THE GAME

The QUEEN album from the transition period. This one will be remembered because of first use of a synthesizer (Oberheim OBX) on a QUEEN record. Prog-related QUEEN period is gone for good. This record is much closer to the trendy punk and new Wave than it's predecessors "News Of The World" and "Jazz".

"Another One Bites The Dust" was a huge hit. Only interesting thing about this one is the fact that actually all the special effects and strange sounds are made with Brian's guitar. There is no single not played on a synth. "Play The Game" is lovely ballad in QUEEN style, but note very challenging. The same goes for "Save Me" (very pleasant ballad though). "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is rockabilly (retro-rockabilly was trend in the early 80s) somewhat reminding of THE STRAY CATS. "Don't Try Suicide", "Need Your Loving Tonight" and "Coming Soon" are just fillers, very weak fillers. "Don't Try Suicide" have some good lyrics, but that's not enough to save the song.

"Rock It" is very good punk/new-wave with Roger on vocals. I like it a lot; it's not just a weak attempt of 70's rock dinosaurs to play new, trendy music (like mentioned "Coming Soon"), it works really well, actually. My favourite track from the album.

"Sail Away Sweet Sister" is lovely Brian's acoustic ballad, and only thing that is somewhat proggy, but don't expect too much. It's just a lovely song with Brian on vocals, and one chorus in good old-fashioned QUEEN style.

The last song worth mentioning is bass-driven "Dragon Attack". Despite the cheesy lyrics and predictability, it's quite a good groove...

What can I say? Eighties are here. If you are not a QUEEN fan, skip this one.