That's one thing with Queen is that they've always been about experimenting different genres within their catalogue. They never wanted to lean on type of song. In their earlier days through the 70's and early 80's those non-rock type songs were really well done (just not everyone's taste). A lot of catchy, campy stuff between the rock music. Once they got into the 80's though, they got really into that decade's type of music which wasn't nearly as good as their older stuff. Still produced some hits but, even as a massive Queen fan, I can't get into.
Hot Space was bad, no denying that.
The Works was definitely better. I like a few of the songs on
A Kind of Magic and I definitely like the album better than
Hot Space.
The Miracle is another mixed bag IMO, some good songs and some bad ones. However,
Innuendo is easily Queen's most underrated album ever in my opinion. There's no way you can listen to that album and not be absolutely blown away that a dying man, who could barely move by the time the record was released, could crush a vocal track that viciously. The songwriting is also better on this album than on many of the others too.
Then again a lot of 80's music just didn't age well
Hold your tongue, mister. Don't tell me for a minute that when Brian May clones himself and shoots laser beams out of his guitar in the "Invisible Man" music video that it is not positively awesome.
Yeah, the song is forgettable, but IT'S BRIAN FREAKING MAY CLONING HIMSELF AND SHOOTING LASER BEAMS OUT OF A GUITAR.
And 100% agree on their live performances.
Live Aid, Montreal 1981, etc...can you imagine the feeling other musicians must have had to go on after or before Queen in their prime? I'd feel so inadequate.