The Game (1980)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: The Game
Artist: Queen
Genre: Rock
Released: 1980

Tracks:
1 - Play the Game -
2 - Dragon Attack -
3 - Another One Bites the Dust -
4 - Need Your Loving Tonight -
5 - Crazy Little Thing Called Love -
6 - Rock It (Prime Jive) -
7 - Don't Try Suicide -
8 - Sail Away Sweet Sister -
9 - Coming Soon -
10 - Save Me -

Overview:
The Game is the eighth studio album by British rock band Queen released on 30 June 1980. It was the only Queen album to reach No. 1 in the US and became Queen's best selling studio album in the US with four million copies sold to date, tying News of the World's US sales tally. The album received very favourable reviews. Notable songs on the album include the bass-driven "Another One Bites the Dust" and the rockabilly "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", both of which reached No. 1 in the US. The Game was the first Queen album to use a synthesiser (an Oberheim OB-X).

The album features a more pop/rock sound than its predecessor, Jazz. The album's style would be augmented on Queen's next release Hot Space, and future Queen albums. At approximately 35 minutes 39 seconds, The Game is the 2nd shortest of Queen's studio albums, with their subsequent soundtrack for the film Flash Gordon being shorter by 39 seconds. It is estimated to have sold 12 million copies worldwide, including over 4.5 million in the United States.

Re-issued on May 2003 on DVD-Audio with Dolby 5.1 surround sound and DTS 5.1. The 5.1 mix of "Coming Soon" features an alternate backing track, because the final master tapes were not found when mixing the album to 5.1.

The photo on the cover of the EMI CD is different from that originally used on the LP and cassette even though the Hollywood CD still has the original photo. The original photo (with Taylor having folded arms and May not having a hand resting upon his exposed hip) is shown in the article. This alternate photo was also used on cover of the DTS DVD-Audio edition of the album released in 2003.

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "Sail Away Sweet Sister", "Coming Soon", and "Save Me" were recorded from June to July 1979. The remaining songs were recorded between February and May 1980.

Queen's "The Game" stands as a pivotal album in their illustrious career, marking a shift in their musical direction with the incorporation of a synthesizer, specifically the Oberheim OB-X. Released on June 30, 1980, this album was a commercial triumph, becoming their only studio album to top the US charts and selling over four million copies in the United States alone.

The album's sound reflects a blend of rock and pop, a departure from the more eclectic style of their previous album, "Jazz." This approach resonated with audiences, particularly with hits like "Another One Bites the Dust" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," both reaching No. 1 in the US charts. "Another One Bites the Dust," driven by its iconic bass line, became a staple in Queen's repertoire, while "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" showcased Freddie Mercury's versatility and the band's ability to embrace rockabilly influences.

"The Game" was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, receiving favorable reviews for its cohesive sound and production quality. The album's re-release in 2003 on DVD-Audio with a 5.1 surround sound mix provided fans with a fresh auditory experience, although it featured an alternate backing track for "Coming Soon" due to missing master tapes.

The album cover's evolution is an interesting note, with different photos used for various formats over the years, reflecting the band's dynamic image during this era. Overall, "The Game" remains a significant chapter in Queen's legacy, capturing a moment of transition and innovation in their musical journey.