Barcelona (album) - Definition and Overview

"Barcelona" was an album recorded by Freddie Mercury, the front-man of famous English rock band Queen, and operatic soprano Montserrat Caballé. The album was recorded in 1987 at a time when Freddie Mercury was ill with AIDS. The album was released the following year in 1988.

Freddie Mercury had befriended Montserrat Caballé and had gained a respect for her music and powerful operatic voice. They quickly decided to work on an album together, with Freddie taking the creative lead, as songwriter.

Montserrat Caballé : "How many songs are there in a Rock and Roll album?"
Freddie Mercury : "Well ... err ... 10!"
Montserrat Caballé : "Well write 10 songs!"

The album was not well received by Opera fans who thought it was too Pop influenced. Similarly, Rock fans found it to be far too Operatic. It was, however Freddie Mercury's dream to record the album, and he realised it.

The tracklisting:

1. Barcelona
2. La Japonaise
3. The Fallen Priest
4. Ensueno
5. The Golden Boy
6. Guide Me Home
7. How Can I Go On
8. Overture Piccante