Empire
Exploring the uncharted territory between heavy metal and progressive rock, Queensryche has always been difficult to categorize. WhileOperation: Mindcrimeis their most highly-praised album,Empireremains their most accessible, with a somewhat more commercial approach that has no negative impact on the quality of the material.Empireproduced a string of hit singles, including "Best I Can," the title track, "Jet City Woman," and "Silent Lucidity" (probably their best-known song, and ironically unlike most of their other work). At times sounding a great deal like Pink Floyd,Empireis an impressive collection that is all substance, no filler. "Anybody Listening?", which closes the album, is probably the best perspective on a life lived on stage since Rush's"Limelight". Highly recommended.--Genevieve Williams