Play This Game

The band Queen took time in the late 1970s to listen to music, specifically disco and funk, they heard how to incorporate synthesizers into music without losing the edge. They began to step out of their comfort zone. Working with producer Reinhold Mack (famous for his work with Electric Light Orchestra), the band created one of, if not, the most diverse albums of their career. Released on this day in 1980, The Game, became their first album to reach number one in the U.S. and contained two of their most famous tracks. But there’s so much more to it than two number one songs.

As my friend Dave puts it: The Game “is the best representation of Queen’s music”. He’s right, from the theatrics of the opening track “Play the Game” to the rockabilly of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” (one of the two number one songs) and so much more.

Let’s start with one everyone knows - “Another One Bites the Dust”. Written by bassist John Deacon, whose bass line was inspired by the song “Good Times” by Chic (listen to both songs back to back), the song shot up the top 100 chart as well as the disco chart. Michael Jackson actually suggested the band release it as a single.

The metallic “Dragon Attack”, written by guitarist Brian May became a live favorite. It contains a wicked drum solo by Roger Taylor before some wild, guitar solos that sneak up on you. “Need Your Loving Tonight” might be my favorite song off The Game. It’s a perfect blend of rock and pop that grooves. This, along with “Another One Bites the Dust” further cements Deacon as an excellent songwriter.

The one “throwaway” that many scoff at is “Don’t Try Suicide” - I remember this one from when I was a kid as it was the B-side to the 45 single of “Another One Bites the Dust” that I had. Musically it’s pretty damn cool, despite the odd PSA-type lyrics.

May takes the lead vocals on the gorgeous “Sail Away Sweet Sister”. The focus is almost all on May with not only his vocals, but his signature guitar along with elements of English folk elements.

The strongest influence from producer Mack is on the track “Coming Soon” which has rich elements from Electric Light Orchestra. The vocal lead is taken by both Mercury and Roger Taylor (sounding a lot like Jeff Lynne) with a churning sound backing (along with some fun synth sounds to boot).

Closing things out is “Save Me” is a return to earlier Queen form. It starts as a sad song of lament but soon launches into a dynamic theatrical piece. With Mercury back on lead vocals, May played most of the instruments on the track including acoustic and electric guitars, piano and synthesizer.

The Game could have been seen as a sell-out to the pop world that was creeping into the 1980s - except it was pretty damn spectacular and remains my favorite Queen album. So go revisit it and bask in the genius of this band and their talent.