Album review: Queen - Live Around the World

Following the poorly received 2005 live album, ‘Return of the Champions’, featuring Paul Rogers, it is no surprise that many Queen fans were sceptical of this new release. However, Adam Lambert’s powerful vocals paired with the musical genius we’ve come to expect from Brian May and Roger Taylor, truly give some of the most iconic rock songs of the last 50 years a new lease of life.

Whilst the absence of Freddie Mercury and John Deacon is evident, far from sounding like a poorly constructed album of covers or (at worst) a tribute act, Lambert’s vocals pay homage to Mercury’s theatrical style resulting in a joyous, powerful album.

One notable aspect of the album is Taylor’s performance of David Bowie’s role in 'Under Pressure'. Although undoubtedly grittier, Taylor’s version is non the less incredibly enjoyable.

A particularly poignant moment is the introduction to 'Who Wants to Live Forever' – when Lambert dedicates the song to those who lost their lives during the Orlando Pulse nightclub mass shooting on June 12^th, 2016. Lambert states “This song is dedicated to those who lost their life last night in Orlando, Florida and anybody who has been victim of senseless violence or hatred” before launching into an emotional rendition of the 1986 track.  

Hitting the top spot on the 9^th of October 2020, Live Around the World is Queen’s first album in the charts for 25 years. Compiled of songs taken from every tour over the past 6 years, this album is truly both a celebration of Queen’s monumental legacy and an exciting reminder of Adam Lambert’s irrefutable talent.

4/5