Rediscover the Heroic Pulse of Rock: Enjoy “Flash” by Queen (1980)
Queen, the legendary British rock band known for its theatrical flare and genre-defying sound, struck another chord in 1980 with their cinematic anthem, “Flash.” Released as the title track for the cult science fiction film Flash Gordon, this unique composition blends the band’s iconic musical bravado with an epic sense of drama and adventure. With Freddie Mercury’s commanding vocals and Brian May’s inventive guitar work, “Flash” captures the ears — and imagination — almost immediately.
While Queen had already cemented their place in rock history with era-defining tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Somebody to Love”, their work on the Flash Gordon soundtrack was a bold new stride. “Flash” is more than just a song; it’s a journey through a sonic universe that pairs bombast with melody, drama with musical discipline. It presents a blend of popular music and cinematic sound scoring — one that very few mainstream acts had attempted at the time. The unforgettable chorus (“Flash! Ah-ahhh… Savior of the Universe!”) is now engraved in the cultural memory of anyone familiar with either the band or the flamboyant 1980 film.
This track opens Queen’s full soundtrack album, notable for being one of the first movie soundtracks composed and performed entirely by a rock band. Against the backdrop of cinematic spectacle, Queen constructed a song that functions both as a narrative device and a standalone rock anthem. The band utilized voice samples directly from the movie, interweaving dialogue and music to enhance the immersive experience. This ambitious fusion was regarded by some at the time as unconventional, yet today it stands as a testament to Queen’s daring artistry.
“Flash” reflects the characteristics so inherent to Queen’s musical genius — genre fluidity, grandiosity, and an unerring ear for melody. Mercury’s vocals cut through the orchestration like a clarion call, while May’s synthesis of guitar and synthesizer adds a futuristic edge that defined the early ’80s rock soundscape. Of course, Roger Taylor’s percussion and John Deacon’s subtle yet steady bass complete this explosive musical lineup. Each member contributes to turning a science fiction narrative into a work of musical storytelling.
Though primarily tied to the film’s storyline, “Flash” manages to transcend its cinematic origins. It is evocative of an era when rock music dared to experiment on a sweeping scale, embracing spectacle without sacrificing sophistication. To those who have never ventured into Queen’s more unorthodox works, this track offers a perfect window — iconic, powerful, and unpredictable. For longtime enthusiasts, it remains a potent reminder of the band’s unmatched versatility.
Whether revisiting Queen’s discography or discovering their boldest undertakings for the first time, “Flash” represents not just a song, but a legacy. A dramatic anthem filled with energy, defiance, and imagination, it continues to command admiration across decades.