Japanese exclusive 2001 remaster of 1995 album. 11 tracks. Album Description
Though this album may have tracks from different years and took 3 years after the Concert for Life in 1992, as a whole, it sounds more cohesive than Hot Space. With the exception of the 2 bonus tracks (particularly the never ending 20+ minute instrumental) and "You Don't Fool Me" which sounds like another "Don't Lose Your Head" rewrite, most of the songs are top notch. Brian, Roger and John added their musical and production touches to make this album sound as relevant as anything which was big in 1995. "It's a Beautiful Day (both parts)" sound like Freddie is enjoying every minute, not worried when his time is coming (the 1st part sounds warm and placid, the 2nd part features snippets of "7 Seas of Rhye" and "Mustapha" thrown into the mix). "Mother Love" is one of the saddest songs Queen ever recorded, made even more depressing by the fact that this was the last song Freddie recorded (Brian sang the last verse as Freddie was too ill to finish). "My Life Has Been Saved" cheers things up a bit (originally the B-side to "Scandal." "Heaven for Everyone" is from the Cross, a Roger Taylor project and "I Was Born to Love You" is originally from Freddie Mercury's Mr. Bad Guy album. Now for the best songs: "Made In Heaven" is a power ballad, with the typically atypical chord changes the classic Queen was known for. This version of "Too Much Love Will Kill You" sounds even better than the one on Brian May's solo Back to the Light, with Freddie Mercury singing lead. "Let Me Live" features Freddie, Brian and Roger each on lead (apparently, the idea of all 3 of them singing was Freddie's idea back when he was still alive). It's almost reminiscent of the Beatles' mix on "Free as a Bird," which came out the same year and Queen's own "Play the Game." The introspective and poignant "A Winter's Tale" is featured near the close the album, as the last song Freddie wrote (it was also featured near the end of a documentary Champions of the World). Those of you who prefer the Queen of the 1970's may not like it as much as their older music but Made In Heaven remains an appropriate tribute to the late great Freddie Mercury.
September 25, 2008Before Freddie's death in 1991 He Still continued to make music and he didn't lower the bar at all for this last album made 4 years later. Let Me Live is one of Queen's best songs ever. The title track, Made In Heaven, is also very good. Some of the tracks they remade, like I Was Born To Love You, were remade very solidly. Too Much love will kill you is good, but personally I like Brian's version better. Finally, The Untitled track is over 22 minutes long but is very interesting and is more of an easy listening song. Definetly a good competitor with Innuendo
August 7, 2008 |  | Freddie Mercury's posthumous release |  |
As one reviewer noted, this CD seems to be getting the "sympathy vote" from many Queen fanatics. While it is not up to the standards of Mercury's final recordings with Queen on "Innuendo," this posthumous release does have its moments. "It's a Beautiful Day" is a lovely opener -- very simple and life-affirming. "Let Me Live" and "Mother Love" are both strong. "A Winter's Tale" is another gem, with Freddie's voice adding layers of emotion to a fairly simple lyric. What drags this down a bit is the heavy use of synths, and the re-recording of previously released material. Also, there are no out-and-out rockers here, no attempts to explore different styles (a hallmark of the band). Had Freddie stayed around a while longer, this most certainly have been a stronger, more focused album. Not bad certainly, but it definitely feels half-finished. I would recommend it only for the true Queen fanatic.
May 25, 2008I was looking to buy some of Queen's greatest hits and after reading some reviews someone had mentioned this CD. Wow--it's really good, something to reflect on. It's worth having in your collection.
April 18, 2008 | | RIP Freddie...Thanks for the memories | |
I will agree with some other reviewers...is this classic Queen? No. Was it totally necessary? No. But you know what, it offers some closure on one of the best bands ever and probably one of the top 5 best singers EVER. It is very bittersweet (for me) to listen to this album. You know he was near death when this was recorded, and you can kind of tell. He doesn't sound as strong vocally. But you can tell he is doing the absolute best he can. And on this album, even if you wanna say this is his worst, it is still better than a lot of other singers can even dream about. It still sounds like Queen. It still sounds like Freddie. It still rocks.
April 3, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(92 reviews)