Queen is the British rock band that has amazed the world with the diversity and power of their music and lyrics since their inception in 1971. The band consisted of Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals) and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). While the band dissolved in 1995, interest in their albums has never waned. This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary rock group. Night at the Opera features six bonus tracks.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most complex songs on the album, both musically and lyrically. Looking into the lyrics, at first glance you could surmise that Mercury was singing about the destruction of AIDS, but he was not diagnosed with the disease for another ten years. The lyrics also bring to mind the tale of a young man who has just shot a lover who tried to leave him. He now has to deal with the consequences. The vocals of this track open up and carry you into the sensation of literally being at a rock opera. The piano highlights the pensive feel of the lyrics and the guitar adds yet another layer to this masterpiece. The bonus track of this song primarily focuses on the second part of the piece, where the singer is experiencing the tortures of the damned as he is tried for his crimes. It is a short track, but adds to the experience of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“’39” is a song with a mysterious element of timelessness. The track opens up much like a folk ballad and gives an impression of traveling to a new world, and being separated by time and distance from a loved one. The lament of a man seeing the mother’s eyes through the eyes of his child makes it clear that somehow the mother is gone and he has a life ahead of him without her. The track is poignant and stands out as one of my favorites on the album. With the remastered release of Night at the Opera there is an added bonus of hearing a live version of this song, and what a treat it was. The guitar work stands out and the vocals grab at your soul. This track of all the bonus tracks makes this remaster a must for any Queen fan.
“Love of My Life” plucks the heart strings. A man has been hurt by his lover who is about to leave. He begs his lover to stay because his love is all consuming. The future resides in his lover’s eyes and he is terrified of losing him/her. The bonus track was turned into a duet and is a worthy addition to the album. The heartfelt pleas blend with the guitar to create yet another masterpiece by this incredible band.
Night at the Opera is one of fifteen albums being remastered and rereleased this summer as the 40th anniversary of Queen comes into focus. With six bonus tracks, this album is a must for any Queen fan. From the live performance of “Love of My Life,” to the short clip of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” each bonus track brings you closer to feeling the true Queen experience. The Remaster has brought out the perfection of the digital age, while capturing the feel of the original vinyl.
Key Tracks-Bohemian Rhapsody, ’39, Love of My Life
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
July 26, 2011