Throwback Thursday Vol. 4: Hot Space - Queen

When most people think of Queen, they picture rock anthems like “We Will Rock You”, or the operatic drama of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. But in 1982, the band took a sharp turn with their album Hot Space, trading guitars for synths and diving headfirst into funk, disco, and dance music.

Released at a time when rock bands were expected to stay true to their roots, Hot Space surprised (and confused) a lot of fans. It featured a slicker, more electronic sound, with songs like “Back Chat” and “Staying Power” showcasing heavy bass lines and disco rhythms. The album’s most famous track, “Under Pressure”, a collaboration with the late great David Bowie, remains one of Queen’s most iconic songs. However, it’s also the only one on the album that felt close to their earlier sound.

Critics and fans were split at the time. Some appreciated Queen’s experimentation; others thought the band had lost their edge. In hindsight, Hot Space was ahead of its time. Artists like Daft Punk and the Weeknd later embraced crossovers between pop, rock, and electronic sounds, just as Freddie Mercury and Queen did in with this album.

Hot Space may not be Queen’s most celebrated album, but it’s an important chapter in their story. It serves as a reminder that even legends have taken creative risks, and that with time these risks can become influences for future generations.