Is The Game a good place to start with Queen?

Yes, The Game is recommended as a starting point for new Queen listeners. A vibrant blend of rock and pop, showcasing catchy hooks and a playful spirit amidst Queen's signature theatricality. Released on June 30, 1980, The Game marked Queen's eighth studio album and their first to feature a heavy influence of disco and funk. Following the massive success of A Night at the Opera and the iconic 'Bohemian Rhapsody', this album represented a shift towards more radio-friendly sounds, particularly evident in tracks like 'Another One Bites the Dust'. At this point in their career, Queen was solidifying their status as global rock icons while experimenting with new genres.

The Game works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, playful and energetic vibes and varied emotional expressions.

How many songs are on The Game?

The Game has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Game

Queen · 1980

40 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant blend of rock and pop, showcasing catchy hooks and a playful spirit amidst Queen's signature theatricality.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Play the Game Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Another One Bites the Dust — This track exemplifies Queen's daring fusion of rock and disco, featuring a distinctive bass line that helped it cross over into dance music charts.
→
Crazy Little Thing Called Love — A homage to Elvis Presley, this track showcases Freddie Mercury's versatility as a songwriter and solidified Queen's ability to craft catchy pop-rock hits.
→
Dragon Attack — With its gritty guitar riffs and funky groove, this song highlights Queen's hard rock roots while embracing a more modern sound that appealed to both rock and disco audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Queen's diverse sound while maintaining strong songwriting and production quality.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow ballad, 'Play the Game,' before shifting to a funk-driven groove in 'Another One Bites the Dust' that dominates the second half.
Several tracks feature prominent bass lines and rhythmic guitar riffs, particularly in 'Dragon Attack' and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.'
The sequencing alternates between upbeat tracks and slower songs, creating a dynamic flow that maintains listener engagement throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short, engaging listening sessions
playful and energetic vibes
varied emotional expressions
dynamic shifts in mood

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped redefine Queen's image with its disco-influenced sound and hit singles.
Themes: disco-influenced rock· commercial success· Elvis tribute· emotional depth
Moods: Energetic· Nostalgic
Career context: Released on June 30, 1980, The Game marked Queen's eighth studio album and their first to feature a heavy influence of disco and funk. Following the massive success of A Night at the Opera and the iconic 'Bohemian Rhapsody', this album represented a shift towards more radio-friendly sounds, particularly evident in tracks like 'Another One Bites the Dust'. At this point in their career, Queen was solidifying their status as global rock icons while experimenting with new genres.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Electric Light Orchestra· The Darkness