This is a pretty solid studio album by Queen, which skyrocketed them back on top of the charts in the UK. Featuring a few hit singles, this marked Queen's use of synthesizers excessively. This is a surefire hit for any diehard Queen fan.

'The Works' kicks off with Roger Taylor's addictive masterpiece and his probably best composed track in his time with Queen, Radio Ga Ga. Now even years later it is still a beautiful, synth-driven pop classic which showcases Queen's ability to still write pop hits. It's followed by an average rocker by Brian May Tear It Up. It's a Hard Life showcases Mercury’s superb vocals and infectious piano work while Man on the Prowl again by Mercury, echoing 1979's Elvis-inspired Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Next up we have John Deacon's utterly brilliant I Want to Break Free followed by Mercury again with Keep Passing the Open Windows. Originally recorded for a movie project, it's a high point of the album with stunning lyrics and a beautiful melody. There’s also Hammer To Fall finally ending with the haunting melody Is This The World We Created...? another masterpiece, this time a thought-provoking collaboration between Mercury and May.

Some of Queen's best work is on this album. All the tracks have great lyrics, great music. The Works is an absolutely fabulous album and shows a great variety of everything Queen was and would be in the future. Excellent piece of work, highly recommended to all music fans and Queen fans in particular. A true showcase of the many talents of one of the greatest bands to ever grace the planet.

Vinyl (1984)

Number of Discs: 1

Label: Capitol

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira