QUEEN

I think it is rather silly of me to try and introduce this band, cause most if not all people know them. Queen is one of the biggest bands in rock history, next to the likes of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Nirvana, AC/DC, and Guns N' Roses. They've released countless songs and made booming sales charts for each year they had released a new album. However, I sadly have barely heard any of their albums. Songs are a different story, I know Bohemian Rhapsody like the back of my hand, same with Another One Bites The Dust and We Will Rock You, but I never sat down and fully listened to any of their releases, the only one I have heard fully was Queen II. So with some consideration I decided to check out their debut album to see if I really REALLY wanna get deeper into their work, also because some requested me to.

The album starts with Keep Yourself Alive. It's a really cool rock track and a fine starting track for a debut album. I love the starting riff and how it's distorted a bit for it to sound like the guitar is being played under water. It gives the album sound a charming aura to it that envelops it through and through. My one consensus however is that, at this time, it definitely felt like the band was just starting things out, and trying to find a right spot. The instruments aren't as smooth as butter yet, and Freddie's singing, while still being very good, still has some rough spots, and this is more or less the main and only problem I have with this album. I guess I am used to how Queen sounds later in their career, so hearing something like this feels a bit jarring, but that is about it for problems, cause all the songs on this album are pretty great.

Next song, Doing Alright, is a beautiful song that goes from a calm piano and acoustic ballad to a hard rocking song that pulls no punches. It's super unexpected but really well done and a joy to sit through, and it gives you a sense of energy that the band seems to excel at.

Now onto my personal favorite song on the album, Great King Rat. I just adore this song, how it feels like a spaghetti western with how the drum beats and how the guitars are played, it just feels so cheesy and good that I am surprised this song is not talked about more today on how good it actually is. It's just super fun to me and needs more appreciation.

Likewise, My Fairy King also deserves a lot of love. It feels like a folk ballad converted into a strong rock song that gives you the same sense of wonder and mystical energy, but also gives you a feeling of power and might. I honestly love when Queen explores more fantasy-like songs and elements in their songs, it makes me super joyful each and every time.

The next song is Liar. This song, despite having a joyous sound, has some dark elements with the lyrics that tell of a sinner's tale and the consequences of yelling misguided lies. I gotta say, this might be one of the darker songs the band has released, but it isn't their first, though still, it gives you a very thought provoking glimpse into Queen's more darker and provoking lyrics.

The next song is The Night Coming Down. While it still has hard rock elements, it has a more relaxed and acoustic feel. It's a good song to chill too, and just relax. Makes sense because I think this song is about weed, and you know how weed makes you feel. Just a relaxing song throughout, and definitely one of the stand out tracks from the album with how it sounds and how it feels so good to listen too.

Next track is the shortest track on the album, Modern Times Rock 'N Roll. This is basically a fun little jam session with lyrics talking about how the old rock days are over and it is time to really change and knock those doors down. It reminds me a lot of the sounds found on some punk rock bands like The Clash or Ramones. It shows Queen being sorta ahead of their time in that aspect, which is always a cool thing to see a band do.

The next track is Son and Daughter. Similar stuff as on the album, lots of awesome and rocking songs, though I feel like I should point to the lyrics. Now some may think this is Brian May's stance on feminism or Freddie Mercury's sexuality, but I'd point to this song being the stigma against trans people, specifically trans men, and how society expects someone born into a certain sex should always be a specific gender, male or female, and have those expectations thrown off to the way side of society's standards gets people riled up. This song is basically of a man telling their son to be who they were before, a lady, but of course their son wishes to be a guy and get into construction. That's at least my thoughts on what the song is supposed to be about. I feel like this is a great song in that aspect as it is very progressive for its time, and doesn't feel a day too old, which kudos to them cause this song is just great.

The second to last song, Jesus. Well count me surprised, an actually good Christian rock song. I am kidding obviously, this song is pretty great. It's super rocking and super awesome, and gives the song a grand feel. Perfect for the almost last song on this LP, plus that guitar solo is basically a giant French kiss on this whole album.

Now lastly we have Seven Seas Of Rhye. An instrumental piano and guitar ballad that's fairly quick and straight to the point, though it feels like a demo for the same song by the same name on Queen II. Nonetheless, it is a perfectly fine closure on this album that delivers out a fine dish of great songs.

I really enjoyed this album, though it was definitely a little rough around the edges. You get that a lot with starter albums though, so I cannot be too hard on it. I think it definitely delivers well and is a great album from one of the most successful bands of the 20th and 21st centuries. Definitely check it out for some good rock songs.