Happiness

Happiness? was released a few years after the death of Freddie Mercury and it is very obvious. Most, if not all, of the songs are very introspective and slower tempo than other RT solo albums. That is not, however, a completely bad thing.A trademark of RT's solo work is typically flashes of brilliance tempered with some awkward moments (with the flashes of brilliance, in my opinion, winning out in the end). While this album doesn't have any "stand out" tracks (i.e. Man on Fire/Strange Frontier from the Strange Frontier album and Pressure On/Nation of Haircuts from Electric Fire), it also doesn't have low points (i.e. Racing in the Streets/Abandonfire from Strange Frontier and The Whisperers/Working Class Hero from Electric Fire) that tend to plague RT's solo work.That said, it isn't surprising that RT's three biggest hits are on this album (Nazis 1994, Foreign Sand, and Happiness). These are three solid tracks. RT's voice sounds great on all three tracks (especially on Foreign Sand) and in three completely different styles. Revelations is probably the most uptempo song of the album and is reminiscent of RT's great work on Strange Frontier. Key, Touch the Sky, Loneliness..., and Dear Mr. Murdoch are all equally strong and to his credit RT really restrains himself from using a lot of the studio effects of which he is so fond (though he nearly ruins Touch the Sky with the laughing effects). Old Friends is a great tribute to Freddie Mercury and a very sweet way to end the album.I wouldn't recommend that someone buy this album as a first time listener of RT's stuff (for that, I'd say go with Electric Fire as his songwriting has improved with age), but once you appreciate Electric Fire, this is a great album to check out.

I've heard that this is the least favorite of Roger's work for some people. Honestly, strange frontier is probably my least favorite, though I love it too (hard for me to say least with Roger's stuff)The track Foreign Sand, though not a rock song, per se, is just beautiful and I listen to it as least twice when I listen to this CD.The track, "old friends" a tribute to Roger' , then, recently departed friend Freddie Mercury is a lovely tribute.I highly recommend this for any Roger fan.

I've always been a big Queen fan so I decided to get some of the members' solo albums. I didn't know what to expect from this album but I have really enjoyed all the songs. Although the music may not be as hard rock as some of his other albums, the songs show a softer side of Roger Taylor's talents.

I was so pleased when I heard this CD. It shows a gentle side to Roger, sweet warm songs. The song "Old Friends in Better Times" a tribute to Freddie Mercury, is hauntingly beautiful. An Excellent CD. This CD shows Roger's versatility. A nice break from his hard rock CD's (which are gereat also).5 stars for this one. Way to go Roger!

This order came much quicker than promised and in very good condition. Since I could not get it new (I think it is out of circulation since it is a cd from 1992), it was great to find it used and in very good condition.I'm "happy" to get Happiness?

As a die hard Queen fan (and fan of the members' solo work), I consider this my favorite Roger Taylor album. Great stuff!

A concept album dealing with the two major feelings that dog us each and every day, happiness and sadness and the things that cause us to feel this way.However, the album begins with "Nazis 1994" and it's more angry than anything. This was a time when skinheads were rearing their ugly heads in Germany and it ...[ticked] Rog off. In the "banned" version of this track he sings.."We gotta kick these... nazis", darn right!The happy cousin to "Masters of War" is "Foreign Sand" in which Rog pleads for everyone to come together. Naive in nature, I know but the sentiment makes sense. Backed with a powerful orchestra, if this song doesn't move you, you're dead.Roger has a bone to pick with FOX owner Rupert Murdoch and his monopoly. The in your face "Dear Mr. Murdoch" has Rog venting "dear mr murdoch, you do it with zing. at lowering standards you're really the king." I liked that line.It all ends with his tribute to Freddie with "Old Friends". Roger and Freddie were the closet from Queen so it's even more touching. This encapsulates the album...ending with "..rest in peace old friend, for me you'll never die." Knowing something is gone is evened out by the fact that they can live on in your memories.A mature, provocative and powerful album.

A very good album by the drummer of Queen

Good

It's a great song from the drummer of the rock back Queen , it's a hard to find CD as you will love it .

I have been a Roger Taylor fan after seeing him on a DVD in London. He has a great voice and I like hos choice of songs. If you are a Queen fan then Roger Taylor takes it to a new level.

OK