Hidden Gems - Queen's "Innuendo"

Innuendo, by Queen

October 9, 2021

Back in college, my friends and I sometimes made each a playlist of songs we felt represented our friends. One of my friends felt I resembled the Queen song “Innuendo.”

At this point, I was only beginning to discover music. Def Leppard was on repeat, as was Fall Out Boy and Aerosmith. I queued up “Innuendo.” Off to a fantastic start. Sorry, wait - is this a Spanish guitar break in the middle of a six-minute rock song? I was hooked. I knew the Queen hits, of course, but “Innuendo” suggested Queen had more to offer than their smashes.

Queen’s discography is strong. There are a couple of albums I know come to mind as examples of their weak moments, including, perhaps, “Innuendo.” On most Queen discography rankings, it sits toward the bottom. Partially, that’s because they have three or four incredible albums that rank 1-4 on every list. Maybe “Innuendo” deserves to rank 11th or 12th. In the Olympics, the 11th-place finisher is still the best in their country. “Innuendo” is still a great album; it is simply outclassed by iconic LPs like “A Night at the Opera,” or “Jazz.”

It’s impossible for me to prove the above statement. I can only speak my opinions and hope to encourage you to give it another spin, whether it’s your first or fifteenth listen.

Highlights:

• “Innuendo:” Tight drum flourish to open. Spanish guitar break. Thought-provoking lyrics. Dramatic vocals (of course). This song represents Queen in its unpredictability but impeccable writing and delivery.

• “I’m Going Slightly Mad:” Freddie Mercury does sound like he’s only knitting with one needle. Brian May shows how versatile his skills are by playing a solo and outro that suggests his frontman’s frenetics are catching.

• “Delilah:” If you know Queen, you’ll know Delilah is Freddie Mercury’s cat. Without that knowledge, the song is about a woman... until it’s not.

• “Bijou:” May’s swan song. “Innuendo” would be the last album they released while Freddie Mercury was alive, and May’s guitar performance stirs the emotions in preparation for the most moving album closer I know.

• “The Show Must Go On:” In February 1991, this song closed the album well. After November 1991, it hit like a ton of bricks. The show did go on, but it would never be the same.