MmP
I wanted to read some opinions among Queen fans. I think probably Freddie's best solo work musically.
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Posts in chronological order
mike hunt
Barcelona was the best thing freddie did since A day at the races IMO, and isn't far behind My favorite queen albums. All the brilliance is there, every song is a gem. The only queen solo project that's stands the test of time. Mike moran deserves a mention, he was a big part of the writing and gave freddie the motivation too keep pushing forward. Remember, freddie was considered past his creative peak before barcelona was released. All a sudden this gem comes out, and then a few years later we get another gem Innuendo. I wish the album was a little longer, and would have been nice to hear what a barcelona2 would have sounded like.
Vali
Totally agree with Mike here. It's always a pleasure listening to this album. But I don't like abusing, just listen to it once or twice a year.
I love every song, but La Japonaise has always been much special, as well as How Can I Go On.
I love every song, but La Japonaise has always been much special, as well as How Can I Go On.
believe in yourself 45455
Guide Me Home/How Can I Go On are my favourite songs on the album. The fact that Overture Piccante was used as a filler could mean that there were no good songs left. A shame that there were only real classical instruments used on Barcelona-the song. By using a real orchestra the album would sound much more as an operatic/classical album and less as a pop-album. It ended up as something inbetween so neither the 'serious' opera lovers nor the pop/rock fans liked it.
In the past a few operatic singers tried to re-preduce the whole album (or a few songs). None of them came even close to Freddie's performance!
In the past a few operatic singers tried to re-preduce the whole album (or a few songs). None of them came even close to Freddie's performance!
maxpower
I always been of the thought it would have been better with just Freddie's vocals on, sometimes Montserrat's voice cuts right through me but maybe that's just my lack of passion for real opera.
It is musically the best solo effort by Freddie but I think it's unfair to compare it to Back To The Light which to me is closest to the Queen sound of any solo album by any member
It is musically the best solo effort by Freddie but I think it's unfair to compare it to Back To The Light which to me is closest to the Queen sound of any solo album by any member
Borhap80
I sincerely love this album, and I agree that Mika Moran did a marvellous job by both playing and taking part in the creative process as well, in terms of writing, arranging and producing. He was Fred's musical wingman at the time without a doubt.
As for the album production, I will argue that I think the orcestral parts done by syntheziser was intended that way. He didn't hire a symphony orchestra even though he had the money. Some may say it was lack of time, even so; I think he did it to do exactly what was earlier mentioned - to disturb and to challenge authenticity, genrelines and correctness in music. The "synth" orchestra gives the production an over the top and too much factor so that it becomes camp. Freddie wanted it to be camp and theatrical. I think it was intended, but that's my opinion.
As for the album production, I will argue that I think the orcestral parts done by syntheziser was intended that way. He didn't hire a symphony orchestra even though he had the money. Some may say it was lack of time, even so; I think he did it to do exactly what was earlier mentioned - to disturb and to challenge authenticity, genrelines and correctness in music. The "synth" orchestra gives the production an over the top and too much factor so that it becomes camp. Freddie wanted it to be camp and theatrical. I think it was intended, but that's my opinion.
Simon Brown
Hiya,
yeah, the lack of a real orchestra was a shame. However, the album is amazing, and there are some of Freddies finest songs on there. As a songwriter, this album really showcased his talent in a way that had been missing since the 70s. The moving from genre to genre (pop, gospel, classical, musical etc) was very well done, and I agree a lot of this was probably down to Mike Moran. All God's People was a great legacy of this project, and gave a great lift to Innuendo.
Simon
yeah, the lack of a real orchestra was a shame. However, the album is amazing, and there are some of Freddies finest songs on there. As a songwriter, this album really showcased his talent in a way that had been missing since the 70s. The moving from genre to genre (pop, gospel, classical, musical etc) was very well done, and I agree a lot of this was probably down to Mike Moran. All God's People was a great legacy of this project, and gave a great lift to Innuendo.
Simon
Borhap80
As for Montserrat's voice:
She is a living legend both now and when the album was recorded. Freddie adored both her and her singing voice.
I remember I played some parts from the album to my vocal teacher who primarily teaches in classical and operatic music. She smiled, not in arrogant way, but said to me, anknowledging Caballe for who she was, but my teacher also mentioned that she could hear that her voice was aging. She was not the singer she used to be.
I think it has to with time as well. We listen nowadays and we've heard a lot of music since 1987, and gained more knowledge tools how to understand and analyze music.
Enough babbling... I understand what you're saying and to some degree I agree with you, but I think this album and process was probably Freddie's most fullfilling and proudest moment as an musician, even conquering his best Queen moments.
She is a living legend both now and when the album was recorded. Freddie adored both her and her singing voice.
I remember I played some parts from the album to my vocal teacher who primarily teaches in classical and operatic music. She smiled, not in arrogant way, but said to me, anknowledging Caballe for who she was, but my teacher also mentioned that she could hear that her voice was aging. She was not the singer she used to be.
I think it has to with time as well. We listen nowadays and we've heard a lot of music since 1987, and gained more knowledge tools how to understand and analyze music.
Enough babbling... I understand what you're saying and to some degree I agree with you, but I think this album and process was probably Freddie's most fullfilling and proudest moment as an musician, even conquering his best Queen moments.
pepi
Barcelona album is one of the greatest albums ever-a very unique,and most beloved album for me-especially ''How can i go on",Barcelona".Ensueno"and the ''Fallen priest"traks-it's made me shiver..Great
pittrek
[QUOTE]
[b]MmP wrote: [/b]
I wanted to read some opinions among Queen fans. I think probably Freddie's best solo work musically.
[/QUOTE]
I don't consider it Freddie's solo work, but a "collaboration album" (similar to the "Queen + Paul Rodgers" project).
But it includes some of the best works of Freddie, he didn't write such complex songs since the 70's.
It's definitely not "radio-friendly" (except of the title track, of course), but it's great to hear that Freddie still knew how to write a masterpiece, after the pretty boring "Mr. Bad Guy" album
[b]MmP wrote: [/b]
I wanted to read some opinions among Queen fans. I think probably Freddie's best solo work musically.
[/QUOTE]
I don't consider it Freddie's solo work, but a "collaboration album" (similar to the "Queen + Paul Rodgers" project).
But it includes some of the best works of Freddie, he didn't write such complex songs since the 70's.
It's definitely not "radio-friendly" (except of the title track, of course), but it's great to hear that Freddie still knew how to write a masterpiece, after the pretty boring "Mr. Bad Guy" album
pittrek
[QUOTE]
[b]Thomas Tønnesen wrote: [/b]
I sincerely love this album, and I agree that MIKA Moran did a marvellous job by both playing and taking part in the creative process as well, in terms of writing, arranging and producing. He was Fred's musical wingman at the time without a doubt.
[/QUOTE]
Grrrrr. Don't put MIKA into it :-)
[b]Thomas Tønnesen wrote: [/b]
I sincerely love this album, and I agree that MIKA Moran did a marvellous job by both playing and taking part in the creative process as well, in terms of writing, arranging and producing. He was Fred's musical wingman at the time without a doubt.
[/QUOTE]
Grrrrr. Don't put MIKA into it :-)
Sunshine
It is a true brilliant album. The production, songwriting and of course the performances. Mike Moran got the best out of Freddie and you can here the album is made with love for music. It is just incredible to hear Montserrat singing....and then Freddie's voice is melting so nicely together with here..
Angels giving kisses in your ears...!
Angels giving kisses in your ears...!
Borhap80
I'm sorry I put Mika into it ;)
Micrówave
Geez, you would think that this was the greatest Opera record ever.
I disagree.
Freddie sounds great, but I've never been a real Montserrat fan. Give me Maria Callas... or maybe another tenor. At some points she sounds like she's just wailing to make noise. It really takes away from Freddie's performance at some points. I'm sure since Fred was new to this genre, he was on his best behaviour in the studio, but I would have taken her out of the mix at a few points.
Plus, it never really gave either a chance to shine on their own. If Montserrat wanted to sing so much, how come there wasn't a solo piece on there? There should have been a track for each on that album where the other was not on it at all.
If this was intended to be an opera album, where was the continuity? Where was the emotion? There was no tragedy or climatic event, as most operas have. I think even the WWRY show has a story line (if you can stay awake).
Finally, Mike Moran? Huh? Maybe this album seemed a little tame because his input and playing were priority one. I think Big F could've played a lot of the material himself and maybe even livened it up a bit. Is that a word? Livened? I think we could have moved away from the Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus style as well... this was not supposed to be a Rock album, Mike.
Bottom line, the only thing I really enjoyed about this album was Freddie. Can't say I've listened to it in the last 3-4 years or so.
I disagree.
Freddie sounds great, but I've never been a real Montserrat fan. Give me Maria Callas... or maybe another tenor. At some points she sounds like she's just wailing to make noise. It really takes away from Freddie's performance at some points. I'm sure since Fred was new to this genre, he was on his best behaviour in the studio, but I would have taken her out of the mix at a few points.
Plus, it never really gave either a chance to shine on their own. If Montserrat wanted to sing so much, how come there wasn't a solo piece on there? There should have been a track for each on that album where the other was not on it at all.
If this was intended to be an opera album, where was the continuity? Where was the emotion? There was no tragedy or climatic event, as most operas have. I think even the WWRY show has a story line (if you can stay awake).
Finally, Mike Moran? Huh? Maybe this album seemed a little tame because his input and playing were priority one. I think Big F could've played a lot of the material himself and maybe even livened it up a bit. Is that a word? Livened? I think we could have moved away from the Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus style as well... this was not supposed to be a Rock album, Mike.
Bottom line, the only thing I really enjoyed about this album was Freddie. Can't say I've listened to it in the last 3-4 years or so.
PauloPanucci
[QUOTE]
[b]Micrówave wrote: [/b]
Geez, you would think that this was the greatest Opera record ever.
I disagree.
Freddie sounds great, but I've never been a real Montserrat fan. Give me Maria Callas... or maybe another tenor. At some points she sounds like she's just wailing to make noise. It really takes away from Freddie's performance at some points. I'm sure since Fred was new to this genre, he was on his best behaviour in the studio, but I would have taken her out of the mix at a few points.
Plus, it never really gave either a chance to shine on their own. If Montserrat wanted to sing so much, how come there wasn't a solo piece on there? There should have been a track for each on that album where the other was not on it at all.
If this was intended to be an opera album, where was the continuity? Where was the emotion? There was no tragedy or climatic event, as most operas have. I think even the WWRY show has a story line (if you can stay awake).
Finally, Mike Moran? Huh? Maybe this album seemed a little tame because his input and playing were priority one. I think Big F could've played a lot of the material himself and maybe even livened it up a bit. Is that a word? Livened? I think we could have moved away from the Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus style as well... this was not supposed to be a Rock album, Mike.
Bottom line, the only thing I really enjoyed about this album was Freddie. Can't say I've listened to it in the last 3-4 years or so.
[/QUOTE]
I don't like so much about Montserrat. i just have the Cd because Freddie sing in!
[b]Micrówave wrote: [/b]
Geez, you would think that this was the greatest Opera record ever.
I disagree.
Freddie sounds great, but I've never been a real Montserrat fan. Give me Maria Callas... or maybe another tenor. At some points she sounds like she's just wailing to make noise. It really takes away from Freddie's performance at some points. I'm sure since Fred was new to this genre, he was on his best behaviour in the studio, but I would have taken her out of the mix at a few points.
Plus, it never really gave either a chance to shine on their own. If Montserrat wanted to sing so much, how come there wasn't a solo piece on there? There should have been a track for each on that album where the other was not on it at all.
If this was intended to be an opera album, where was the continuity? Where was the emotion? There was no tragedy or climatic event, as most operas have. I think even the WWRY show has a story line (if you can stay awake).
Finally, Mike Moran? Huh? Maybe this album seemed a little tame because his input and playing were priority one. I think Big F could've played a lot of the material himself and maybe even livened it up a bit. Is that a word? Livened? I think we could have moved away from the Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus style as well... this was not supposed to be a Rock album, Mike.
Bottom line, the only thing I really enjoyed about this album was Freddie. Can't say I've listened to it in the last 3-4 years or so.
[/QUOTE]
I don't like so much about Montserrat. i just have the Cd because Freddie sing in!