If I am not mistaken, this is the first Queen song since the first record to have a song with a co-writer credit outside of the band. That first musician was Tim Staffel, the original bassist for Smile, the band that became Queen.
This time it’s Freddie’s “Barcelona” collaborator, Mike Moran. Since the song came out of those sessions, it’s not really much of a surprise.
Nor is the subject matter.
There was a song on the first album called “Jesus”. Then Night at the Opera had “The Prophet’s Song”. The band, or some of the members, seem to have always been a wee religious. And, Freddie was dying, after all.
Again, starting with a prepositions is not my favorite. “So, all you people…..”.
But I do like “Prime Minisiters” to fit the time sig. On the other hand….”Let us be thankful! He’s so incredible!” is bad.
This is an exercise that, indeed, belongs on the more operatic in scope Barcelona. Wafting from faux Opera to even fauxer blue eyed gospel, the weight of the subject matter is no match for the wimpyness of the attack. This is filler of the highest order.
But, you know, Freddie’s dying and all…..
Grade: C-
