About the Song
“Cool Cat” by Queen, from their 1982 album Hot Space, is an interesting departure from the band’s traditional rock sound, blending funk and disco influences with their signature style. This track is laid-back and groovy, providing a unique vibe within the album that is often remembered for its shift toward more danceable rhythms and electronic music. With its catchy bassline, slick guitar riffs, and smooth vocal delivery, “Cool Cat” exemplifies Queen’s ability to experiment with different genres while maintaining their musical identity.
Lyrically, “Cool Cat” speaks to a smooth and confident character, someone who exudes charm and swagger. The term “cool cat” refers to someone who is laid-back, effortlessly stylish, and able to navigate the world with a sense of nonchalance and confidence. The lyrics suggest a certain mysterious allure, with lines like “You’re a cool cat, so you play it real cool”, giving the character an almost enigmatic quality. The song’s lyrics highlight the idea of being in control, detached yet engaging, and someone who commands attention simply by their presence.
Freddie Mercury’s vocals are as smooth and charismatic as ever, delivering the lyrics with his typical flair. While this track isn’t as vocally dramatic as some of his other works, Mercury’s delivery is perfectly suited to the chilled-out vibe of the song. His voice effortlessly conveys the sense of coolness and confidence, while the rest of the band complements this mood with funky guitar riffs and a steady rhythm section.
Musically, “Cool Cat” has a funky groove, with a prominent bassline, jazzy guitar, and smooth synth lines that create an effervescent and relaxed feel. The arrangement incorporates elements of disco and funk, with a danceable rhythm that drives the track forward. The minimalist approach to the instrumentation allows Mercury’s vocals to take center stage while giving the song a laid-back, almost hypnotic quality. The use of synthesizers adds a layer of modernity, aligning with the experimental sound of the Hot Space album.
In the broader context of Queen’s musical evolution, “Cool Cat” represents a bold departure from their usual hard rock and progressive rock sound. While the album Hot Space itself was divisive among long-time fans due to its dance-oriented style, “Cool Cat” is a standout track that shows the band’s versatility. The song’s groovy and funky sound was influenced by the growing popularity of disco and funk in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Queen, always unafraid to push musical boundaries, brought their own flair to the genre, adding a touch of rock authenticity while embracing the prevailing sounds of the time.
In short, “Cool Cat” is a funky, groove-laden track that showcases Queen’s ability to experiment with different genres while still maintaining their distinctive sound. With its smooth basslines, chilled-out vibe, and effortlessly cool lyrics, the song remains an underrated gem in Queen’s catalog. It’s a track that captures the laid-back confidence of its subject while offering a refreshing contrast to the more bombastic tracks the band is known for.