Queen Album Timeline: From News Of The World To The Works

Hey guys! Let's dive into the awesome discography of Queen, one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Today, we're zooming in on a specific part of their career: the albums released between "News of the World" and "The Works." This era is packed with experimentation, iconic hits, and some deep cuts that every Queen fan should know. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

News of the World (1977)

Before we pinpoint the album you're looking for, let’s quickly recap "News of the World," which dropped in 1977. This album is famous for its raw energy and anthemic tracks. You know, the ones that get everyone singing along at the top of their lungs! The album kicks off with the stadium-shaking "We Will Rock You" and follows up with the equally iconic "We Are the Champions." These two songs alone have cemented "News of the World" as a classic. But there's more to this album than just those two mega-hits.

"News of the World" showcases Queen's versatility. Tracks like "Sheer Heart Attack" (not to be confused with the album of the same name) deliver a punchy, fast-paced rock experience. On the other hand, "All Dead, All Dead" offers a more melancholic and reflective mood, highlighting Brian May's softer side. The album is a blend of hard rock, ballads, and experimental sounds, making it a quintessential Queen album.

Fun fact: The album cover, featuring a giant robot, was inspired by a science fiction magazine cover that Brian May saw. The band tweaked the image to make the robot look like it had just defeated the band members, adding a dark yet captivating visual element to the album. "News of the World" was a massive commercial success, solidifying Queen’s status as a global rock phenomenon. It set the stage for the band's continued experimentation and evolution in the years to come.

Jazz (1978)

Okay, now let's move on to the album that immediately followed "News of the World." That's right, it's "Jazz," released in 1978. This album is often seen as one of Queen's most diverse and, dare I say, quirky albums. It's a wild ride through various musical styles, showcasing the band's willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

"Jazz" features some absolute bangers that you've definitely heard before. The most famous track is undoubtedly "Don't Stop Me Now," an exhilarating, high-energy anthem that's guaranteed to lift your spirits. Then there's "Fat Bottomed Girls," a tongue-in-cheek rocker that's as catchy as it is controversial. These two songs alone demonstrate the album’s range and appeal.

But "Jazz" is more than just its hit singles. The album delves into different genres, from the vaudeville-inspired "Dreamer's Ball" to the hard-rocking "Dead on Time." There's even a touch of disco influence in "Fun It," showing Queen's ability to adapt to the trends of the time while still maintaining their unique sound. The album's eclecticism can be a bit polarizing, but it's also what makes it so fascinating. It's a testament to Queen's adventurous spirit and their refusal to be pigeonholed into a single genre.

Another interesting tidbit about "Jazz" is its album cover. The inner sleeve famously featured a photo of naked women riding bicycles, which caused quite a stir back in the day. This controversial image perfectly encapsulates the album's bold and provocative nature. "Jazz" was a commercial success, although it received mixed reviews upon its release. Over time, however, it has become recognized as a key album in Queen's discography, highlighting their versatility and willingness to experiment.

The Game (1980)

Next up, we have "The Game," released in 1980. This album marked a significant turning point for Queen, as they embraced a more streamlined and contemporary sound. "The Game" is notable for being the first Queen album to feature synthesizers, a move that initially divided fans but ultimately proved to be a successful evolution for the band.

"The Game" is packed with hits that dominated the airwaves. The most iconic track is undoubtedly "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," a rockabilly-inspired tune that was written by Freddie Mercury in just a few minutes. Its catchy melody and infectious energy made it an instant classic. Another standout track is "Another One Bites the Dust," a funky, bass-driven anthem that became one of Queen's biggest hits in the United States. These two songs alone propelled "The Game" to the top of the charts.

But "The Game" offers more than just its chart-topping singles. The album features a diverse range of styles, from the hard-rocking "Dragon Attack" to the heartfelt ballad "Save Me." The use of synthesizers added a new layer of texture to Queen's sound, giving the album a more modern feel. While some purists initially balked at the inclusion of synths, they ultimately became an integral part of Queen's sonic palette.

Another interesting aspect of "The Game" is its album cover, which featured a more straightforward and less flamboyant design compared to previous Queen albums. This reflected the band's desire to present a more mature and contemporary image. "The Game" was a massive commercial success, becoming Queen's best-selling studio album in the United States. It solidified their status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world and paved the way for their continued success in the 1980s.

Hot Space (1982)

Alright, let's keep this rock 'n' roll train rolling! Next, we arrive at "Hot Space," which hit the shelves in 1982. Now, this album is often considered the black sheep of Queen's discography. It's a significant departure from their signature sound, as they delved deep into funk, disco, and dance-pop. While it has its defenders, "Hot Space" remains a controversial and often misunderstood album in Queen's history.

"Hot Space" does have a few tracks that are worth checking out. The most famous is undoubtedly "Under Pressure," a collaboration with David Bowie that became an instant classic. Its iconic bassline and powerful vocals from Mercury and Bowie make it a timeless anthem. However, the rest of the album is a mixed bag. Tracks like "Staying Power" and "Body Language" showcase Queen's foray into funk and dance music, but they often lack the energy and creativity of their earlier work.

The album's shift in direction was largely influenced by the musical trends of the early 1980s, as well as the band's desire to experiment with new sounds. However, many fans felt that Queen had strayed too far from their rock roots. The album received mixed reviews and was not as commercially successful as its predecessors. Despite its shortcomings, "Hot Space" is still an interesting document of Queen's willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories.

One notable aspect of "Hot Space" is its album cover, which features a minimalist design with the band's name and album title in bold letters. This reflected the album's more modern and streamlined sound. While "Hot Space" may not be Queen's finest hour, it remains a fascinating chapter in their history, showcasing their evolution and willingness to push boundaries.

The Works (1984)

Finally, we reach "The Works," released in 1984. This album marked a return to form for Queen, as they blended their classic rock sound with elements of pop and new wave. "The Works" is often considered one of Queen's most consistent and accessible albums, featuring a string of hits that dominated the charts.

"The Works" is packed with anthems that you've definitely heard before. The most famous track is undoubtedly "Radio Ga Ga," a synth-driven pop song that became a global phenomenon. Its catchy melody and memorable music video made it an instant classic. Another standout track is "I Want to Break Free," a rebellious anthem that's known for its iconic music video featuring the band members in drag. These two songs alone propelled "The Works" to the top of the charts.

But "The Works" offers more than just its chart-topping singles. The album features a diverse range of styles, from the hard-rocking "Hammer to Fall" to the romantic ballad "Is This the World We Created...?" The album showcases Queen's ability to blend different genres and create a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

One interesting aspect of "The Works" is its album cover, which features a futuristic design with the band members in a stylized setting. This reflected the album's blend of classic rock and modern pop elements. "The Works" was a massive commercial success, reaffirming Queen's status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. It marked a triumphant return to form after the experimental "Hot Space" and solidified their legacy as musical innovators.

So, there you have it! A journey through Queen's albums from "News of the World" to "The Works." Each album represents a unique chapter in the band's history, showcasing their evolution, experimentation, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable music. Keep rocking, guys!