Queen's News of the World

Queen's News of the World is the sixth studio album by the British rock band Queen, released in 1977 through EMI Records and Elektra Records. The album was recorded at Sarm West Studios and Wessex Sound Studios in London, with production handled by Queen and Mike Stone. News of the World was a commercial success, and its release coincided with the band's News of the World Tour, which visited North America, Europe, and Asia, and included performances at Madison Square Garden and The Forum.

Background

The creation of News of the World was influenced by the band's experiences on their A Night at the Opera Tour and their desire to produce a more straightforward rock album, following the complex and operatic style of their previous work, A Night at the Opera. The album's development involved Brian May's work with Harold May, his father, on the song We Will Rock You, which was inspired by Queen's live performances and the energy of their audience, including fans at Liverpool Empire Theatre and Hammersmith Odeon. The band also drew inspiration from their contemporaries, such as The Who, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones, and explored new sounds and styles, as seen in Freddie Mercury's collaboration with Roy Thomas Baker on the song My Melancholy Blues.

Recording and Production

The recording of News of the World took place at Sarm West Studios and Wessex Sound Studios in London, with Mike Stone serving as the primary producer and engineer, alongside Queen as co-producers. The band worked with various guest musicians, including Long John Baldry and Peter Straker, and experimented with new techniques, such as the use of tape loops and reverse recording, as seen in Brian May's work on All Dead, All Dead. The album's production was also influenced by the band's live performances, with songs like We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions being written with the intention of engaging their audience, including fans at Carnegie Hall and The Budokan.

Release and Reception

News of the World was released on October 28, 1977, through EMI Records and Elektra Records, and received generally positive reviews from critics, including Robert Christgau and Rolling Stone. The album was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The album's release was accompanied by the News of the World Tour, which visited North America, Europe, and Asia, and included performances at Madison Square Garden and The Forum, with support from bands like Thin Lizzy and The Runaways.

Track Listing

The track listing for News of the World includes: 1. We Will Rock You - written by Brian May 2. We Are the Champions - written by Freddie Mercury 3. Sheer Heart Attack - written by Roger Taylor 4. All Dead, All Dead - written by Brian May 5. Spread Your Wings - written by John Deacon 6. Fight from the Inside - written by Roger Taylor 7. Get Down, Make Love - written by Freddie Mercury 8. Sleeping on the Sidewalk - written by Brian May 9. Who Needs You - written by John Deacon 10. It's Late - written by Brian May 11. My Melancholy Blues - written by Freddie Mercury

Personnel

The personnel involved in the creation of News of the World include: * Freddie Mercury - lead vocals, piano * Brian May - guitar, vocals * Roger Taylor - drums, vocals * John Deacon - bass guitar * Mike Stone - production, engineering * Roy Thomas Baker - production assistance * David Richards - engineering assistance * Terry Gittins - engineering assistance

Charts and Certifications

News of the World has appeared on several charts, including the UK Albums Chart, the US Billboard 200, and the Canadian Albums Chart, and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The album's success can be attributed to the popularity of its singles, including We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions, which have become Queen's signature songs and staples of their live performances, including shows at Wembley Stadium and Live Aid. The album's chart performance and certifications are a testament to Queen's enduring popularity and influence, with bands like Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, and Foo Fighters citing them as an inspiration, and their music being featured in various films, television shows, and events, such as Wayne's World, The Muppets, and the Olympic Games. Category:Queen albums