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"Electric Fire"

1998 Nightjar Productions Ltd. Released on EMI Parlophone, 28 September 1998, produced by Joshua J. Macrae & RMT. Recorded at Cosford Mill Studios, Surrey. Mastered by Kevin Metcalfe at The Sound Masters.

The album had two singles issued, first of those was "Pressure On" (issued 28 September 1998, instead of previously being scheduled for 21st September, and earlier for 14th September), the second - "Surrender" (issued 29 March 1999 - but was to be issued on 22nd March). Roger Taylor recorded the album almost at once, it wasn't a compilation of previously recorded songs which were just put together. From what I know, Taylor wanted to release a solo album but didn't mean to tour to promote it. But after he got a Guinness World Book of Records prize in 1998, for his 24th September 1998 Cyberbarn online show, as the longest online transmission of a concert ever, and after his "Electric Fire" album sold well, he decided to tour the UK. So he had toured for one month, March 1999, with two dates in April.

Japanese edition of the album had 2 bonus tracks: "Nation Of Haircuts" (Club Cut) and "People On Streets" (Mashed).

The album includes one cover song, Lennon's "Working Class Hero". There is no doubt for me Taylor's version is much much better (even if there is a say that one should not try to make things which are already perfect better). Arrangement is richer, as I can say. The arrangation's easy in Lennon's and complicated in Taylor's. You just listen to words when it's Lennon, and you listen to all when it's Taylor. It's not only the words there but also the mood is fantastic. And Lennon's mood rather makes me a bit sleepy, although I like some of his solo work.

From what Taylor says, "Surrender" is about what happens at home every day, no love, no hope, no nothing. "A Nation Of Haircuts" is "surprise to the UK particular". "Believe In Yourself" is about everyone who is shy and not sure of him- herself. "No More Fun" is about no more fun in music, maybe he meant today's music (no rock!), but he says there is lots of fun anyway.

LP version of the album has orange vinyl. It has different track order. To "People On Streets" we have all the same, but last track on A-side is "No More Fun". Then goes "The Whisperers" on B-side, and so on, without 8th track, which is "No More Fun" of course. Sounds good, really. And that vinyl album doesn't have the words "One Night Stand" at the end being the title of an additional track, available for listening on Rog's official site at the time (these words were put after 7 seconds break at the end of a CD album).

In 1998 Roger also gave one concert promoting his new album, together with Treana Morris and Jonathan Perkins (both sung on the album) - it took place on October 14th, 1998.

At the beginning, the track listing of the album was to be like that: "Pressure On", "No More Fun", "A Nation Of Haircuts", "Tonight", "Surrender", "Is It Me Or Is It You?", "Believe In Yourself", "Where Are You Now", "People On Streets", "Working Class Hero", "The Whisperers", "London Town Come On Down".

Treana Morris and Jonathan Perkins sung with Roger on song "Surrender", but later Perkins only did one-off appearance at Roger's concert (mentioned before). And Treana did the whole tour of 1999 with Roger, being both: a support act and backing vocalist to some of Roger's songs. These days she sometimes takes part in charity shows with Roger and is a singer of the band Wiredaisies.

Vinyl albums (LPs)

Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire

CD albums (CDs)

Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire

Cassette albums (MCs)

Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire Roger Taylor Electric Fire

Vinyl singles

Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On

Picture discs

Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender

CD singles

Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Surrender Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On Roger Taylor Pressure On

"Happiness?"

1994 Nightjar Productions Ltd. Released on EMI Parlophone, 9 September 1994, produced by Joshua J. Macrae, assisted by Mike Stock and Tal Miller. Recorded at Cosford Mill Studio, Surrey and One On One Recording, LA ("Foreign Sand"). The song "Foreign Sand" was recorded and once staged (Nara, 22 May 1994) with a well-known Japanese rock star Yoshiki (a member of XJapan band). The song was also used for a television show. And it is dedicated to Rory.

Japanese release of the album had "Final Destination" (The Cross' remake) instead of "Dear Mr Murdoch". "Final Destination" was a B-side to "Foreign Sand" CD single in Europe.

The song "Dear Mr Murdoch" was previously recorded with the Cross, but didn't make it onto the album due to lack of prolongance of their contract with EMI. It is not known how the The Cross' version differ from this "Happiness?" version. There is also sth behind the song and its words, a battle with Rupert Murdoch, UK television tycoon (from Australia) who "control half our media". The song was also used while issuing singles to "Electric Fire", as a B-side.

"Nazis 1994" is a song which came to life after Roger saw tv programme about nazis, about war and what they did to Jews. The video to the song for example shows German dictator with prolonged nose. The song was banned in the UK (MTV for instnce), so was the original version of the song (called 'banned' these days). But they did tell there it was banned. The original version was stronger in words and Roger had to make them lighter (he did only a bit). More on that in rarities section of my site.

The last song to be mentioned here is "Old Friends", written for Freddie and sang live for Freddie. It's a journey of life with Freddie, some short memories, a big thank you in a very good style. Peaceful one.

To promote the album, a press kit was used, containing 5-page A-4 press note, with solo discography, promo photo and CD copy. Also a VHS (in PAL system) was issued, contatning EPK (electronic press kit) - a making of (1994, Klones).

Vinyl albums (LPs)

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness

CD albums (CDs)

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness

Cassette tape albums (MCs)

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness

Vinyl singles

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994

Picture discs

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand

CD singles

Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Happiness Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994

Cassette singles

Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Foreign Sand Roger Taylor Nazis 1994 Roger Taylor Nazis 1994

"Strange Frontier"

Released on EMI (Capitol), 25 June 1984 (UK) and 3 July 1984 (USA). Produced by RMT, David Richards and Mack. Recorded at Mountain and Musicland Studios. This album has three guest musicians, John Deacon and Rick Parfitt (from Status Quo) on "It's An Illusion" and Freddie Mercury on bcv's in "Killing Time". This album was re-issued on CD on 5th May 1996.

There are some songs I should mention. Firstly "Man On Fire" and "Strange Frontier", both best known Roger solo songs among Queen fans. Both sons were played live many times, even with The Cross (especially "Man On Fire", which was even added as a B-side to "New Dark Ages"). These are typical Taylor compositions. From what I know Taylor's fans like "Strange Frontier" most. When he played the song live they were most happy. For me "Man On Fire" is greater. Besides "Man On Fire" was performed in a bit different way (to the original), unlike "Strange Frontier".

Another song is "Racing In The Streets", which is a Bruce Springsteen cover. The original version of this song was put on Springsteen's "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" album. Original version is much slower than Taylor's version. For me even too slow. I like the words 'bout "'69 Chevy" or "Seven Eleven Store" (a well-known American store), funny at times, a story of people doing racing in the streets.

"Master Of War" is another cover, Dylan's this time. The difference in speed of both versions isn't that particularly heard here, it is slow and has some Dylan's style to it. But of course, still it is Taylor who arranged it and he does sing it, so no way he stayed absolutely in Dylan's style. It seems like another battle of Taylors, he sings the song as it was his due to make listeners clearly understand what the song's about.

"I Cry For You" single version has a John Deacon remix.

I find it worth a mention that US promo version of the LP had different track order (SJ-12357 Capitol Records), and was as follows:

Side A


Side B
The inner sleeves and track versions are the same as the standard issue. You can recognize the LP by "Property of Capitol Records, Inc." and "for PROMOTIONAL USES ONLY" text stamped gold on the front cover.

Vinyl albums (LPs)

Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier

CD albums

Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier

Cassette tape albums (MCs)

Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier

Vinyl singles

Roger Taylor Beautiful Dreams Roger Taylor Beautiful Dreams Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Strange Frontier Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire Roger Taylor Man On Fire

"Fun In Space"

Released on EMI (Electra) 6 April 1981 (UK) and 9 April 1981 (USA). Produced by RMT, recorded at Mountain, Montreux. This album was re-issued on CD on 5th May 1996.

There is no particular story behind this album, besides the fact that Roger had some ideas which he couldn't put on Queen's album and that's why he decided to make his own full record. He signed to EMI and recorded almost everything by himself. He did have some help with keyboards but all the rest was recorded by him. In album credits he hopes people like it - if not, "sod you". From this album "Future Management" song was played for Top Of The Pops BBC programme, back in 1981. Unfortunately Roger did fake singing, just playing to pre-recorded album version. But anyway, still we can watch him "playing" the guitar (black Fender Telecaster I guess) and as a background we see that Creepy monster from album cover.

Oh, I would have forgotten... the fantasy magazine Creepy inspired the cover for the album. Aaand... it is the only Taylor album produced by himself only.

Vinyl albums (LPs)

Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space

CD albums (CDs)

Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space

Cassette tape albums (MCs)

Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space Roger Taylor Fun In Space

Vinyl singles

Roger Taylor My Country Roger Taylor My Country Roger Taylor Let's Get Crazy Roger Taylor Let's Get Crazy Roger Taylor Let's Get Crazy Roger Taylor Let's Get Crazy Roger Taylor Future Management Roger Taylor Future Management Roger Taylor Future Management Roger Taylor Future Management

"I Wanna Testify" single

This single was released on 26 August 1977. It didn't make it onto charts. There is a video accompanying the single.

Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify Roger Taylor I Wanna Testify

"Gettin Smile"
Smile were: Tim Staffel, Brian May, Roger Taylor

This album was released in Japan only, on 23 September 1982. Recorded at Trident and De Lane Lea in 1969. Produced by John Anthony and Fritz Freyer. At that time, in 1969, Smile issued only a single, but it didn't made well on charts. Smile songs were issued again in 1997 as a CD, but under different name ("Ghost Of A Smile"). During that Smile era we hear Roger singing just a fragment in "April Lady", which goes like this:
"(...) It's been good to have you around, (...) You've done a lot for the folks in this town"

Catalogue numbers

Smile Gettin Smile Smile Ghost of a Smile

Single

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