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.
1. Another One Bites The Dust (03:35)
2. Staying Power (04:12)
3. My Baby Does Me (03:22)
4. Back Chat (04:35)
5. You Don't Fool Me (05:24)
6. Rain Must Fall (04:23)
7. Fun It (03:28)
8. Dancer (03:50)
9. Dragon Attack (04:18)
10. The Invisible Man (03:57)
11. Cool Cat (03:29)
Queen – Funk (2025)
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