Jazz

It seems that this album gets pretty mixed reviews from diehard Queen fans, and more casual ones. My opinion of the album? I tend to agree with both sides of the camp. I'm going to get to the negative stuff first, just to get it out of the way.

While I think it's a great album, I can't help feeling that some of it seems a bit lackluster, uninspired and forced for Queen's own typical high standards, particularly during the second half. First off, the album seems a bit uneven, mainly because the hard-hitting and upbeat numbers seem to play out consecutively throughout the first half, while the second half seems more subdued in dynamics and atmosphere. Listening to the transition from a (mostly) first half of upbeat numbers to a (mostly) second half of low-key numbers can be quite a tough pill to swallow for a listener. It probably would have been nicer if the track order was switched around and mixed up more, like they did on the majority of their earlier 70s albums. All of this gives the impression that Queen got a bit hasty and careless with the production of the album, as if they were on a quick deadline to release an album within a short period of time. The overall feel of the album comes across as a bit sloppily executed, when in fact Queen were one of THE bands/producers known for their precision, meticulousness and perfectionism.

Queen fans will probably want to see me fry in hell for all of these last comments, but Queen is only my all-time favorite band, and I say all of this because Queen were a band who set high standards for themselves, and it's hard not to notice when they've stepped down a bit.

Now the goods. This is definitely a fun (and elegant) album to listen to, especially when you're in need of a good cheer-up. Hard to not feel good after listening to the sensuous, lusty and jovial/celebratory vocals of Freddie Mercury, the hypnotic crunch of Brian's self-made guitar, the bombastic drumming of Roger Talyor and John Deacon's tasty basslines backing it all up. "Mustapha" is an Arabic-like number with Freddie singing mostly wordless (but hypnotic and engrossing) vocal lines which give the track an almost spiritual aura. The musicianship is intelligent and top-notch here as well. "Fat Bottomed Girls" many probably know. "Jealousy" is an excellent number featuring Brian May playing some guitar lines that sound almost eastern. Freddie's vocals as always are convincing. "Bicycle Race" shows off the kind of perfectionism and meticulousness Queen were known for perfectly: a number with a sheer amount of complexity crammed throughout it's short playing time. I always loved how Queen made tracks that sounded like "many songs played within a single song." They managed to make their complex musical point in quarter time of what most classic progressive rockers did, which puts the latter to shame. The intelligent chords & progressions, the abrupt switches in dynamics and other factors give this track an almost symphonic quality, as it plays out like an almost ultra-quick symphony - and not to mention those ultra-classy vocal harmonies soaked throughout. During the second half of the track, Brian May manages to slip in some licks based on ionian scales for three different keys - all of which are in ascending mode. This also adds to the "symphonic" quality the track possesses.

"Let Me Entertain You" and "Dead On Time" are hard-hitters in the Queen tradition. The former features some fairly risque lyrics, with some of Freddie's more expressive vocals, while the latter seems to return to the proto-speed metal that Queen pretty much pioneered with "Stone Cold Crazy," particularly in Brian May's frenzied riffing. This track is somewhat scary, as well as exciting. "In Only Seven Days" is a fairly low-key number written by bassist John Deacon. Features some wispy orchestration (nope, Queen didn't use synths - mostly Brian's guitar) and Freddie gives an elegant and sexy vocal performance. "Dreamer's Ball" mixes lounge jazz and Renaissance attributes - the latter in an irreverent, inorganic fashion (reminds me a bit of Gentle Giant.) "Fun It" gives the hint of things to come on later albums, as it's a funk/disco track. "Leaving Home Ain't Easy" is a nice ballad with a nice use of Brian May's gentle vocals. "Don't Stop Me Now" is just downright exciting and sophisticated. "More Of That Jazz" is a mid-tempo rocker featuring some scorching guitar licks. There's a part near the end of the track where you get a recap of the album, as you hear quick bits of a few tracks spliced together for an almost mind-warping remix.

The uneven feel of the album is the only real flaw, which causes me to take off 1/2 star from the 5 scale, but on the whole, the strengths outweigh the flaws by a longshot, as the songwriting and musicianship are still strong.


A Good album, but no unforgettable Queen music in it   July 4, 1998
oaktree@br.homeshopping.com.br (Rio de Janeiro)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

JAZZ was recorded during 1978, a tough period for Queen. They were still very popular ("We are the champions" and "We will rock you" were smash hits in 1977, and that year tour just rocked), but were facing the challenge of creating music while punk and new wave were dictating the rules.

The result was music as ecletic as Queen's previous works, with some hard rock numbers, ballads and other adventures in the pop-rock area. But this time there was a deliberate effort to sound simpler and less over-produced than before.

You won't find any epic songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Innuendo", or pop anthems llike "Another One Bites the Dust" or "Radio Gaga". There are, instead, some good moments and some others that, though listenable ( Queen was such a talented group), lack most of the power and magic that made the band famous world-wide.

The order of the songs is awkward. Some rocking moments are separated by soft material, breaking any climate that could possibly be achieved. One may argue it was characteristic of Queen, but this time things just didn't work well.

JAZZ was the last studio album of the band not to include synthetizers. As before, Queen's sound relied more on May's guitar and Mercury's piano, but the support of Taylor and Deacon was competent as usual. The vocal harmonies are sharp, as one might expect, but no operatic extravaganzas this time.

About the songs: If you want rock, listen to "Fat Bottomed Girls" (arguably the most sexist lyrics Queen has ever wrote, closer to Aerosmith than their style), "Let me Entertain You" (it should open the album!), "Dead on Time"(May's trademark guitar and cool songwriting shine here) and "All that Jazz". They proved they really knew how to rock, but avoided the true heavy riffs and instrumentals of previous albuns that sounded as metallic as they could be.

Ballads? Mercury's "Jealousy", Deacon's "In only seven days" a! nd May's "Leaving Home Ain't Easy". Careful arrangements, but no great stuff.

Curiosities? The slightly arabic "Mustapha", Taylor's funky "Fun It" (some cool instrumental passages. No way to imagine the band playing it in the first albuns,right?) and "Dreamers Ball" (simple but lovely).

The pop singles "Don't Stop Me Now" and "Bycicle Race" are funny but disappointing if one compares to "Somebody to Love" and "Killer Queen", previous piano driven hits. Anyway ,they have the more direct approach they were looking for.

It was a transitional album for the band. If you are a fan, then you should have it. If you prever the heavier, more eccentric albuns of the early seventies or are just looking for the big hits, then you can do well without JAZZ.


One Of The Best Queen Albums   April 26, 2000
Erik Rupp (Southern California)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

It has been argued over the last 20 years as to which Queen album was the best. It's likely to be argued over the next 20 years as well. But one point most Queen fans can agree on is this; JAZZ is ONE of their best. From the classic pomp of "Bicycle Race," to the tongue-in-cheek Rock of "Fat Bottomed Girls," To the crushing METAL of "Let Me Entertain You" and "Dead On Time," JAZZ covers all of the Queen bases. In fact, Queen was particularly adept at writing and recording some excellent Heavy Metal songs, and "LMEY" and "DOT" actually sound a bit (just a bit!) like Iron Maiden. But JAZZ is NOT a Metal album by any stretch of the imagination, it is pure Queen. With Rock And Roll as a launching point, this rocket flies all over Rock-related territory; from the beautiful ballad "Jealousy," to the straight-ahead Rock of "If You Can't Beat Them," to the Queen dixieland of "Dreamer's Ball," to the Funk of "Fun It," JAZZ is all over the place. But what is amazing is how it all works together with a cohesivenes that only Queen could achieve with an album filled with so many different musical styles. Then again, that is the mark of a great Queen album. Recommended very highly along with A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, SHEER HEART ATTACK, and INNUENDO.


It is not a work of genius...   June 16, 2005
Soontobepresjoe (New Jersey)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful


...but "Jazz" is bound to be one of your favorite Queen albums.I would like to quickly address the concerns of people who say that this cd lacks the song-writing prowess of other earlier albums such as "Queen II," "Sheer Heart Attack," or "Night at the Opera." It is true - these songs are not as well-written! This album does not contain a genius moment like "March of the Black Queen" or "Bohemian Rhapsody." Some would say that, because this album has no masterpiece and lacks some of the masterful songwriting of earlier albums, it is worse and not warranted to a full rating of five stars.

And therefore, why do I say nay? Why do I say, despite the arguments of other people, that this is a full five star album? I'll tell you. This album is terrific because it is all about feeling. When you listen to this album, the songs have power to conjure up emotions within you. That is the success of Queen. When I listen to their music, I'm not just thinking about the merely instrumental and vocal passages. These songs take me away! It is difficult to describe to wear; but when you are listening to particularly good music, you forget that instruments are being played and rather think of the emotions that the songs conjure up.

Given, not all songs on this album are that way. There are admitting some lackluster numbers. Except for one, these are not bad songs, but merely lacking in the enjoyability of the greater tracks. I can genuinely say that there is only one song on this album that is worth a skip. As to the concern of the flow of the album - it is true that this album is an extremely eclectic mix of different styles. It has rocking moments, woeful moments, and fun moments. Sometimes, it seems like the transition between a low-key song and high-key song is too sharp. But to be quite honest with you, these somewhat awkward transitions are easily forgotten. In a couple listens, this cd is of such a nature that when one songs ends, you expect the beginning of the next one. It does flow as an album - it merely takes time to get used to the order of the songs. Now, I would like to review each song:

1. Mustapha: Excellent opening cut. Other people say "Let Me Entertain You" should have opened the album, but in my opinion this one is even stronger. As we have seen from earlier albums, Queen loves to shock us from the very first note. Freddie sings "Ibrahim!" and has our attention with immediacy. The lyrics in this one are quite fun to sing along to - even if you have no idea what he is saying. Also, it is of note that this song flat-out rocks! Might I recommend you listen to it loud? At 1:20 it just explodes. Great song. 9.5/10

2. Fat Bottomed Girls: This is one that you have probably heard. The full version of this song includes extended guitar work which makes the song flow even better. "Fat Bottomed Girls" starts with an excellent a cappella intro with some lovely vocal harmonies that Freddie always knew how to pull off. Then that rocking guitar riff comes in, followed by drums, followed by vocals, followed by some excellently placed bass slides courtesy of John Deacon. Finally we get to the chorus which is a great sing-along. Trust me, if you listen to this song in a room with a lot of people...a lot of people will be singing. A very good, rocking song. 9/10.

3. Jealousy: Follows the tradition of "Nevermore," "Love of My Life," and "You Take My Breath Away." This song is not quite on par with those others (maybe it's the presence of the drums, which make the song a bit more conventional.) Regardless, Freddie's vocals are excellent - and the choir behind him at times is done very well. The bassline and piano line complement the feel of the song perfectly. Brian May also uses a sitar-like instrument sparsely but effectively in this one. Overall, Freddie does another great job of conveying a distinct emotion - jealousy - through a song. By the way, if you listen very closely to the end of the song you'll hear a little bit of bass sliding that is the transition to the next song. Not sure how many people pick it up. 9/10

4. Bicycle Race: This, quite simply, is Queen in its purest form. It is completely ridiculous, while maintaining excellent musicianship at all times. Just as in "Fat Bottomed Girls" there is an excellent - even better - a cappella introduction, one that is quite shocking when listened to loud. Then bass and drums come in, and Freddie sings about an emotion we all have sometimes - wanting to ride our bicycles! I think what he's getting at in this song is that sometimes we should stop worrying so much about everything, and instead use simple activities - like bicycling - to help relax us and "forget all our duties." The lyrics in this song are just so funny and great. One minute in, there is a huge change in the feeling and tempo of the song - excellently done! The bells solo and guitar solo are also done perfectly. Oh yea, and the bassline is very well done too. And all this in three minutes! 9.75/10

5. If You Can't Beat Them: Remember how I said earlier that there is only one song which warrants a pass? Well, this is it. Very trite sounding. The riff is not really clever at all. The lyrics are nothing either. Same about the guitar solo, and lyrics. Even the singing isn't particularly amazing - unusual for Mercury. True, there is one good moment of silence in the song (as in, the silence is used effectively), but overall this song is just bad - by Queen standards and elsewise. Do not despair though! "Night at the Opera" had "Sweet Lady," yet remains a stellar album. Just as then, this album will improve - and John will make a comeback. 4 / 10

6. Let Me Entertain You: Mercury picks the album back up again. This song is all about how Mercury wants to entertain us. I'd say he usually succeeds. The guitar riff on this one is pretty good. The drum work is very well done on this track, and the lyrics are a hoot too - very clever. Most people call this one of their favorites on the album. I tend to disagree, but it is still a strong cut. 8/10

7. Dead On Time: May always provides us with a great rocker on the album. This song is no exception. The guitar riff comes in which quickly proves that Queen is capable making songs of something like Metal. It's just quite furious riff. The bass doubles it which only adds to the rocking feel. The ensuing lyrics are very angry, a mocking ode to the people who live in a world of anxiety and greed. He proclaims that these people who always want to be dead on time - are in fact dead! ON the inside, that is. Clever. The addition of the "thunderbolt courtesy of God" is also very smart and gives the song a perfect climax. There is then rain, which is used as an expertly transition to the next song. 9/10

8. In Only Seven Days: This is the shortest song on the album and one of the best. Deacon makes up for his mistake of "If You Can't Beat Them" with this heartfelt number. The piano which starts the number is very soothing. Then, Mercury's vocals come in which are just as sweet as ever. This song bears witness to the extreme versatility of Freddie's voice, which but one song ago was fuelled with anger. His ability to convey completely different emotions in each song help make this album as enjoyable as it is. The lyrics are also terrific, with lovely imagery about a short-lived romance on a vacation. The guitar solo is multi-layered and sounds as though it could have been lifted off of a song from the "Night at the Opera" era of Queen. Overall, this song - while short - contributes greatly to the feel of the album. 9.5/10

9. Dreamer's Ball: May's number here is in a way similar to the previous track, which deals with a love that cannot be. This song, however, is quite cheerful. The guitar chords and orchestration are the jazziest thing on the album, and have a very bluesy and lounge-y feeling. The lyrics are again well written, with excellent imagery. This song is yet another hidden hit on the album. It really makes you want to dance. You can usually tell you're dealing with a great song when it makes you want to dance. 9.5/10

10. Fun It: The Roger Taylor songs on this album often cause a great deal of controversy. People say that these songs are an indication of where Queen was going - simpler recording with less real substance. Maybe the Roger songs are indications of all that. Regardless, they should not be so harshly judged. Though the songs are not extremely well written, they are still enjoyable. "Fun It" is a pretty fun song which makes you want to tap your toes. It's got a good beat and some well done guitar work - quite sharp sounding. This song might not be stellar, but it is so different from the next one that the sudden change is actually quite enjoyable. 7/10

11. Leaving Home Ain't Easy: This May song is in the same vein as "'39" and "Long Away" in that it is an acoustic based number which Brian sings himself. The opening riff is very soft and also very pleasant. There are then some nice strings - I suppose it must be more guitar orchestration, on account of the fact that Jazz features no synthesizers. The lyrics in this song are particularly memorable and convey perfectly the emotion of having to leave a loved place and loved ones. In the instrumental, Brian modulates his voice in such a way that it sounds like a woman begging him not to love. All in all, a very touching number with great lyrics. Great transition to the next number, as well. 9 / 10

12. Don't Stop Me Now: This song, much like Bicycle Race, is pure Queen. It opens with a very nice piano line and the excellent Freddie vocals that we can always depend on. About thirty-two seconds into this song, it gets much louder, while still based on piano, drums, and bass. To further show the versatility of the band, they manage to go without a guitar line of any sort all the way to the guitar solo! Most bands would be incapable of creating a rock song with no guitar for the majority of the song - but then, Queen wasn't most bands. The guitar solo itself is excellent done, one of Brian's most exuberant. It reminds me quite a bit of the "Somebody to Love" guitar solo, in that it captures the energy of the song up to the solo and translates it into guitar form. Hats off for that one, Brian. This song is such a fun number; you really can't help but sing along. The excitement of the track finally ends with Mercury saying he doesn't want to stop at all. Have you ever had a night where you really felt abso-freakin-lutely wonderful? That's exactly what this song is about! It's about that time when you really feel alive. This song really captures the emotion excellently. At the end of the song, Freddie sings the tune of the song to himself, as his voice fades out. Well that's what it feels like on an awesome day - you just want to keep singing into the distance! Excellent song. 9.75 / 10

13. More of that Jazz: It's interesting that this song was added. The album could have well been finished with "Don't Stop Me Now." That's probably how I would have ended it. Regardless, this track was added, and it is enjoyable enough. Roger Taylor sings on it which is always a pretty nice change from Freddie's voice. This song is less funky than "Fun It" and seems more serious too. The guitar riff is pretty catchy too. I also enjoy the chorus. This song is another one fun to sing along to - even the collage of the album's other songs at the end. Overall, this may not be the best way to end the album, but enjoyable enough. 7/10

So, now I must tie up loose ends. Is this work as genius as some of Queen's early works? Certainly not. Does it contain an absolutely stunning song of genius? Certainly not. It does, however, have tracks which are extremely fun and enjoyable to listen to. This album always reminds me of summer; partially because I first listened to it during the summer; but also because it has an exuberant, fun, and joyous nature to it. This is indeed essential Queen - highly recommended!



No jazz here...   January 12, 2000
XS (Regensburg, Germany)
5 out of 8 found this review helpful

This special edition is a worthwhile purchase for true Queen fans. The cd and some other funny things are carefully packaged in a very nice fold-out cardboard cover. It also features the famous "nudists race" poster, a lyrics sheet with all the lyrics in English and Japanese, a miniature lp wrap and an additional track list. I think "Jazz" is one of Queen's best albums because it shows the entire range of this band. It's a very diverse record and captures both the operatic and rocky side of Queen. Best songs here are "Fat bottomed girls", "Bicycle race" and the hard rocking "If you can't..". The funky rhythm of "Fun it" obviously is a blueprint for "Another one bites the dust". In my opinion "Jazz" was Queen's last great album. Their '80s-work doesn't appeal to me because it's lightweight and commercially oriented, while their '90s-work is over-pretentious.