QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS: THE COSMOS ROCKS

On one hand, the idea of Queen carrying on without Freddie is unthinkable, as he was such a prominant and vital part of the band (it seems John Deacon agrees, as he hasn't participated in anything since the the tribute show). It smacks of blasphamy, or at the very least opportunism. But on the other, over fifteen years have passed, and they have given it respectful distance, as well as not noting Paul Rodgers as a replacement, but as an additional singer (hence the +). I admire that they wanted to release new music and not become as May has said their own tribute band. So where do I stand? Putting aside the ethical issues, I just listened to the music.

What suprisingly comes out is a decent classic rock album. Paul Rodgers voice is as rich, warm and soulful as it has always been, and he becomes the real highlight of the album. He succeeds the most in the more bluesy tunes where his full throated delivery transforms pedestrian songwriting. All That Glitters, Time To Shine and Small are all minor gems. May and Taylor show a lot of restraint, adding good texture and warmth to the proceedings.

Two real disappointments to this album though. The songwriting is horrible. Lyrically ridiculous and the music is all cliche. There are real cringe worthy moments here, the greatest being Surf's Up School's Out which while sounding the most like Queen, it also sounds the most like a train crash, overdriven by noise. C-Lebrity sound like any song a fading rock band would release to be relevant in the 00's, and Warboys has got Roger Taylor's writing all over it, being very literal and plodding.

The most upsetting thing is that they didn't take the opportunity to sound like Queen. This album should have been huge, with crushing guitar riffs and huge choruses. Maybe they didn't want to be obvious, but why blow an opportunity to capitalize on their strengths. Both May and Taylor had done it on their solo career, why wouldn't they do it here. It is truly the legacy of Queen, yet they underplay consistantly.

A good, but not great album. I like it, but I am uninspired by it. A real shame.

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