Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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Queen

  • Queen II [Elektra, 1974] C-
  • A Night at the Opera [Elektra, 1975] B-
  • News of the World [Elektra, 1977] C
  • Jazz [Elektra, 1978] C+

See Also:

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Queen II [Elektra, 1974]
Wimpoid royaloid heavoid android void. C-

A Night at the Opera [Elektra, 1975]
This is near enough to the reported mishmash to make me doubt that it sells for what's good about it. Which is that it doesn't actually botch any of a half-dozen arty-to-heavy "eclectic" modes--even something called "Prophet's Song" sounds OK--and achieves a parodic tone often enough to suggest more than meets the ear. Maybe if they come up with a coherent masterwork I'll figure out what that more is. Maybe if they come up with a coherent masterwork they'll figure out what that more is. B-

News of the World [Elektra, 1977]
In which the group that last January brought us a $7.98 LP to boycott devotes one side to the wantonness of woman and the other to the futile rebelliousness of the doomed-to-life losers (those saps!) (you saps!) who buy and listen. C

Jazz [Elektra, 1978]
Despite the title--come back, Ry Cooder, all is forgiven--this isn't completely disgusting. "Bicycle Race" is even funny. Put them down as 10cc, with a spoke, or a pump, up their ass. C+