QUEEN – FUNK (2025) *HQ*
UMG Recordings continues with the release of QUEEN’s interesting thematic series compilations, grouping songs in the same musical style from the band’s 3-decade career catalog. Especially compiled and overseen by Brian May & Roger Taylor, here’s the new volume titled “FUNK“.
Queen is known for diverse styles, and since the late ’70s they added a funky pulsating rhythm to many of their songs, still with the band’s rock&pop punch. Perhaps the most famous is the hit “Another One Bites the Dust” which became a massive hit blending rock and funk elements. This song, with its iconic bassline by John Deacon, is arguably Queen’s most famous foray into funk-rock.
Then ‘Dragon Attack’, one of the most covered songs ever from metal to electronic bands, is an amazing little jam turned into a funk rock masterpiece. You can hear that it’s Brian piecing things together over a drum loop. Roger is on fire here, creating a big drum groove, and his signature hi-hat snaps are used to such strong effect. Every band member gets a little solo. Roger’s manic drum break followed by John flooring us with perfect funk bass riffing, then Brian delivering an absolute face-melter and finally the vocals left out in the open by themselves.
“Body Language” is another strong example of their funk exploration. This track features a prominent, syncopated bassline, echoing funk and disco influences, and is considered a key example of Queen’s funk experimentation.
From their 1989’s album The Miracle, the inside track ‘My Baby Does Me’ is very funky. There’s a nice groove, the base, the guitar loop, the Freddies smooth voice makes this a cool song.
‘Dancer’ is a pretty forgotten Queen song. It’s a funk rockin’ track where bridge reminds me of Dragon Attack. The gritty and growling guitars rock, and are a nice balance against the synth bass (played by Brian) and Freddie’s vocal animal.
01 – Another One Bites The Dust (Remastered 2011)
02 – Staying Power (Remastered 2011)
03 – My Baby Does Me (Remastered 2011)
04 – Back Chat (Remastered 2011)
05 – You Don’t Fool Me (Remastered 2011)
06 – Rain Must Fall (Remastered 2011)
07 – Fun It (Remastered 2011)
08 – Dancer (Remastered 2011)
09 – Dragon Attack (Remastered 2011)
10 – The Invisible Man (Remastered 2011)
11 – Cool Cat (Remastered 2011)
Freddie Mercury – vocals
Brian May – guitar, vocals
Roger Taylor – drums, vocals
John Deacon – bass
BUY
music.apple.com/de/album/funk/1826190657
