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Rating:
THE REVIEW
Well, what can I say? The Queen are the Queen and that music will never come back.
The fact is that the album, in my opinion, remains the best in Freddie Mercury and co.'s discography and definitely their best '80s record, we all agree on that, right?
Year 1985: Queen return to the studio after a long tour trying to create an album that could become the soundtrack of the movie "Highlander", yes, the one starring the legendary Christopher Lambert. But unlike "Flash" from '81, Queen produce not a soundtrack, but a true album of songs (released in 1986) including those from the Highlander movie. It starts off strong with "One Vision" a very powerful and rocking song in perfect Queen style, which will also open the concerts of the new (and unfortunately last) Queen tour. The song's lyrics, written by all 4 members of the group, somewhat riff on the thoughts and ideas of M.L. King in his book "I Have a Dream" from 1960. It starts off well and continues even better. The second single is precisely "A Kind of Magic", a tune that has rightfully entered the history of Queen and international music, also thanks to its very simple and catchy chorus. "One Year of Love" is a ballad written by bassist John Deacon, very melancholic and sentimental, which can also be heard during the Highlander movie. Note that this song is the only one in Queen's entire career where you can hear the Sax, towards the end.
"Pain is so Close to Pleasure" is instead a rather catchy slow song but not excellent. I won’t spend many words on this song. But if this song doesn't quite hit the heart, the following "Friends Will Be Friends" certainly will, and in a big way. A very light song in which Freddie's voice and Brian May's guitar are exalted. Also, this is a very beautiful piece and in perfect Queen style. And here is the most calm yet intense song of the album: "Who Wants To Live Forever" where existence themes are addressed directly. The song is gorgeous also thanks to the interpretation that Brian May and especially Freddie Mercury give it. The song is also accompanied by a video clip in which Queen plays inside a kind of church where there are many extras holding candles. After the slow and sentimental phase of the album you get to the very fast-paced "Gimme The Prize" which heavily recalls the Queen style of the '70s. Good track, but not the best.
The album closes in the best possible way. "Don't Lose Your Head" and "Princes of the Universe". The former is a ballad in perfect mid-'80s style that seems to recall groups like the Eurythmics. A very nice song but perhaps a bit pathetic. The latter is instead one of the most beautiful of the album. "Princes of the Universe" is one of the fastest and most powerful songs of this band that has made history especially thanks to a leader capable of involving masses of people in stadiums like no one else thanks to his charisma and showmanship.
The '86 tour will be the last but perhaps the best of Queen.
SONG RATINGS
One Vision : 8.5
A Kind of Magic : 9.5
One Year of Love : 7+
Pain Is So Close to Pleasure: 5
Friends Will Be Friends : 9.5
Who Wants to Live Forever : 9+
Gimme the Prize : 5+
Don't Lose Your Head : 6.5
Princes of the Universe : 8.5
TOTAL: 8
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Summary by Bot
The review praises Queen's 'A Kind of Magic' as their best 80s album and a significant work in their discography. Highlighting powerful rock songs like 'One Vision' and emotional ballads such as 'Who Wants to Live Forever,' the album is appreciated for its blend of styles and connection to the Highlander movie. Although some tracks are seen as less impactful, the album overall is considered iconic and showcases the band's unique charisma and musical talent.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Queen
British rock band formed in London in 1970. Core classic lineup: Freddie Mercury (lead vocals), Brian May (guitar), Roger Taylor (drums) and John Deacon (bass). Known for genre-crossing albums and stadium anthems such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", and for legendary live performances (notably Live Aid 1985). Freddie Mercury died in 1991.143 Reviews
Other reviews
By claudio1
The complete resurrection of Queen happens in 1986, the year in which "A Kind of Magic" emerges.
A masterpiece is the next track... Who Wants To Live Forever, a song of great depth and substance thanks especially to the presence of the orchestra.
By Axlspark
'Who Wants To Live Forever' is a MASTERPIECE!!!!!
The guitar intro in 'Gimme The Prize' is the best in Queen’s entire career.
By Io Ho Il Pene
This album is made up of songs, and now I’ll make the playlist so I can tell you what the songs are like: for example, 'Kind Of Magic', which in the background has quite psychedelic disco keyboard sounds, new genius sounds that renewed techno-rock where Freddy’s voice stretches out in all its fiery power.
If I were you, I would make this immortal album mine, and the 400 thousand souls at Wembley Stadium that night are the most striking demonstration of this.
By andrew1992
"A Kind Of Magic is rightly considered the rebirth of Queen after the dramatic decline in quality of the previous albums."
"Freddie shows an enviable tenor vocal performance... consecrating him as one of the most beautiful voices ever."
By Alevox
There is NOTHING in this album that can be called rock, nothing. It is a pop album.
If the album had been all like these last ballads, it would have turned out to be a masterpiece.
