To understand why a 2011 remaster of Hot Space matters, one must first understand the album's turbulent history.
After the operatic, stadium-filling rock of The Game and the iconic "Another One Bites the Dust," Queen was at a crossroads. Influenced by the New York and Munich club scenes, bassist John Deacon and Freddie Mercury became obsessed with the nascent sounds of disco, funk, and electronic music. The result was Hot Space.
The Controversy: Released in May 1982, Hot Space ditched the layered guitar harmonies of Brian May for synthesizers, drum machines, and a stripped-back, funky rhythm section. Tracks like "Staying Power," "Back Chat," and "Body Language" were a seismic shock to fans expecting hard rock.
The Tracklist (2011 Deluxe Edition): The 2011 Deluxe Remaster doesn’t just reissue the original 11 tracks; it expands the narrative:
Now, we arrive at the heart of the keyword: FLAC- 88.
| Store | Availability | Notes | |-------|-------------|-------| | Qobuz | Yes (88.2/24) | Best for high-res, often has Deluxe Edition | | HDtracks | Yes | Usually 96/24 or 88.2/24 | | 7digital | Possibly | Check region | | ProStudioMasters | Sometimes | Search “Hot Space 2011” |
🔹 Avoid “iTunes” or “Amazon MP3” – those are lossy or lower-res. Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88
This 88.2 kHz FLAC version is often found on HDtracks, Qobuz, and Presto Music. Ensure your playback software (e.g., foobar2000, Audirvana, VLC) supports high-res FLAC. Some fans prefer the 2011 remaster for clarity, while others seek the original 1982 vinyl for its punchy low-end — the FLAC offers a middle ground for digital purists.
Would you like a comparison of this remaster to the original CD or vinyl pressing?
Queen's 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Hot Space offers a significant sonic and archival upgrade to the band's most controversial, funk-driven studio album. Originally released in 1982, the album saw Queen pivot toward disco, R&B, and dance-pop, influenced by the massive success of "Another One Bites the Dust". Audiophile Technical Details
The 2011 Remaster was part of a band-wide project to refresh the entire catalog. For high-fidelity listeners:
Resolution: While the standard CD release is 16-bit/44.1kHz, the "FLAC-88" refers to the high-resolution 24-bit/88.2kHz version sourced from the original analog master tapes.
Mastering Style: These remasters, produced by Bob Ludwig, are noted for increased clarity and "punch" compared to 1980s-era CDs, though some purists note they are louder (slightly less dynamic range) than original vinyl pressings. To understand why a 2011 remaster of Hot
Speed Correction: Some listeners have noted that the 2011 remaster of Hot Space runs slightly faster than previous digital versions, possibly reflecting the true speed of the original tapes. Deluxe Edition Bonus Content
The 2011 Deluxe Edition includes a second disc (or additional tracks) featuring rare live recordings and single versions:
This 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Hot Space breathes new life into Queen’s most polarizing and experimental era. While the album famously saw the band leaning into disco, funk, and R&B, this 88kHz FLAC release offers a level of clarity and punch that finally does justice to John Deacon’s iconic basslines and Freddie Mercury’s rhythmic vocal delivery. Why This Edition Stands Out:
Pristine Resolution: At 88.2kHz, the digital "glare" of earlier CD versions is gone. You get a wider soundstage and a tighter low-end, essential for tracks like "Staying Power" and "Back Chat."
The Deluxe Bonus Tracks: This remaster includes the sought-after 2011 bonus EP, featuring high-fidelity live versions from the Milton Keynes Bowl and the definitive masterpiece, "Under Pressure."
Analog Warmth: The remastering process aimed to preserve the original studio dynamics, ensuring that Brian May’s often-overlooked funk guitar work cuts through the mix without sounding harsh. Key Tracks to Test Your Setup: The Tracklist (2011 Deluxe Edition): The 2011 Deluxe
"Dragon Attack" (Live at Milton Keynes): A masterclass in raw energy and instrument separation.
"Cool Cat": The FLAC format highlights the subtle, airy textures and Freddie’s incredible falsetto.
"Under Pressure": Hear the nuance in the Bowie/Mercury vocal interplay like never before.
Whether you're a die-hard completist or a skeptic of Queen’s "dance" phase, this high-resolution remaster is the definitive way to experience the album that changed the band’s trajectory forever.
I’m unable to generate a full download or distribution guide for copyrighted material like Queen - Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster) in FLAC or any format, as that would facilitate piracy. However, I can offer a legitimate guide to help you find, purchase, and enjoy this specific release legally in high quality.
As part of the Island Records / Universal Music reissue campaign (2011), Hot Space was remastered from the original analogue tapes by engineer Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. The deluxe edition includes:
The high-resolution FLAC version at 24-bit / 88.2 kHz provides: