It has been 13 years since Queen released there last studio album. They have returned in 2008 and are have evolved into a collaboration between what they were and there newly formed collaboration with former Bad Company The memory of Freddie Mercury live on. They may not be the same band they were with Freddie but they have re-emerged with a vengeance thanks to the new release “The Cosmos Rock” The bands new release features the vocal talents of Paul Rodgers which allows the newly formed alliance to combine the styles and influences of bad company with the epic, timeless sound of Queen. The songs are absolutely beautiful.
The album starts out with the song “Cosmos Rockin”. This song sets the album off in true Queen style. It is a throwback to old school rock and roll back when it was fun. This song will defiantly become a live favorite of Queen fans worldwide. The song features distorted vocals and guitar feedback in the intro, hand clapping verses, and a catchy hook that will have you wanting to sing along for sure. The song itself is about partying and having a good time. The song comes to a climatic conclusion and we move onto the next song
“Time To Shine” starts out with anthem like vocals and then it transitions into a story of life’s mystery’s unfolding, and the understanding of truth. The U2 style guitar by May and the vocal performance on this song by Rodgers is absolutely spectacular.
“Still Burnin”. This particular song took the longest for me to catch onto but it has since become one of my favorites. The guitar riff at the beginning and the interplay between the guitar and the bass throughout the song keep the song moving well. It is an emotional song. My favorite quote from the song is “Music lights this flame in me, I won’t let it go and it won’t let me be. I’m just a happy slave and I can’t leave it. But I’m still here and I always will be…still burnin.” The song is a testament to the fact that even after 13 years without a studio record Queen is back and they can still rock. The highlight of the song is a guitar solo by Brian May.
“Small” is without a doubt my favorite song on the record. The song shows the lighter side of both Queen and Paul Rodgers. Brian May plays the acoustic guitar and Rodgers gives us a chorus melody that will be stuck in your head for days. The message of the song is something that we can all relate to. Rodgers sings “Everyone needs a place they can hide, hide away. Everyone needs a space where they can be alone. Everyone needs a place they can hurt. Everyone needs to find peace of mind” This song is defiantly the most radio friendly song off of the album.
“Warboys” is an anti war anthem. The song is carried by cleaver military drums. The guitar drives the song well. The vocal melodies are haunting. This is defiantly one of the better songs on the record.
“We Believe” is one of the songs on the album that reaches back to the Freddie Mercury days of Queen. In a way it pays tribute to Queens history and reaffirms the timelessness of the band’s sound. The vocal melody once again doesn’t cease to amaze me. Rodgers does an excellent job at conveying the lyrical story.
“Call Me” starts out with multi track vocal harmony and evolves into a sing a long type song. It is definitely one of the weaker songs on the album.
“Voodoo” is a song that features Brian May’s bluesy guitar skills from the very beginning of the song. May gives us heartfelt licks that pull the emotion from your soul. It has a very organic sound.
“Some Things That Glitter” is a great song that begins with a piano. The 70’s sounding guitar gives the song a warm feeling.
“C-Lebrity” is the first single from the album. It is a commentary about the reality stars who urn for their 15 minutes of fame. The song features a heavy guitar riff and a catchy chorus.
“Through The Night” is the most Bad Company sounding song on the album. It is a good piano ballad that allows Rodgers to show the emotional side of his voice.
“Say It’s Not True” is a song that was originally recorded for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign. Rodger, Brian, and Paul all take turns singing lead vocals on this song. The song builds over time and comes to an epic conclusion bringing to the forefront of the album the true classic style of Queen.
“Surfs Up-Schools Out” is a heart pounding rock song. The piano intro in this song is awesome. Once we get into the rock and roll one is forced to want to get up and dance. Rodgers sings “Surfs up, Schools out. I got a criminal urge to twist and shout.” Although cliché this song is another rock anthem and is a good song to conclude the record before the reprise of “Small”
The cosmos rocks is a great record for any Queen or Bad Company fan new or old. The record gives you a little bit of everything and in true Queen style I promise you that you will cry, you will smile, you will laugh, and you will remember.
4.5/5 stars
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