my review of innuendo

Freddie-B wrote:

It's very good, my only criticism would be that it's a bit one-sided perhaps? But that's opinion anyway, if you think that all the songs are good, then of course it's fine, but I'd have reserved some criticism for some of the songs.

I would also criticise some aspects...however..its was written with a brief to persuade. So I needed to be as positive as possible.

Im going slighty mad..I kept getting stuck, because I wanted to say clever metaphors for someones descent into madness, and it just didnt seem to work. cos then i'd have done quotes from the lyrics.

Well done BigC. You are a true Queen fan for sure. By far this album was there best work and the sum of all there knowledge and experience. I agree though that "Ride The Wild Wind" doesn't get it's just due. A great song, especially to listen to on a cool summer's night with your windows down in your car and being to yourself. Try listening to the song in those surroundings and you will find a new appreciation for it...........Peace

Well done BigC. That was a really really good review. I loved reading that. It goes into quite alot. Well Done!

I love Innuendo's songs, but the album is so sad...And I wonder why it was called Innuendo.

Hi - I was drawn to this paper of yours because what you've done so far is pretty good (especially in contrast to much of the insanity and inanity that's posted here on QZ...) and I happen to share many of your same views of the subject. So please accept these (biting, harsh, and DAMNING!!!... I'm only joking!) criticisms in the spirit of community and friendship, and in the hopes of a more positive outcome for your paper. Cheers!

bigc wrote:

(3rd paragraph)
The tracks on the album display far more depth and emotional context than any other Queen release so far. For many years known as a band which went for catchy anthems with little depth behind them, this was a radical departure.

While I realize this is an opinion paper, let me say that the first sentence above unnecessarily picks on Queen's legacy in order to prop up your support of Innuendo. Why is it necessary to slam earlier efforts to make your point? Why not focus on the CONTRAST or DEPARTURE FROM PREVIOUS STYLES as the reason to take note of the album, rather than accuse the other output of being shallow? The nakedly personal and candid nature of the lyrics truly did endear fans to the album, I agree with you - why tarnish the rest, though?

Also, are you saying Bohemian Rhapsody, You're My Best Friend, Love Of My Life, Somebody To Love, We Are The Champions are just catchy, shallow anthems devoid of human emotion? If so, I urge you to listen to them again before you print your final copy. Or maybe you've got other songs in mind that you failed to include as examples? The only shallow catchy Queen anthems I can think of came exclusively from the 80's... but why mention them at all? But that's MY opinion, and I realize it's YOUR paper. Just consider this: Just because he wasn't dying at the time didn't mean his heart & soul didn't go into the timeless lyrics of those classic songs.

bigc wrote:

These are the days of our lives, track 8... When the album first came out, it was interpreted as simply a love song.

By whom? Are you trying to speak for others? Don't. I advise you to speak from your own perspective, or don't include at all. Instead, tell us that's what YOU initially thought. Or maybe you mean "without the benefit of the back-story of Freddie's decline, one might interpret the lyrics to be a love song"... but when you say "when the album first came out", it sounds as though you took surveys at the time... and though I love you like a distant aunt, I doubt very much that you did! ;-)

bigc wrote:

Track 9 is a true oddity, titled Delilah. ... Its quirky and cute, some had reservations of this track, but on an album so full of strong feelings, it is a welcome interlude. His cats meant everything to him, so even the most cynical listener shouldn’t be critical of the inclusion of this track.

So you don't think that other listeners are entitled to a critical opinion of the track? And if they don't like it they're automatically cynical? Perhaps for some listeners, who don't see a need for a "welcome interlude", it is out of place in "an album so full of strong feelings". Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do here, belive me. It's a track which I have routinely dismissed and skipped when listening, but you're simply pushing too hard. Why not simply describe WHY YOU have forgiven the track's personal indulgences and how YOU welcome the break in the mood. That way, it's not quite so bombastic.

bigc wrote:

Don’t try so hard,(track 5), at first listen doesn’t even sound like Queen. ... Again, a radical departure from a band never considered sentimental or heart felt.

I personally think it DOES sound like EXACTLY like Queen - who else but Freddie would sing such a gentle, high falsetto like that? In these

p.s. Here's an idea for IGSM. Does no one find it incredible that a slowly dying man could be staring death in the face and yet still carry off (and possibly help compose?) songs with such a wonderful sense of humor?

the reason its kinda biased and lack of evidence is because i dont believe the negative side i include. I simply put it to further contrast the truth. the essay was written with a brief to persuade. My audience is the general public. I can misinform them.lol