The Contrarians Dark Horse Albums: Queen - The Game (1980)

[@SuprJoinT]

The reason this album ranks so high for me is because it was the first Queen album I bought with my own money, at 12 years old. I love the opener but I ALWAYS thought Dragon Attack should have been the opener. To this day it's still one of THE heaviest Queen tunes. I always hear people say that Need Your Lovin' is kind of meh. It's one of my favorite songs by Queen. I guess for it's simplicity. It also makes a great karaoke song. Rockit Prime Jive is underrated. I guess for me, the only song I'm not crazy about is Don't Try Suicide, I'm just gonna hate it 😂 But then nobody gives a damn 😂😂 Twice in one post, I'm on a roll tonight! For those who don't get that you've never heard the record. I'll give this album a 9/10. Definitely in my top 5 Queen albums.

[@drewrose374]

Queen is my second favorite band and i will agree that when The Game came out I was a little disappointed, but I liked it a lot. 8/10 for me!

[@infernusrex796]

Super Contrarian here, my fave tracks are Prime Jive, Coming Soon, and Need Your Lovin'!!

[@billyhodges7194]

Absolutely agree with Andy , the only queen album i had listened to a lot was SHA and my folks bought it when it came out in England and i always had more than a soft spot for it

[@bsrg550]

I agree with everything Andy said. Great summation.👍

[@angelomicciche3044]

As I did when Hot Space was reviewed a couple of years ago, I agree with Andy. For me, The Game book-ended an era, even if there is less magic than was present in the 70s. The hits are awesome; Need Your Loving Tonight is something new for John Deacon: a balls-out rocker, and it feeds nicely into Crazy Little Thing Called Love. The ballads are great. Don’t Try Suicide. A lot of us knew and miss people we have lost in this way. Is the song big? No. Is it clever? No. Is it inappropriate? Yes.

[@daveycretin664]

Although I had heard A Night at the Opera and News of the World at a friend’s house - she was a year older than l was - THIS was the first Queen album l ever bought. Basically, my sentiments echo Andee’s. It might not be there greatest creation, but it holds a special place in my heart and mind. If most of their 70s oeuvre ranks from 9.0 to 10.0, I’d rank this one an 8.5. Highlights for me are “Dragon Attack,” “Sail Away Sweet Sister,” “Need Your Loving Tonight” and “Save Me.” “Don’t Try Suicide” might have a tonal issue but if it actually saved one person’s life, then I’m glad they recorded it. It’s probably not likely, but this album did sell millions of copies around the globe. I might disagree with Grant regarding this record, but l still respect his thoughts on this particular platter. Another excellent episode, gentlemen. Cheers from The Big Apple. 🍎 Rock Out and Prog On! Your pal and mine, ~ The Devastatingly Divine Davey Cretin of CRETIN CLASSICS.

[@SB-kr1dw]

The Game will always be treasured by me. It was the first LP I ever owned, given to me for Christmas in 1980 by my uncle and worn out from repeated playing. It had always been a rock album to my ears until recently when folks here and on SoT pointed out the homage to or incorporation of disco, which I have to agree with.

[@jonrhythm3686]

Im not a huge Queen fan but this was my 1st album from them so it has a special place in my heart. That killer ass guitar sound in Dragon Attack is a seminal moment in rock guitar music for my money. I give this one a solid 8.5.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Same here, first then new Queen album I bought loved it, still love it - including the silver sleeve design. I favor News of the World but this is very close for me.

[@tylerpatterson4787]

I enjoy this album, dragon attack is my favorite on the album love the opening bass line by John Deacon and a killer Brian May tone, also his solo is amazing

[@mintyfresh4987]

Some of my favourite Brian May moments: doubling the highly syncopated bass in ...Bites the Dust, and the highly clean, perfectly accurate and beautiful solo in Crazy Little Thing...He's all over this album.

[@briandunlap8534]

Queen is my a favorite band. I saw them on the tour for this album. Dragon Attack is in my top 5 Queen songs. Overall, the album is the upper end of average for me. 7 or maybe 7.5. I've shuffled the track listing some below. I think it works better this way. I think Rock It (Prime Jive) would've made the best opener, if Freddie had sang the lead vocal for the whole song. I also think they should've recorded a rock-n-roll rave up at the end of Crazy Little Thing Called Love like they do when they play it live. It would've closed the album out very well (if they had). Rock It (Prime Jive) Play the Game Don't Try Suicide Dragon Attack Sail Away Sweet Sister Another One Bites the Dust Coming Soon Need Your Loving Tonight Save Me Crazy Little Thing Called Love

[@inmyhouse11]

Great to see Andy again. The new KMFDM album rocks

[@KowankoMusic]

wooot!

[@logancollins7097]

FINALLY! I've long told Grant ("Mr.there are cracks")Arthur that this is a gem of an album. I love almost every song on here but Dont Try Suicide and I could do without Freddie's elvis impression on Little Thing Called Love lol. But everything else on here is some top notch Queen for me. Dragon Attack Save Me Need Your Loving Bites the Dust. Classic tracks that have stood the test of time! Will be a great show guys! Id give it a 9

[@jasongaylor2232]

Agree. "Don't Try Suicide" should have been replaced by "A Human Body".

[@logancollins7097]

@@jasongaylor2232 Great Roger track Jason

[@GrantsRockWarehaus]

I agree 100%@@jasongaylor2232

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

Completely agree with Martin regarding " Jazz" being Queen's last of a string "Genius" record. Also he is dead on with his view of each track on " The Game" Disagree with Peter : "Save Me" DOES sound like a May ballad. Freddie's melodies are more "Live Theatrical" in style.

[@franciskocher200]

Top album.One of my Queen's favorite.8/10

[@Friends-of-St-Anger]

Hi all (panel & viewers). Love the channel to death. I’m in agreement with Todd. The segue/transition from ‘Dragon Attack’ into ‘AOBTD’ is superb. Perhaps favourite segues from one track to another could be a future Contrarians topic, if not done already (?). The Game was a massive hit in the UK. A number one album spawning four top20 singles (two top10). Myself, it’s not one of my favourites. Some great highs but too many lows for me. I’ve not played the album since the 80s. Too many records and so little time! Have no wish to ever hear ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ again. From memory, I can only give it a 6/10. P.S. Loving the latest KMFDM album, Andee. Cheers!

[@KowankoMusic]

yeah!!!

[@jongreen7858]

I love The Game. The song Coming Soon is obviously a take on The Cars. Best song for me is Dragon Attack.

[@Ft.Gagiano]

I think the big change where was. QUEEN effectivly moving to switzerland. To evade uks tax crunch. And the band effectiivly start writing the songs in the studio And the sessions became long. With one or two members doing their thing. Then leaving. Mack yust edited it all together. Jazz is the last time Queen recorded as a band. Until the last two albuns the miracle and innuendo.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

German TV report on the Arabella building in Munich that also housed the Musicland Studios, it still stands but sadly to be demolished in 2030 if the city council's decision still stands by then, you might say. The Musicland Studios are now closed but the empty rooms are there, as Mack shows here last in the clip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIHWaGpnr5hgiJo

[@thomasbonnett4800]

Listening to this discussion, I’m realizing how I might never be able to enjoy this album start to finish again because I’ve heard “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” so much on the radio, I can’t stand to hear them again. Used to love this album and still indulge in the deep tracks. I love “Prime Jive,” and if I’m not mistaken when they performed this live, Freddie DID handle vocals…probably because there wasn’t much else for him to do during the tune. Great talk.

[@Rockstardust69]

Play the game is an awesome opening track

[@b.rogers6996]

Yeah i don't get where they are talking about it being a weak opener. I DO agree with Grant that Hot Space was the last album of their classic era. They were still being fearless and bold on that one no matter if you like the end result.

[@merikblackmore]

I like Don't try suicide and the hits a lot, Dragon Attack, Rock It, Coming Soon, Need You Love Tonight slightly less so. Save Me would've been a good opener. 8.5/10

[@JohnSmith-cb4sb]

From the time it was released until about Wayne's World, it was widely considered to be Queen's best (and yes I'm an American.)

[@MrUnmutual2014]

I love this album, I think the sequencing is perfect. The two Queen albums I would reorder is Jazz and The Miracle. The album cover is uninspiring though. I'm glad Martin mentioned the new wave feel to Rock it and Coming Soon which are my two favourite tracks and the importance of Fun It from Jazz which is a precursor of where they would go. Jazz is old Queen meets new. One final thought, Queens musical journey matched where Freddie was in his life at that moment.

[@corleth84]

Don't get this hate from Mr. Popoff towards 'Crazy little thing...'. It's not among my faves as well but I just take it for what it is... a tribute to Elvis and 50's rock 'n' roll. And if you take into consideration, that in Freddie's own words, he penned it in less than 10 min while '... taking a bath', it seems a quite good achievement.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Well you got to understand one thing Marty is not into that kind of 50s or 60s poppy kind of stuff. Same with the California sounds of like the eagles in the whole lot more LOL. Have the whole country rock scene.

[@James-xk6jo]

Thanks for saying "Rock It" sounds good. It's a great way to hear Freddie and it's like a composite

[@mehernoshtarapore8902]

Prime jive dragon attack need your loving tonight and sail away little sister

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

As a younger fan I always liked the hits and then started to buy all the albums. I think most albums was a favorite at some point. Over the years I do understand what some are saying with Queen never really being the same after the 1970's. I love Queen in the 1970's and like them beyond that. The Game is no exception. In one way is a fun pop/rock album in other ways it is sort of all over the place and the simplicity isn't very interesting compared to what came before. For me it is a 7 out of 10. Solid and enjoyable but not enough great tracks to put them beyond. I like "Prime Jive" but compared to the rest of the catalog? It's not exactly A-Tier or B-Tier. Same goes for Don't Try Suicide or Coming Soon. That's the thing. All Queen albums in the 1970's is like 8, 9 or 10 for me. Afterward.. It's more like 6 or 7 out of ten. Fillers became more easy to spot.

[@andrewcarr5923]

For me this album is an 8/10 it embraces the 80's whilst still having enough of their 70's magic to make it their last great album.

[@burnett179]

7 out of 10 is probably spot on. Never thought I’d hear anyone say they enjoyed hot space more than the game haha 4 out of 10 at best.the song the game is the last time they wrote a song that would probably get in my top ten all time queen songs.innuendo is the only studio album worth having after the game (not including the first seven classic’s) for the rest of the catalog just get Greatest hits 2 which is quality queen.

[@martythemusicmonster6772]

The game is 9/10 for me

[@adams7405]

First album I ever got in 1980 with Rainbows Difficult To Cure.Loved the variation and Queen finally got their number 1 in the States

[@Utubemop]

Some days a 7, other days an 8.5...still feel it is a solid album.

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

NICE GOING MARTIN!! Im on Board and Agree with those three Classic Queen ballots!

[@anthonypirera7598]

Well done Guys great job. I'm a Queen nut and it's funny trying to find the right Queen and their great songs and album, the easiest way is to see Queen live to see the real Queen is band is born to play live 😎

[@joeyblowey123456]

Dragon Attack is one of Queen's best song.

[@giles7662]

Whoever the guy is with the red hat - SPOT ON SIR!!!!!!!!!

[@Fastnbulbous1969]

I had News of the World first and loved it. The first thing I heard from The Game was the video for "Play the Game" before the album was released, and before MTV. I have no idea what show played the video, but I remember it was daytime, and I stood in front of the TV, giddy with excitement that Queen was back. Anyone ever though that "Rock It" sounds like Cheap Trick? Then in turn Cheap Trick kind of sounded like Queen on "She's Tight." A little later, I bought Jazz from a bargain bin for about two bucks, and I thought that was about what it was worth, cuz everything on side two was forgettable to me except for "Don't Stop Me Now." Best thing about the album was the drums on "Fat Bottomed Girls."

[@TaipanOfficial-i4h]

I got the dates wrong, the Queen Album 'The Game' 1979 and Nazareth Album 'Play'N'The Game' 1976.

[@DonaldMains]

An OK album. The hits, Crazy Little Thing, Another One Bites the Dust, The Game, are good but not great. There is a fair amount of weak material; Coming Soon, Don’t Try Suicide, Rock it, Need Your Loving Tonight. The album is saved by the deeper cuts, Dragon Attack, Save Me and Sail Away Sweet Sister.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

This is still a good solid album for the most part in 8 out of 10. Got a few misfires But certain songs make up for it. Another One bites the dust of course you know gained them a whole new fan base people like oh these are the we will rock you guys from a couple of years ago LOL. But that being said everybody was doing the disco Rock everybody knows that Stones Rod Stewart even Dr Hook starting with sexy eyes. Kiss. Aldo it does still hold up to repeated listening. Crazy Little thing called Love another one radios beat the death through the years. But other songs like the title track the way it begins it builds itself up it's very cool. Dragon attack is nothing short of excellent. coming off of jazz it was a whole different sound indeed with the use of the synthesizers. While I do agree there's a couple of fillers on there. I remember getting this in 1980 when I was 11 years old hearing Don't try suicide knowing what it was but not really knowing. I was curious to know what a prick teaser was. I think I asked one of my parents back in the day I think they rolled their eyes and said you'll learn in time. Some more experimental style stuff to with like rocket prime jive Sail away sweet sister another good one and the closer save me. And once again they would change direction big time with the next release. The soundtrack to flash Gordon. Another interesting one they saw 20 minutes of the flick is that sure will soundtrack this whole thing and they did to the campy classic cult film now.

[@janpoelkamp4229]

I give it an 8,5 out of 10. One could argue that side 2 is weaker than side 1, but the songs perfectly fit with the overall flow of the album. I wouldn’t want the album without it’s weakest links (Don’t Try Suicide, Coming Soon) because it would take away from it’s breezy feel, which I like. Although I don’t agree with the low rating he gives it, I think Grant is right about Queen losing their edge after Hot Space (which I also love). From The Works onward they were still strong, but playing it safe.

[@allandalegibson1194]

I had all their albums by the time The Game came out. My take was that I was impressed with their diversity. I really enjoyed it completely even though I would probably rank it beneath all their 70's albums.

[@kevinm5957]

Was 17 when this came out and Queen was my favorite band. Loved the album and still do, but did not like the direction of Dragon Attack and Another One Bites the Dust. Little did I know what was to come next.

[@gregwatson3300]

Here's a contrarian opinion: Hot Space is a better album than The Game. I said what I said.

[@juanaworden9685]

gotta say, pontus, don't really like the camera angle. Try to avoid the up-the-nose angle in the future. Great take though! :) haha

[@johnoliver7181]

Grant. Hot Space wasn’t queen doing what they wanted they were doing what Freddie wanted.. John, Roger and Brian over the 80s individually derided the album I believe the works was as much then doing their thing as jazz or any of the other albums.. they were not trying to be queen, they were trying not to be queen gone wrong (hot space) Rock it was recorded with lead vocals by Freddie and Roger’s version They voted on which version to use. It went 2-2 and final vote went to Roger as the writer This is why the intro features both singers, a mix of the two versions Oh and dragon attack was recorded with drunk Brian .. they went in studio after visiting The Shack, a club in Munich and write song after this

[@jasongaylor2232]

John was definitely on board with Freddie on "Hot Space". He was really into the dance, R&B, and disco stuff too. I simply think that the problem with "Hot Space" is that they moved too far from Rock and over did the pop, dance and r&b stuff. A few more May(or Taylor) rocking tunes and I wouldn't have a problem with the album. I quite like the album as is though. It really grows on you if you're openminded and can appreciate other genres of music besides just Rock.

[@GrantsRockWarehaus]

Either way... Hot Space doesn't sound forced to me

[@johnoliver7181]

@@GrantsRockWarehaus no, very disjointed though sir

[@johnoliver7181]

@@jasongaylor2232 John was into that stripped back sound yes. he did say he never really liked the album though.. I actually like it and I'm the only person I think who likes cool cat too

[@jasongaylor2232]

@@johnoliver7181 Not sure about that. John seems pretty enthusiastic for it during those promotional interviews for the album and tour back in 1982. And there's a few interviews where he said that he's really into R&B, soul, funk, and some disco. I like Cool Cat too, by the way.

[@Fastnbulbous1969]

It's a weird album for me -- it did not hit all the good buttons for me like News of the World, and I got really sick of some of the tracks, but they were still my second fave band that year after ELO. "Rock It" was awkward and dumb, but still fun in small doses. The whole rest of side two was squirm-inducing in various ways. But it wouldn't be Queen without the cheese and drama. I actually think Hot Space is a bit more consistent, heh!

[@DRRwine]

Need Your Loving Tonight harkens back to the style of the Dave Clark Five, right down to the bridge key change. DTS is unlistenable. I really love Coming Soon, though. A really intoxicating groove.

[@guydammit3287]

My favorite Queen album.

[@bearndesertllc6561]

Don’t try Suicide actually isn’t an anti-suicide message at all. It’s dark humor in response to one of Freddie’s ex-lovers who threatened to kill himself in order to get him back. Not sure if that makes you like the song more or less, but at least it explains the jaunty tone.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Yeah that's why the lyric prick teaser comes up

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

... I think what really killed them was the synthesizer! Up to "The Game" they had not use them, and they lost their creativity....Shame they were genius 👍🏻👌🏻😎

[@jasongaylor2232]

Even though I think it's a good album, this is the one where they started to lose me. A little too commercial and lacking the experimentation of earlier albums where they were willing to take risks. The previous album "Jazz" had a lot of diversity but it was still rather quirky, took risks, and brought the rock.

[@domielakrabi3276]

One of their better albums. I like the singles as much as I like the deep cuts. - 8.5/10

[@TaipanOfficial-i4h]

I would like to point out the coincidence of the Nazareth Album 'Play'n'The Game. listen to the song Waiting For The Man and you hear Another One Bites The Dust. There's one years difference between releases. I think someone in Queen must of liked Nazareth's music. compare the tunes.

[@ericrobertson2024]

Nazareth are probably one of the most influential and mimicked bands ever.I hear elements of their 1974-76 albums in so many bands.

[@daicullinane7746]

The Game is one of my least favourite albums by Queen. The Brian songs are great (Dragon and Sister). But once you remove the 4 hits available on another album, what you're left with are Rock It (which I like) Suicide (which I don't) and attempts at New Wave that I think were done better on Hot Space To me there is relatively no difference between the two albums. My first new Queen album was A Kind of Magic, that lurks at the bottom with The Game.

[@marhill77]

Unfortunately I couldn’t watch the “Live” broadcast, but I’ll chime in. Never been a huge fan of Queen, I like about half of their songs and the other half are not good. Every record seems to be like that for me. And this one is NO different. Is Queen a hard-rock band or a rockabilly outfit? I really enjoy 4 of the 10 tracks, but the other 6 not so much. Dragon Attack is the best song on the record by quite a bit. Production is fine…5.5/10

[@jacquelinec.6785]

I thought Queens 💿 The Game was a great listen! The Lyrics alone were different from previous albums ~ [Open up your mind and let Me step inside]🎙️Play the Game

[@digmacdiggydoo]

I was 14 when this came out. I liked it at the time, but now, it’s not my favorite. I think this is when they stopped playing good rock, adding synths, and Another one bites the dust (which I did not like even at 14 and still don’t). And then they gave us Hot Space (which I did not buy). I didn’t buy another Queen record until The Miracle. It’s just an average album.

[@JS-ik2vt]

I think putting two songs back-to-back that are essentially led by a groovy bass line (Dragon Attack/Another One Bites The Dust) was a mistake. Gotta separate those two on different sides.

[@kimberlywalker3970]

I'm not a huge Queen fan but I own a couple of their albums, The Game and A Day at the Races. Aside from Queen and Queen II, I think The Game and A Day at the Races is Queen at their best. Sheer Heart Attack has its up and downs and News of the World is good but kind of all over the place. I know this is a contrarian opinion, but I can't stand A Night at the Opera and Jazz is unlistenable. But I think Queen literally lost their game after The Game. I like Hot Space, but their work afterward is also unlistenable, in my opinion. As far as what my favorite songs are, I agree that Dragon Attack is out of this world. It kind of puts Another One Bites the Dust to shame. I'm also not a fan of Crazy Little Thing Called Love but I don't hate it. I don't think any track on this album is awful but the weaker ones for me are Rock It and Need Your Loving Tonight. And if I were to change the sequencing on this album it would go like this: SIDE ONE Dragon Attack Another One Bites the Dust Need Your Loving Tonight Crazy Little Thing Called Love Coming Soon SIDE TWO Play the Game Sail Away Sweet Sister Don't Try Suicide Rock It Save Me

[@bobkannen4272]

Martin Popoff is clearly a smart, sensible guy and he's an entertaining writer and commentator. But whenever he talks about Queen and Priest's 70's albums being "objectively" the only genius work ever in rock, he sounds like a fool. Sorry Martin. There's never an "objectively" in these matters. I love that music too but it ain't genius and there is genius elsewhere in the music. That's my subjective opinion. Otherwise...decent video.

[@youtoo2233]

5/10, a few good moments but IMO far from their best

[@walterhowieson7100]

What happened, 3 of them cut their hair , the one that didn't (May) still brought their game ,

[@nicholasvertucci2054]

"Hot Space" is far from a Queen album. It's Freddie's project. His concept, his producer, and the rest of the band wanted nothing to do with it. "The Miracle" and "Innuendo" are true Queen albums.

[@jasongaylor2232]

Nah, John was definitely on board with Freddie for "Hot Space". And I think "The Miracle" is a pretty weak and inconsistent album. Probably my least favorite Queen album(not considering "Made In Heaven").

[@frankies9465]

I dont like the singles . I love Dragon Attack. The rest is ok. I give it a 7. Good album. But, its the last good queen album. I bailed when they released Hot Space. They are the one of the best examples of a great 70s band who were done by the early 80s. You can put 2 other of my fav 70s bands in this catrgory. Aerosmith and Rush. Great in the 70s, then pretty much done by early 80s

[@ericrobertson2024]

I'm a huge defender of the 70s acts adopting to 80s sounds,such as Heart, Blackfoot,April Wine ,ZZ Top offcourse...That being said,I have no defense for Queen,the 3 albums that followed Game just aren't that interesting whatsoever.

[@lance98541]

You guys are far too kind. I would give this a 3 on a good day.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

lol

[@duanedibley1455]

This album was the beginning of the end for me. It's pretty ball less and bland.

[@noheamike5036]

the singles on this album had no appeal to me. never had any interest to hear the album. Another One Bites the Dust is horrible to me. 2/10 for never generating any interest, will never own this record. No interest at all in it.

[@aleksandarfrick2656]

😪

[@corleth84]

Save me had been released previously as a single, just like Crazy little thing .. the only 2 acceptable songs in the album .So the 2 good songs are 79 songs. 80s and later Queen sucks

[@piscesempress1978]

Queen does not suck.. smh

[@corleth84]

@@piscesempress1978 80's Queen does... big time. When a band realizes it must include two '79 songs in their 1980 album to make it average, it says a lot. And they should've stayed loyal to 'no synths'... the use synths in 'the game' sounds too childish.