is So Close To Pleasure

Believe it or not this isn't a song about sado-masochism. It's more about the contradictions within a relationship, how one minute a couple can be all lovey dovey and the next minute at each others throats. Not the best song musically on the album, but the lyrics carry it.

Verdict - we are (only just) amused.

5) Friends Will Be Friends

This song is a bit of an anthem and when played live really gets the arms waving. The studio version aint' bad either. An almost unimaginable blend of electric guitar and orchestral strings is carried off with great aplomb, to give a really catchy tune. Relates the tale of somebody abandoned by a partner, whose friends rally round to help.

"It's so easy now cos you got griends you can trust
Friends will be friends
When you're in need of love they give you care and attention
Friends will be friends"

Verdict - We are amused.

6) Who Wants To Live Forever

A beautiful song detailing the sadness which some one who lead an immortal life would probably experience. A gentle, orchestral backing track with subtle use of guitar. The lyrics are very poignant when listened to in context with the 'Highlander' movie.

Verdict - We are amused.

7) Gimme The Prize

Strong screeching guitars, a thumping drum beat pounding away in the background and heavy bass make this an out and out rock track. Freddie's vocals are accompanied by excerpts from the 'Highlander' movie spliced in at appropriate moments throughout this track. A more traditional, or old style Queen track.

Verdict - We are amused.

8) Don't Lose Your Head

The lyrics don't need a lot of explanation in this song. Not the best backing track on the album and probably a bit too similar to the previous track for my liking. Freddie's strong vocal performance just about carries this song.

Verdict - We are (only just) amused.

9) Princes Of The Universe

My favourite track on the album. Has everything you'd expect of a Queen song. Strong guitar throughout, a good bass line and outstanding drumming. Add Freddie's towering vocals to the mix and you've got a stonking song on your hands

"I am immortal. I have inside me blood of kings
I Have no rival. No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world
Born to be kings. Princes of the universe..."

Verdict - We are (highly) amused.

The album then includes three bonus tracks called 'Extra magical ingredients' which are basically remixes of tracks already featured on the album.

10 ) A Kind Of A Kind Of Magic

A much shorter and inferior remix of 'A Kind Of Magic', which does nothing for me.

Verdict - We are not amused.

11) Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends

A fuller length remix of 'Friends Will Be Friends'. It doesn't differ too much from the earlier version though for my liking.

Verdict - We are not amused.

12) Forever

An absolute gem hidden at the end of the album. This is a beautiful instrumental, orchestral based version of 'Who Wants To Live Forever'. Not what you'd expect from Queen. It wouldn't seem out of place if it was played at the last night of the proms.

Verdict - We are amused.

So with ten out of its twelve tracks to my liking I would say this album was a resounding success. Spending 63 weeks in the charts following its release backs that argument up as well. A Kind Of Magic must rank as one of Queen's best studio albums ever.

'A Kind Of Magic' is available from amazon.co.uk for £10.99 new or from £4.00 used. You sometimes see it marked down in record shops though or as part of a buy x cd's for £y promotion, so it's still readily available.