The Works, as an album falls short of even Hot Space. It's only function in 2014 seems to be to act as a mini greatest hits album, four hits and filler.
The production, as mentioned, is not good. Mach may have been a very current and forward thinking producer, but that doesn't mean his work would gel with everyone he worked with. I think it's interesting that ADATR and NOTW are probably the two best sound Queen albums and they were produced by the band, with assistance from Mike Stone. It would have been interesting to hear how The Works would have sounded with that team at the helm . I think it would have been heavier and darker sounding.
Yes it sold well, and the singles rejuvenated Queen's career, it doesn't mean it was good, plenty of crap has got to number. Also don't forget that it was recorded in an uncertain time for the band. IMO Freddie was preparing to jump ship to a solo career, and that was where his head was. As a result The Works lacks drive and a willingness to create something special
Yeah The Works is probably my least favourite Queen album. I have no idea why they didn't put LMIYHA on it as it is much better than half the songs on the works.
The Works only has 9 tracks on it but what is bizarre is the fact that they had a multitude of other tracks that could have gone in it.
Possible tensions within the band, the cancellation of the music project for the film, 'The Hotel New Hampshire', a Freddie and Roger's solo careers taking some of their music away from the band resulted in tracks not appearing that would otherwise have done so.
I've said it before but The Works could have been Queen's best 80s album if it had been produced differently and had 12/13 tracks instead of what we ended up with..
I just think The Works was a bit short. But then I think The Game was even shorter.