• AllMyVinyl #18
• Band: Brian May
• Album Title: Another World
• Release Date: 1 Jun 1998
• Date purchased: 6 Feb 2022
• Location purchased: Amazon
• Color of vinyl: black
• Number of discs: 1
• Links: [ Wikipedia | Discogs | Band Website | Complete album on Youtube ]

The second of the two Brian May 90’s solo albums. I’ve been praising these albums since they were new – they were BLOODY AMAZING! This second one was one of the last things Cozy Powell did before he died. The album is dedicated to him (and Brian’s mum).

Albums by artists are frequently called “solo” albums, but as we know, it’s pretty much never just them. However, for this one it comes close. One of the credits is (and I quote from the credits).. “Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Programming by Brian May except where otherwise noted.” The album has some of our old friends on here. Of course Cozy Powell, but also Neil Murray makes an appearance on the album.

When this came out originally, I was working for Cozy Powell. I had the pleasure of knowing him personally – I was his webmaster in the mid 90’s. When he died, the site just stagnated, and turned into a tribute which I ran until roughly a year ago when I turned over control to his estate. Anyway, as I was working for Cozy at the time, I knew about this album, and someone connected to the band/label sent it to me on CD – I never had to buy it way back when. I still have that copy, but when Brian re-released it in 2022, I picked it up on vinyl from Amazon.

Some thoughts on the songs..

The Business – Man, it sounds like Queen. Brian harnesses the Queen sound really well here.

China Belle – This one isn’t my favorite track. Don’t hate it, but I can’t find a ton unique to write except the main guitar riff that runs through it is pretty decent.

Why Don’t We Try Again – After opening the album with two fast songs, it’s slowed down here. I suppose this can be called a ballad, but it oddly doesn’t FEEL that way. I can easily see Freddie Mercury singing this. Brian’s vocals are nothing like Freddie’s, but the way the song is constructed, I can easily see Freddie doing this one.

On My Way Up – One of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard. This is an instant stomp your feet, sync the lyrics track. I loved this from the first listen – songs like that I usually overplay and I burn out on. But this one retains its power. Spectacular track.

Cyborg – has a harder edge guitar riff than usual. Not that Brian can’t play hard rock/metal – he certainly can. But Queen songs don’t usually go there. This one does. There’s an odd lyric inflection to the delivery of the word “Cyborg” when it’s sung. Makes me think the song was going to have another part that it didn’t end up with.

The Guv’Nor – Another straight forward rock tune. The riff isn’t the most inventive, but I like the overall groove the song has. There’s a big time change about halfway through the song, which I always like.

Wilderness – Another slower song. Not bad, but I was getting into the fast songs, so whether you want a palate cleanser in the middle here will probably determine if you like this. It speeds up a little in the middle with some power, but overall is a slower track with a mellow solo.

Slow Down – Given the last song was slower, it’s amusing this one is called “Slow Down”. It’s very much not a slow song. Has a more in your face riff that I very much like. The guitar solo is back to the hard rock sound which is good. Very enjoyable song. It’s both hard and catchy which is a good combination for me.

One Rainy Wish – This is an odd song, it’s got some time changes which is always right up my alley, but has several different styles at once. You think it’s going to be a slower/ballad-y type track, and then it’s not. No wait, back to slower.

All the Way From Memphis – This is a Mott the Hoople cover. A track that I have to confess the first time I heard it on this Brian May album I thought was a May song. I mentioned linking it to Neil Murray once, and he told me that it was a Hoople song, so I embarrassed myself on that one. haha. But seriously, it’s one of my favorite tracks on the album overall. SUPER catchy cover.

Another World – This song got a new video from Brian. It’s a slow track, a good album closer.

I simply cannot state strongly enough how good this album and the other May 90’s album (Back to the Light) are. If you’ve never heard them I urge you to stop reading this and go get them now. They’re some of the best albums I’ve ever heard. That more people don’t know them is a crime.

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