News of the World (CD - 1977)

In the tradition of 1975's A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, NEWS OF THE WORLD solidified Queen's position as '70s rock gods while expanding the group's vision through an eclectic batch of tunes. The album is primarily known for the anthemic medley "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions," which would grace sporting events worldwide for decades to come. Like OPERA, though, there's more to this album than the blockbuster hit. The Roger Taylor-sung "Sheer Heart Attack" veers damn close to punk. "Get Down, Make Love" is a funky, vamp-driven number that merges "Whole Lotta Love"-style effects with a brazen sensuality that could make Prince blush.

Freddie Mercury indulges his cabaret fantasies with the supper club cha-cha of the Spanish guitar-laced "Who Needs You." Brian May sings the mournful, folkish piano ballad "All Dead, All Dead." Things get downright Cole Porter-ish on the jazzy torch song "My Melancholy Blues." Once again, Queen prove themselves to be capable of much more than the arena rock many take to be their stock in trade. minimize