Awesome Albums – The Works (Remaster) by Queen

Formed in London in 1970, Queen are arguably one of the most popular British rock bands in music history. The band were trailblazers during the peak of their career and continue to exist in one form or another to this day; even without legendary frontman Freddie Mercury, Queen retain a dominating stage presence. Obviously, there was no shortage of albums I could have picked for the band today, and rest assured that choosing one, doesn’t mean I won’t cover another. Nor is it an indication of preference or favouritism. Quite simply, of all of their catalogue, The Works was the Queen sound I wanted to listen to, so I did. With so many different sounds and styles not only in their discography but also his album; you’re always sure to find something to fit your mood with the band.

So, here I am talking about this amazing entry in their portfolio for the first edition of my Awesome Albums feature.

Enjoy.

The Works

Recorded between August 1983 and January 1984 and released February of that same year; The Works is the eleventh studio album by the iconic Queen.  Preceded by Hot Space and followed two years later with A Kind of Magic, The Works is the first of their albums recorded in LA (and indeed America). Some popular songs featured on the album are ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘I Want to Break Free’ and ‘Hammer to Fall’.

Radio Gaga

“We watch the shows, we watch the stars
On videos for hours and hours
We hardly need to use our ears
How music changes through the years

Let’s hope you never leave old friend
Like all good things on you we depend
So stick around ’cause we might miss you
When we grow tired of all this visual

You had your time, you had the power
You’ve yet to have your finest hour
Radio (radio)”

Radio Gaga has a worldwide success, it charted consistently and reached number one in almost twenty countries. The song chronicles to transition from radio to television, making reference to key events such as Winston Churchill’s speech on June 18th 1940 and the 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds.

The brilliantly synthesised track was written by drummer Roger Taylor after hearing his son say “radio ca-ca”, it was then expanded on by Freddie Mercury and bass guitarist John Deacon. The opening track is refreshingly unique sounding.

The tune is snappy, whilst getting across the bittersweet narrative explored in the lyrics; an earworm in the best possible way.

Tear it Up

“I love you cos you’re sweet and I love you cos you’re naughty
I love you for your mind but give me your body”

A relatively simple, rock anthem written by Brian May, which takes some inspiration from the band’s earlier ‘We Will Rock You’. It’s fun to listen to but I don’t necessarily think it is substantial.

It’s a Hard Life

“Yes it’s a hard life
Two lovers together
To love and live forever in each other’s hearts”

A song famously loved by guitarist Brian May and written by Freddie Mercury. There are some slight pangs of Bohemian Rhapsody in this track about the difficulties of love. Given Mercury’s need for love and his tragic issues with trust beneath the spotlight of fame, there is something very upsetting listening to the legendary vocalist’s performance here. The effective technical use of piano and guitar accompanying the vocals form an incredible overall sound.

Man on the Prowl

This rockabilly homage to the country western, rock n’ roll mix-ups of the time is a catchy little diversion.

Machines (Or Back to Humans)

“It’s a machines world
Don’t tell me I ain’t got no soul
When the machines take over
It ain’t no place for rock and roll”

Another synth heavy track. Machines (or Back to Humans) is an interesting listen to me. I don’t know whether this is for sensory issues or perhaps something else, but I find it audibly overwhelming. That isn’t to say I don’t enjoy it, or like it. in-fact I do. However, there is so much going on that it isn’t as easy a listen as the rest of the album is for me. It’s an incredible technical accomplishment though.

I Want to Break Free

Track six, must be counted among some of the band’s most popular songs and one of their most iconic music videos. it is very much a pop track with a memorable rhythm to it.

Written by John Deacon and another synth driven hit; the video for I Want to Break Free was intended as a parody of the soap Coronation Street and the song came to be included in most of their liver performances going forward. Arguably, one of the most popular things to come out of Queen from The Works.

Keep Passing the Open Windows

Written by Mercury for the movie adaptation of John Irving’s The Hotel New Hampshire. It’s a bass-driven track with a strong piano presence.

Hammer to Fall

“Oh every night, and every day
A little piece of you is falling away
But lift your face the Western way
Build your muscles as your body decays, yeah

Tow the line and play their game
Yeah, let the anaesthetic cover it all
‘Til one day they call your name
You know it’s time for the hammer to fall”

The penultimate entry in the album was written by Brian May and was the fourth (and I think final) single Queen released from The Works and was featured in the movie Highlander. The song features vocals from most of the band and is another very popular track. Hammer to Fall is fun to sing along with and speculate about; many believe that the lyrics are about the Cold War whereas May has come out saying that it is actually a song about life, death and the inevitability of the Grim Reaper.

Is this the World We Created?

“You know that everyday a helpless child is born
Who needs some loving care inside a happy home
Somewhere a wealthy man is sitting on his throne
Waiting for life to go by”

Written in reaction to May and Mercury getting upset about news coverage of the poverty in Africa. The track is powerful, upsetting and continues to be relatable to this day. As a climax to the The Works, Queen couldn’t have chosen a more impactful song. Although the transition of the upbeat tone (musically, not lyrically) of Hammer to Fall makes this a jarring experience at times; making the emotional impact even more extreme.

Final Thoughts

All music is subjective and I am no critic. Not when it comes to music anyway. The Awesome Albums series is about me listening to different albums, enjoying them and sharing what I think (as well as some interesting facts). Queen did an amazing job with The Works. The album is diverse, it has depth, it is fun and it takes some risks. If you have only ever explored The Greatest Hits of Queen, this is a fantastic album as it covers some tracks you’ll know, some similar styles of others but also showcases the experimentation that the band were so well known for.  Well worth listening to.