It is possible to look at an album like Innuendo without the context of their singer, Freddie Mercury's illness and approaching death? Not for me. It is just shimmering through every song and note.
Queen's last record published in his lifetime is a foreshadowing, moving, theatric in the best sense, and graceful piece of music. Upbeat at time, almost defiantly so, especially in its faster songs, it however can't hide its sadness: the very human struggle with one's own mortality. Here is a singer who, facing the inevitable, literally sings for his life.
Framed by the majestic album-opener Innuendo and concluding with the emotional tour de force The Show Must Go On, the album is a kaleidoscope of tunes, themes and moods - each single one of them is strong, even captivating. There isn't any filler. From straightforward rockers like Headlong and Ride The Wild Wind, to the playful and carnivalesque I'm Going Slightly Mad, to fragile gems like Don't Try So Hard and Bijou - Queen covers such a wide variety with such masterful musicanship.
Innuendo is really Queen at their peak. And when the last note is ringing out and silence creeps upon you, you might feel a little lump in your throat. What a record!
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