Queen’s “Pop” Works
the label, the stamp of “No Synthesizers!” defined the identity and work of the cult band Queen throughout their legendary period, throughout the 1970s. Their longtime member Brian May’s expertly tuned, tweaked, and properly utilized electric guitar more than replaced all the Moogs, Mellotrons, and Hammonds. However, as the 1980s approached, a vital shift in style became necessary, to something far less epic in form and (if possible) more accessible and longer in length. Two- and three-minute miniatures, frankly, were losing popularity and listener traction. Twenty-minute free variations on fantasy themes were losing support, even more so. A glance at the cover of the band’s first release, The Game, released in the 1980s—the album itself, The Game—reveals the full extent of the break with the old image. All the band members appeared completely masculine, “masculinized.” The unforgettable frontman himself appeared radically transformed, with his mustache, short hair, and distinctive gaze. The 1970s, with their mop-topped hair (only Brian retained long hair), were inevitably a thing of the past. Of course, this wasn’t just symbolism—it was reflected in the music. The songs became frankly straightforward, with a clearly defined chorus and the characteristic rhythms of funk and new wave on several tracks.
On their next studio album, the band members took a further step toward “pop” and produced their most pop-oriented, disco-inspired collection of songs. As usual, the band’s ability to create unique, stunning melodies and craft meaningful lyrics to accompany them hasn’t faded. In 1984, Queen released a transitional album—an album that returned to heavy guitar riffs, but pop rhythms also held a prominent place. This is where the iconic track “I Want to Break Free” resonates, conveying the meaning everyone wants to see.
Finally, two years later, the legendary
A Kind of Magicwas released, with its remarkable eponymous composition and a series of rock numbers for the film “Highlander.” Its pop component and diverse range of contemporary songs, in keeping with the popular music of the era, can’t be considered optimistic, but they are certainly interesting.“Pop” Works by Queen
