What makes A Kind of Magic by Queen notable?

'A Kind of Magic' reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and is notable for its connection to the 'Highlander' film, which helped introduce the band to a new audience. Tracks like 'Who Wants to Live Forever' received critical acclaim and have been covered by various artists, showcasing Queen's influence across generations. Released in 1986, 'A Kind of Magic' was Queen's twelfth studio album, following the commercially successful 'The Works.' This album marked a transitional phase for the band as they began to explore more cinematic themes, partly due to their involvement in the 'Highlander' film soundtrack. It solidified their status in a new era of music while maintaining their classic sound.

Who is A Kind of Magic for?

A Kind of Magic works well if you're into steady pacing with varied dynamics, theatrical anthems for celebration and emotional depth in ballads.

How many songs are on A Kind of Magic?

A Kind of Magic has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 40 years ago this June

A Kind of Magic

Queen · 1986

53 min · 12 tracks · hard rock · heavy metal · pop rock

A vibrant fusion of rock anthems and theatrical ballads that encapsulates Queen's grandiosity and emotional depth.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with varied dynamics
theatrical anthems for celebration
emotional depth in ballads
sing-along moments with friends
uplifting energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Themes: cinematic fantasy· mortality and love· unity in vision
Career context: Released in 1986, 'A Kind of Magic' was Queen's twelfth studio album, following the commercially successful 'The Works.' This album marked a transitional phase for the band as they began to explore more cinematic themes, partly due to their involvement in the 'Highlander' film soundtrack. It solidified their status in a new era of music while maintaining their classic sound.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Electric Light Orchestra· The Darkness
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Heroes by David Bowie — Shares grandiosity and thematic exploration of love and mortality with a cinematic soundscape.

Quadrophenia by The Who — Combines rock anthems and theatrical elements, exploring themes of identity and unity.

Out of the Blue by Electric Light Orchestra — Merges orchestral rock with emotional depth, capturing a similar blend of fantasy and grand ambition.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 One Vision 5:11
2 A Kind of Magic 4:24
3 One Year of Love 4:27
4 Pain Is So Close to Pleasure 4:22
5 Friends Will Be Friends 4:07
6 Who Wants to Live Forever 5:17
7 Gimme the Prize 4:34
8 Don’t Lose Your Head 4:38
9 Princes of the Universe 3:33
10 A Kind of ‘A Kind of Magic’ 3:37
11 Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends… 5:58
12 Forever 3:20

What to play next

Listen next

Live Magic

1986

Go back to

The Complete Works

1985

Full Queen discography Artists like Queen

hard rock heavy metal pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata