Was Mack a bad producer

The production qualities of the 80's albums with mack are crap compared to the albums from the 70's. The drums seem weak, the guitar just sounds empty, the songs themselves seem empty and just suffer from that 80's poor production.
Queens songs themselves can not be compared to the 70's songs, perhaps mack had an input in this. Any thoughts?

Of course he did (have an input on the 'empty' sound), of course he was (a bad producer, or at least one that didn't best serve Queen to my and many other's tastes), and of course Queen themselves decided to use Mack, continued to use him, and were, at the time, happy with his work.

Mack is awesome, fuck anybody who talks shit about him.

I thought the production on the Works was good. It was crisp, fresh sounding and had some very original drum sounds. I personally thought Mack was one that helped Queen get out of the rut that albums like 'News of the World' has got them into.

I never cared for “Mack’s” producing skills. Most things he produced tended to sound sterile & flat. Part of the problem Queen had with their albums from the 80’s
He tended to make them sound just like most of the acts from that era. His best skills were producing light weight disco/dance tunes and even that skill was ordinary at best.

I think Mack is a great producer. He has a totally different approach to recording than for example a Roy Thomas Baker or a David Richards.

In my mind he's not really innovative like Baker was, but he certainly knows his stuff very well. Listen to The Game for example. In my opinion thats the best sounding album soundwise. It's not as daring as A Day at the Races. But it's really the best in overall sound.

the drums sound crystal clear and the vocals really cut through everything.
Listen to the drums of Rock It, they really have this shiny, sparkling quality to it

I think Queen's declination in the 80's was mostly because they became mediocre songwriters and performers, not because of the production.

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sebastian wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I think Queen's declination in the 80's was mostly because they became mediocre songwriters and performers, not because of the production.[/QUOTE]

mediocre songwriters hahah joke of the century! i want to see YOU write one of those "mediocre" songs

In my mind it's both a question about songwriting and sound. And, to me, Hot Space, The Works and A Kind of Magic are the worst-sounding albums in Queen's catalogue. I much prefer David Richards (although he contributed to some of the tracks on aKoM) production on The Miracle and Innuendo, which has a much warmer sound, despite the meticulous (over-)production.

The drum sound especially is rather horrible on the Mack produced albums.

He was the best for the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Queen had to change their sound for the 80's or disappear into oblivion, Mack was the man for the job. He did exactly what was required of him.

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]mooghead wrote: [/QUOTENAME]He was the best for the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Queen had to change their sound for the 80's or disappear into oblivion, Mack was the man for the job. He did exactly what was required of him.[/QUOTE]

I Agree

Queen and specially Freddie cant write bad music

I find it hilarious that the guy above said they was mediocre songwriters in the 80's but to slight their PERFORMING abilities through the 80's when they put on some of their greatest shows ever just dismisses this guy for real.

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]lyricalassasin77 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I find it hilarious that the guy above said they was mediocre songwriters in the 80's but to slight their PERFORMING abilities through the 80's when they put on some of their greatest shows ever just dismisses this guy for real.[/QUOTE]

are you talking about me? since i like queens 80s material plus 90s to be their best

[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Treasure Moment wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Queen and specially Freddie cant write bad music[/QUOTE]

Um, have you listened to "Delilah"?