A Kind of Magic primarily functioned as a musical backdrop for the movie Highlander, but unlike Queen's other motion picture soundtrack (1980's Flash Gordon), the album doesn't contain a single instrumental -- they're all fully realized songs. For those who doubted Queen could still compose rip-roaring heavy metal, the leadoff track, "One Vision," silenced such concerns once and for all. With lyrics that describe Queen's show-stopping appearance at 1985's Live Aid benefit concert, "One Vision" is easily the album's high point. Other standouts include the majestic swirl of the title track, the beautiful yet melancholy ballad "Who Wants to Live Forever," the classy pop of "Friends Will Be Friends," and the first-rate rocker "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)."|
Rovi