"All I can say is, WOW. This amazing album defies categorization. The only thing that can unarguably be said of it is that it is absolutely excellent music. My personal favorite on this album is "La Japonaise", which has a beautiful melody, complimented by some truly gorgeous harmony. "Ensueno" is, quite simply, perfect. "Guide Me Home" is a heartfelt appeal for the serenity of a peaceful end to a long, wearying journey, seguing into the lovely "How Can I Go On". The voices of Caballe and Mercury complement each other marvelously; no one would regret having this work of beauty in their collection. And for all of us who've always said Freddie should have been in opera, this glorious piece of music is a gift we've waited for all our lives."
Some of the notes will make the hair on your neck stand up.
Susan M. Whetstine | Muscatine, IA USA | 11/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love opera. I've loved Montserrat for a while. She has always have a magnificent way of floating up to the very high notes--a way that never sounds screechy or straining--just a beautiful, gentle floating that gives me goose bumps. When I first heard this album, I thought "Freddie is no match for her." But as I listened to it more and more, I grew to love their sound together, especially on the unbelievably beautiful "Guide Me Home" and "How can I go on?" Both masterpieces of music. "Ensueno" is haunting and Freddie's baritone is a treat, "The Golden boy" is an amazing mix of music with its soulful choir sound in the middle, and "Barcelona" is an incredibly powerful piece of music. I love Queen's music, too, (I was listening to Bohemian Rhapsody before I was in kindergarden--when it came out, actually, so you know how old I am!) I'll not all that thrilled with Freddie's other solo work--with the exception of the Barcelona album. What an achievement for him! If you like opera or Freddie at all, you should have this. And if you like both, like me, you'll be in heaven."
Viva Barcelona!
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 09/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Talk about rock opera! This is the only CD I know of where a rock star and an opera star recorded an entire album of duets. Oddly enough, it works. Of course, Freddie Mercury was always a bit operatic, with "Bohemian Rhapsody" being the most obvious example. In this instance, he really displays his love for opera, and although he doesn't have a classically trained voice, his vocals are really impressive here. Montserrat Caballe, on the other hand, does have a classically trained voice, and her vocals are even more impressive. Freddie and his song writing partner Mike Moran came up with some good songs for the duo to sing together. I think most Queen fans will enjoy this album, if they are open to hearing another side of Freddie. This is a lot different from a Queen album (no guitar solos here)."
An Amazing Swan Song for Freddie Mercury
Johnny Heering | 01/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been searching for this disk for years ever since hearing a bootleg tape copy of it 6 years ago.This is a must own disk for any fan of Queen! Wow!I truly believe this disk is among the best work Freddie Mercury ever put out. I think this was Freddie's last recording. I have heard that he was supposed to perform it live at the opening ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympic Games in '92, but died a few months before. (Instead, I have heard it was performed there with Queen band members and Julio Iglesias filling in - as a tribute to Freddie.) Despite his failing health during this recording, you would never know it to listen to it. Freddie's voice is as strong (and the songs are as well written) here on his last recording as on Queen's earliest disks from the 70's. Unbelievable. Freddie literally put his all into this recording. When you hear this you will know fully what a tragic loss his early death was. He clearly would have gone on reshaping the world of popular music had his life not been cut short. This album demonstrates his genius was unwavering even at the end. Freddie's end was tragic, yet the music on this disk is not sad, but triumphant. It was after all Freddie's final gift to the world.He left us as he had always lived his life - not with a whimper but a bang and a shout. This disk deserves wider recognition.Rating: 6 STARS ****** and a standing ovation."
Unspeakably beautiful
BurtRose | Washington, DC area | 08/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Barcelona is a soaring work of art. After many listenings, it is clearly the saga of a soul's journey through this life, with all of its irresistable pulls and temptations. But, ultimately, it is of a soul seeking salvation and union with God. -- The reality of Freddie creating and performing this, as he was facing his departure from this world, makes Barcelona almost unbearably beautiful. If I could take but one CD onto the proverbial desert island, it would be this one, without a doubt."