Queen Album: “The Cosmos Rocks”

You can't compare this to classic Queen or Paul Rodgers. This is 2 talented forces combining to create 1 enjoyable disc. It has something for the fans of both bands, and also something for anyone who appreciates good adult rock n' roll. From the beginning in your face rock, all the way thru a roller coaster of melodies, this disc is just plain enjoyable. Yes I do want to hear Queen with Freddie again, but we must move on, and this is about as good as it can get without him. It would be an absolute shame if the remaining members of Queen never recorded again in memory of the late freddie, you talk about a waste of talent. The tightest sounding band ever, combined with rocks second greatest voice (freddie was first). DO NOT COMPARE this to their previous works. Just enjoy it for what it is!

This album is bloody fantastic. This is not a Queen album. This is not a Paul Rodgers solo album. This is an album by Queen + Paul Rodgers. That means it's not an album that is going to sound or be entirely like a `classic' Queen album, or an album that is a Bad Company knock-off. From their inception, the group has made it crystal clear it is not going to try and be something it ain't, or replace something that can't be replaced. So with that in mind, this is brand new classic rock n' roll with touches of that classic Queen flair, and steeped deep with Rodgers blue-eyed soul. The real star on this album is Brian May. His guitar playing drives this album from beginning to end, with his instantly recognizable solos, and his sweet guitar tone is a breath of fresh air throughout. Any guitar rock fan will appreciate Brian's playing as his stamp is all over this. That is not to say that Paul and Rogers are left in his dust, Paul sounds terrific as always, an ageless wonder on the microphone, hard to believe he started singing 40 years ago with Free, his voice is still a gift to behold and listen to. Roger's main strengths on this album are his songwriting contributions and the choral harmonies. 2 of his songs (which he primarily wrote) C-Lebrity and Surf's Up...School's Out are quirky numbers and it's a thrill to hear Paul singing them, he sounds up for the challenge and it's musically something thats not in Paul's comfort zone. 2 of the biggest surprises for me on this album are the 2 tracks I had already heard. Say It's Not True from the live album 2 years ago, I was initially not turned on by it, but since it's now recorded properly, it's an amazing track, and with Paul sharing the lead vocals at the end just adds so much more dynamics and is a real winner. The other, Warboys, was from Paul's live album last year, again not impressed initially, but now with the entire band at work, it's excellent. A nice driving tune that kicks, and, is special for all the troops at war overseas. Elsewhere, the Queen-style numbers Cosmos Rockin' and We Believe could have been 80's Queen numbers and would have fit Freddie's style nicely. All-in-all an excellent, 4-star debut studio album from Queen + Paul Rodgers. A pleasant surprise and my expectations were blown away.

I'm a huge Queen fan. Always liked Paul Rodgers' voice. Good combo. This is a new band. Don't expect to hear re-hashes of their old stuff. Elements are there; Brian's guitar, Roger's booming drums, big, choral harmonies & Paul's voice...well, he sounds incredible...no change in quality - a very big plus indeed as so many just can't do it like they used to.

All of that said, I kept wanting it to sound like Queen w/ Freddie & John's input. It doesn't. They're both out of the mix. So you get more rock & blues which is what Roger & Brian brought to the band all along. It truly is a collaboration between them & Paul. I like the new blend. I like that they didn't do the predictable, re-writes of old songs to simply cash-in on the Queen or Bad Co./Free/Paul Rodgers history & reputation.

Listen to it from that perspective. It's new music from 3 of rock's most gifted & talented; Royalty to use the familiar term. Can't wait to see them on tour. Well done, Gents! 4 pints out of 5.

I'm listening right now to this album and you know I enjoy every single song on it. Now this is about my fourth time hearing it and I enjoy/appreciate it more each time. I believe it would have been more aptly titled Paul Rodgers, Brian May and Roger Taylor, The Cosmos Rocks. This is their album delightfully prepared for you. This is where they are now - not Queen not Bad Company but Rodgers, May and Taylor. Appreciate it on its own merit for today. It's a great listen. Enjoy.

First off all. Those expecting to hear Freddie should leave now. This is a new group with plenty of nods to Queen & Paul Rodgers past careers. I think many people had unrealistic expectations. It's not another A Night The Opera, but it is a mighty fine rock album!!

Cosmos Rockin' kicks the album off in true rock n' roll fashion. This is a great lively track that clearly shows that Brian, Roger & Paul had a huge amount of fun recording this album.

Time to Shine is really unlike anything that they have recorded before. This has hints of a U2 sound at parts and is one of the standout tracks on the album.

Still Burnin' is probably one of the weakest tracks on the album, but is rescued by a great solo from Brian.

Small is the outstanding track of the album. A simple acoustic number that builds to a beautiful chorus and great solo from Brian.

Warboys started life as a Paul Rodgers solo track and here is given the full on rock treatment. A great military time drumbeat makes this one of the highlights of the album.

We Believe is probably the weakest track on the album for me, simply because the lyrics are a little to cheesy for me. This is probably the most "Queen" sounding track on the album.

Call Me, is a simple light weight number that is incredibly catchy. The guitar solo from Brian would not sound out of place on A Night At The Opera.

Voodoo is a totally departure for Brian and Roger, but it works. One of the standout tracks on the album. Very bluesy, great stuff.

Some Things That Glitter is one of the best tracks that Brian has written in over 20 years. The highlight of the album. The guitar playing on this one sounds like it came from a Queen album from the 70s.

C-lebrity is the lead single and is a comment on the celebrity culture in which we live. A powerful guitar riff and catchy chorus makes this an obvious choice for the 1st single.

Through The Night sounds like a Bad Company track, which is not a bad thing. This is after all a Queen + Paul Rodgers album.

Say It's Not True was originally written for Nelson Mandella's 46664 campaign and is reworked here. Featuring lead vocals from Brian, Roger & Paul the track builds from an acoustic number to a power ballad in the classic Queen style.

Surf's Up . . . School's Out! is a Roger track. VERY Roger. A pounding rhythm reminds me of Headlong. This is a very fun track!

Small reprise is a beautiful end to the album. Lovely guitar work from Brian.