Tater Thoughts

This rare Freddie Mercury/John Deacon co-write almost included improvised vocals from another notable performer. But perhaps, it was for the best that they were removed? "Cool Cat" is a minimally funky and jazzy number that perfectly encapsulates that groovy era. Roger and Brian sit this one out, but in Freddie and John's capable hands, this song jives and moves along comfortably, endlessly listenable and incredibly relaxing. Freddie's falsetto is truly something special.

It's sad that as we age, we may feel as though we matter less; that the best is behind us, that we're past our prime. We may feel nostalgic and regretful for opportunities missed and goals unmet. But our perspectives also shift, and what mattered so much suddenly doesn't anymore. We change, but in some ways, we don't. We still feel, deep within, the same way our younger selves did. And I hope we retain the enthusiasm and dreams of youth. That's what keeps us going.

Brian's previous passionate reflection culminates in "Las Palabras de Amor (The Words of Love)". He brings acoustic and electric guitars, synths and keys, and even provides lead vocals at a crucial moment; as well as haunting backing accents. Freddie's lead vocals are some of his most natural, tender and dynamic. John's bass arrangement includes surprising movement. And Roger's drumming echoes much earlier Queen albums (with plenty of magical cymbal work). If it wasn't obvious (because I must have said and sang the word so many times), I love this song.

Roger's second offering on Hot Space (and the first Queen single release written by him), "Calling All Girls" takes us on a poppy rock ride. The boys are all playing real instruments again, bopping along as Freddie sings loud and clear for all to hear. Roger even adds some guitar feedback as Brian provides sparkling and jiving guitar layers. The song's video may not have pleased at least half the band, but the live performances were altogether magical.

An ode to John Lennon's artistry, Freddie's "Life is Real (Song for Lennon)" is also a stunning and affecting confession from our frontman. It's a beautifully constructed ballad with aching phrases of doubt and fear: A revealing admission. All of the boys shimmer here, with shocking restraint that still evokes. Roger's delicate drums, John's lyrical bass, and Brian's soulful guitar all make their mark. But Freddie really owns this; piano, synths, graphic lyrics and a gorgeous vocal. And live, it's even more fantastic.

Is there a part of your life that looks and feels completely alien? You might be asking yourself how you got there, how it happened; maybe how you let it happen. If that's the case, it's time to assess. It's time to reflect, to ponder, to navigate. Get feedback. Get help. And when it's time to make a decision, take a step forward in confidence to something new, and better.

Brian's second contribution to Hot Space, "Put Out the Fire" is the most Queen song on the album. All four boys are back in classic form, on live drums and gritty guitar (including a stellar guitar solo) and rolling bass glissandos. Freddie sounds fabulous in his aggressive full voice register, and we get a welcome return of layered vocal harmonies. This song sounded epic in its abbreviated live performances, but wasn't played often. And there's likely a big reason for that...

Roger's first contribution to Hot Space calls us to stand and take "Action This Day". It's a poppy, dance rock number with new wave inflections and contrasted vocals between our composer and our frontman. John is totally absent, as Rog performs many of the instruments (including synth bass) and Brian jives with Roger on electric guitar tradeoffs. This sounded stunning on a stage, and audiences responded enthusiastically. And about that low note in Roger's harmony vocals...

Never has Queen been more sexed up than Freddie's second contribution to Hot Space, "Body Language". Driven by Freddie's synth bass performance and extraordinarily aggressive and dynamic vocal, this is almost a solo piece; with Brian and Roger making brief appearances (John may be totally absent). Fans were stunned this slinky and minimal dance number was the lead single for Hot Space. But live, this takes on a rock identity, all the boys giving us their skills and enthusiasm on stage, winning over even the most skeptical of fans.

It's been another incredible year on my podcast, and I have you to thank! So, thank you. I'm so grateful you've stuck around, and you've tuned in. To know you're there...it helps keep me going. So here's a plethora of thanks, some ideas for future episodes, and a few bits of encouragement and silliness for you.