A DAY AT THE RACES

While many may see A Day at the Races as a mere copy or an unworthy successor to the superb A Night at the Opera, I am of those who see the album as a masterpiece in its own right. Yes, there are obvious similarities with its predecessor (starting with titles - both were taken from the Marx Brothers films), plus some common elements, but overall this is an album with its own personality.

While his successors News of the World and Jazz represent the transition from the sound of the Queen from the 70s to the 80s A Day at the Races already has some features in the future. Away go the short interludes - the focus is on songs of average length. As a result this album is less progressive than their previous. but make no mistake: the music is still amazing!

A Day at the Races presents a kind of cycle, starting with sounds taken from two other songs from him. When you think Tie Your Mother Down remains that introducing Japanese / psychedelic music actually begins, a guitar riff a la Led Zeppelin to play this amazing song, structurally simple but opens the album with power.

But all the rage and heavy weather of the first song to get back with what I think is one of the most beautiful songs ever written that the Queen: You Take My Breath Away. Remember when we first albums and Mercury May those interludes composed short (just over one minute) in the form of ballad? Yeah, this song here can be described as one of those extended songs, but still retaining the beauty, gentleness and genius of yore. Long Away is also a sort of ballad, but more energetic and sung by May. The Millionaire Waltz is one of those songs that the band say: please do not take me seriously! , A kind of Bohemian Rhapsody to laugh, but it's a great song, enjoy it! You and I are probably the weakest song of the whole disk, but it's still nice to hear.

Somebody to Love is possibly the best-known work on the disc, and can not help but be charmed by this powerful vocals of only four men! Drinking from the influences of gospel music they create a masterpiece beautifully ornate and elegant! (funny how these adjectives are so commonly used when it comes to the Queen). White Man is another highlight: the letters speak of the oppression suffered by American Indian and melodically it is one of the heaviest the band, thanks to strong effects on the guitars. Good Old-Fashioned Boy is a pretty nice track that is the shortest here reminds me of a Sunday Afternoon Lazing in and You're My Best Friend's previous album, and Drowse is a very underrated gem sung by Taylor (not so aggressive as his other songs), excellently guided by the slide guitar of May (I love it). The album closes with the beautiful Torriate Teo (Le Us Cling Together), a tribute band to their Japanese fans. I do not know if this is ironic or not, but just the only thing I do not like this song is the chorus sung in Japanese, but otherwise it is wonderful, and finish with the same effects that began Tie Your Mother Down - so creates a cycle, perhaps the most progressive element of this album.

As you can see, I really enjoyed this album. While many see it as the "last" album Queen of the essential progressive point of view I have faith that the subsequent productions have something to offer me, click me tune this band is progressive or pop - I do not care. 5 stars

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