"Flash Gordon" is a soundtrack album by the British rock band, Queen, released in December 1980. The album is the score for the science fiction film "Flash Gordon" directed by Mike Hodges. Unlike Queen’s other albums, it is a soundtrack album and much of the music is instrumental. It features a mix of rock, electronica and classic cinematic scoring, embodying a rich and vibrant soundscape.
All the songs in the album are written by members of Queen, with "Flash's Theme" and "The Hero" possessing lyrics, while the rest are largely instrumental, including snippets of dialogue from the film. Some iconic tracks include "Football Fight," "In the Space Capsule," and "Vultan's Theme". While the album never attained major commercial success, it has since gained cult status among Queen and film fans alike. The album peaked at #10 in the UK charts and #23 in the US Billboard chart.
It's notable that the album incorporates dialogue and sound effects from the film, making it feel more like a film experience than a traditional album. The final track, 'The Hero', was re-recorded by Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor for the compilation album 'Flash Gordon: Remastered' in 2011. Brian May and Freddie Mercury were the primary forces behind the album, each writing key tracks. Their prodigious musicianship combined with their knack for theatrical and cinematic music made them ideal to score the adaptation of the classic space-bound comic strip.
