Queen (The Game)
The Album
Queen (The Game) is the eighth studio album by the British band. It was released on 30 June 1980 by EMI records. This was a watershed album for Queen as they started to incorporate synthesizers to keep pace with the music trend that started in the Eighties.
The album was a commercial success and also the only album by the band to reach number one in the USA.
Queen’s The Game—A Bold Evolution in Sound
Released on June 30, 1980, Queen’s The Game marks a pivotal moment in the band’s illustrious career. Known for their genre-defying sound and flamboyant style, Queen had already established themselves as one of the world’s leading rock bands by the time they released their eighth studio album. With The Game, the English supergroup—comprising Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor—ventured into new musical territories, blending their signature rock sound with elements of pop, funk, and disco. The result is an album that not only captured the spirit of the times but also expanded the band’s creative boundaries.
The Sound: A Versatile Collection
The Game is arguably Queen’s most eclectic album, showcasing the band’s ability to adapt and experiment with various musical styles. The album opens with the infectious “Play the Game,” a quintessential Queen track featuring Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals and Brian May’s soaring guitar riffs. This song sets the tone for the album, blending rock with a pop sensibility that makes it instantly accessible.
The second track, “Dragon Attack,” shifts gears with a funky groove driven by John Deacon’s bass line and Roger Taylor’s tight drumming. The track highlights Queen’s willingness to experiment, incorporating funk rhythms into their rock repertoire. Brian May’s guitar solo in this song is a standout moment, showcasing his technical prowess and creativity.
The album’s most commercially successful tracks, “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” further exemplify Queen’s versatility. “Another One Bites the Dust,” penned by Deacon, is a funky, bass-driven track with a minimalist arrangement that became a massive hit, topping the charts in the U.S. and earning the band a crossover appeal in the R&B and disco markets. Meanwhile, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” written by Mercury, is a rockabilly-inspired tune that pays homage to Elvis Presley. Its simple, catchy melody and retro vibe make it one of Queen’s most beloved songs.
Other tracks like “Need Your Loving Tonight” and “Sail Away Sweet Sister” offer a more traditional rock sound, with the former featuring catchy hooks and the latter showcasing May’s emotive songwriting. The album closes with “Save Me,” a power ballad that highlights Mercury’s dynamic vocal range and May’s melodic guitar work, bringing The Game to a dramatic and poignant conclusion.
Production and Style
Queen ‘s The Game was Queen’s first album to be recorded using digital technology, giving it a cleaner, more polished sound compared to their earlier work. This shift in production style is evident in the clarity of the instrumentation and the overall sonic balance of the album. Producer Reinhold Mack, who worked closely with the band at Musicland Studios in Munich, played a significant role in shaping the album’s sound, encouraging the band to embrace contemporary production techniques and musical trends.
One of the most notable aspects of The Game is its use of synthesizers, marking a departure from Queen’s previous albums, where they famously declared “No synthesizers” on the liner notes. On The Game, synthesizers are used sparingly but effectively, adding texture and depth to tracks like “Save Me” and “Coming Soon.” This willingness to evolve and experiment with new technology is a testament to Queen’s forward-thinking approach to music.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, The Game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the band’s ability to blend different genres while maintaining their unique identity. The album’s commercial success was undeniable, reaching number one on both the UK and US charts, and eventually being certified four times platinum in the United States. The Game also produced Queen’s first and only US number one singles, “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” cementing their status as global superstars.
In the context of Queen’s discography, The Game stands out as a transitional album that bridged their classic rock era with the more eclectic and genre-blending approach that would characterize their later work. While some critics and fans may prefer the more bombastic and theatrical style of albums like A Night at the Opera or News of the World, The Game is significant for its exploration of new musical directions and its ability to resonate with a broader audience.
Conclusion
The Game is a bold and adventurous album that showcases Queen at their most versatile. By embracing different musical styles and modern production techniques, the band created a body of work that is both innovative and accessible. The album’s success helped to solidify Queen’s place as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands of all time, proving that they were capable of evolving with the times without losing the essence of what made them great. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Queen’s music, The Game offers a compelling listen that highlights the band’s creativity, musicianship, and ability to surprise their audience.
Track Listing
- Play the Game
- Dragon Attack
- Another One Bites the Dust
- Need Your Loving Tonight
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love
- Rock It (Prime Jive)
- Don’t Try Suicide”
- Sail Away Sweet Sister
- Coming Soon
- Save Me
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Lyrics
This thing called love, I just can’t handle it
This thing called love, I must get ’round to it
I ain’t ready
Crazy little thing called love
This thing (This thing) called love (Called love)
It cries (Like a baby) in a cradle all night
It swings (Woo-ooo), it jives (Woo-woo)
It shakes all over like a jelly fish
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called love
There goes my baby
She knows how to rock and roll
She drives me crazy
She gives me hot and cold fever
Then she leaves me in a cool, cool sweat
I gotta be cool, relax
Get hip, get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitchhike
And take a long ride on my motor bike
Until I’m ready
Crazy little thing called love
I gotta be cool, relax
Get hip and get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitchhike
And take a long ride on my motor bike
Until I’m ready (Ready, Freddie)
Crazy little thing called love
This thing called love, I just can’t handle it
This thing called love, I must get round to it
I ain’t ready (Ooh)
Crazy little thing called love
Crazy little thing called love (Sing it, sing it)
Crazy little thing called love
Crazy little thing called love
Crazy little thing called love (Hey, eh, eh)
Crazy little thing called love (Oh-oh)
Crazy little thing called love
Yeah, crazy little thing called love, I’m alright
Another One Bites The Dust
Lyrics
Let’s go
Steve walks warily down the street
With his brim pulled way down low
Ain’t no sound but the sound of his feet
Machine guns ready to go
Are you ready hey are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat yeah
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
How do you think I’m going to get along
Without you when you’re gone
You took me for everything that I had
And kicked me out on my own
Are you happy are you satisfied?
How long can you stand the heat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat look out
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Hey
Oh take it – Bite the dust bite the dust
Hey Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust ow
Another one bites the dust he he
Another one bites the dust haaaa
Ooh shoot out
There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man
And bring him to the ground
You can beat him
You can cheat him
You can treat him bad and leave him
When he’s down
But I’m ready yes I’m ready for you
I’m standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
Repeating to the sound of the beat
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust yeah
Hey I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Shoot out