Review: Queen, Album by Album by Martin Popoff

 

         As I was growing up, my mother taught me all about music, from Mozart to Nirvana. We would not only listen to songs together, but we would look into the artist’s mind and personal life. This way you develop a connection with them, sometimes almost as if you knew them, sometimes as if you lost them. That is what I felt with Freddie Mercury. My connection to him was immediate, crashing so hard it seemed like a first love type of crush. Since then, Queen has fascinated me. When I saw this book on Netgalley I immediately wished for it, knowing for sure I was definitely not going to get it (what are the odds, right?) Then one day, out of the blue, I got an email stating my wish had been granted. I think I have rarely been happier. This book is a perfect compilation of all Queen’s albums, with a beautiful addition of wonderful pictures and insightful comments. This book has a beautiful collection of Queen’s pictures, recollecting astonishing moments. Even if just for the pictures I think it’s worth to have a copy of this book.

What is so special about Queen? What exactly made them the legends they are today? By analyzing their albums one by one, Popoff is able to get a clear picture of the timeline and everything in their lives that might have affected their melodies and lyrics. Popoff also unites a vast cast of talented artists to comment on Queen album by album. I thought that was a great addition to the structure of the book, giving different types of insights, anecdotes, and opinions.

I must say, when it comes to Queen, I am not the most objective person. Nevertheless, would this book have been filled with useless praise, I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed it as much as I did. The objectivity of it was not only refreshing but even necessary.

This book is simply perfect, it is exactly what it claims to be. I enjoyed the points of view of the commentators and the extra bits of anecdotes that they added to the stories. If you are a Queen fan, I think this is a book you will very much enjoy owning.

Let’s chat! Have you read the book? Do you like Queen? What are other bands you like?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Riptide Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.*

Rating: 10/10