Subject: Queen – Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster, FLAC, 88kHz) – An Informative Write-Up
Queen – Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster, FLAC | 88kHz/24bit)
Released in 1982, Hot Space stands as one of Queen’s most controversial and genre-defying albums. Following the colossal rock-opera grandeur of The Game and the global smash “Another One Bites the Dust,” the band pivoted sharply toward dance, funk, R&B, and disco—a move that polarized critics and fans alike. Today, however, Hot Space is re-evaluated as a brave, ahead-of-its-time fusion that foreshadowed pop’s embrace of electronic and dance elements in the late ’80s and ’90s.
The 2011 Deluxe Remaster (88kHz/24bit FLAC)
This edition, part of the comprehensive 2011 Queen reissue campaign (mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering), presents Hot Space in high-resolution FLAC at 88kHz / 24-bit—far exceeding CD-quality (44.1kHz/16-bit). The higher sample rate captures extended high-frequency detail, while the 24-bit depth provides a dramatically expanded dynamic range, reducing quantization noise and preserving the original master’s subtle transients and ambience.
What to Expect Audibly:
Tracklist Highlights:
Why This 88kHz/24bit FLAC Edition Matters:
Who Is This For?
Final Verdict:
The 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Hot Space in 88kHz/24bit FLAC transforms a once-misunderstood album into a sonic showcase. The funk grooves breathe, the synths sparkle, and Freddie Mercury’s vocals sit vividly in the mix—without the harshness or congestion of earlier CD pressings. Whether you’re a Queen completist or a fan of early-80s cross-genre experimentation, this high-resolution edition finally gives Hot Space the sonic respect it has always deserved.
Note: Playback of 88kHz/24bit FLAC requires compatible hardware/software (e.g., VLC, Foobar2000, Audirvana, or any DAC supporting 88.2kHz sampling).
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." Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88
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:
"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.
Whether you’re a die-hard Queen completionist or a casual listener, the mention of
(1982) usually sparks a debate. Long considered the band’s most divisive record, the 2011 Deluxe Remaster—specifically the high-fidelity FLAC versions often circulating at 88.2kHz/24-bit—brings a fresh clarity to this electro-funk experiment. The Sound of a Band "Losing the Plot"? Released in May 1982,
was a radical departure from the operatic rock of the 1970s. Riding the massive success of the funk-driven "Another One Bites the Dust," the band doubled down on R&B, disco, and new wave influences.
While John Deacon and Freddie Mercury leaned into the New York club scene, Brian May and Roger Taylor were famously skeptical of the shift toward drum machines and synth bass, which often sidelined May's signature "Red Special" guitar layers. Why the 2011 Remaster Matters
The 2011 remastering project, part of the band’s 40th-anniversary celebration, aimed to restore the punch and detail of the original master tapes. Audio Quality
: High-resolution FLAC files (24-bit/88.2kHz or 96kHz) offer a noticeable improvement over standard CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz), providing more headroom and dynamic range.
: Listeners often note that the remaster makes the instrument detail "louder and clearer," which is crucial for an album so focused on precise, rhythmic production. Digital Preservation
: Audiophiles prefer the 88.2kHz sample rate because it is a direct multiple of the CD standard (44.1kHz), theoretically leading to cleaner downsampling if needed. Track Highlights and the Deluxe Bonus EP
The 2011 Deluxe Edition includes a second disc (or bonus tracks) that provides essential context for the era: Subject: Queen – Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster,
The Queen - Hot Space - 2011 Deluxe Remaster in high-resolution FLAC is a digital restoration of the band's 1982 funk and disco-influenced album. The specific version you are referencing typically stems from the 2011 Bob Ludwig remastering project, which was later adapted for high-resolution formats like MQA-CD and digital FLAC downloads. Technical Specifications
Source Master: 2011 Digital Remaster by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios.
Sample Rate/Bit Depth: While the original 2011 master was done at 96kHz/24-bit, the specific "88" version you are looking for likely refers to the 88.2kHz/24-bit conversion. Format: Lossless FLAC.
Resolution Note: The 88.2kHz resolution is often chosen for MQA-enabled players or specific audiophile distributions because it is a direct multiple of the standard 44.1kHz CD sample rate. Album Overview & Reception
Musical Style: A significant departure from Queen's 1970s rock sound, featuring heavy elements of disco, funk, R&B, and dance music. Key Tracks:
"Under Pressure": The iconic collaboration with David Bowie.
"Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love)": A notable ballad. "Body Language": A synth-heavy dance track.
Remaster Quality: Reviewers on Amazon UK note the 2011 version offers clearer instrument detail and a "fantastic sound" that feels "louder and clearer" compared to original pressings. Deluxe Content
The 2011 Deluxe Edition includes a bonus disc (or bonus tracks in digital sets) featuring:
Live performances, such as tracks from the Milton Keynes Bowl concert in 1982. B-sides and alternative versions. Where to Find
You can find official high-resolution versions of Queen's catalog on audiophile platforms like HDtracks or via physical Japanese imports on sites like Discogs .
2011 Deluxe Remaster represents a significant sonic overhaul of Queen's most experimental studio outing. Originally released in 1982, the album saw the band leaning heavily into disco, funk, and R&B—a stark departure from their hard rock roots. Technical Specifications The high-resolution FLAC 88.2kHz / 24-bit
version was meticulously re-created from the original first-generation master mixes at Gateway Mastering Studios by Bob Ludwig. Sample Rate
: While many Queen remasters are available at 96kHz, specific high-res editions for certain markets were mastered at Bass and low-end clarity: Tracks like “Staying Power”
to provide a cleaner mathematical downsample for CD (44.1kHz) while maintaining audiophile-grade fidelity. Audio Quality : Reviewers from sites like
note that the 2011 version offers a "fantastic sound" that is significantly louder and clearer, with improved instrument detail and punchier bass lines. ProStudioMasters Deluxe Edition Bonus Content
The 2011 Deluxe release includes a second disc (or bonus tracks in digital FLAC sets) that features live performances and rare B-sides: Staying Power (Live at Milton Keynes Bowl, June 1982) Soul Brother (Single Remix) Action This Day (Live in Tokyo, November 1982) Calling All Girls (Live in Tokyo, November 1982) Album Highlights Despite its polarizing history, contains some of the band's most rhythmically tight work. "Under Pressure"
: The iconic collaboration with David Bowie, which remains the album's crown jewel. "Las Palabras de Amor"
: A melodic highlight often compared to the band's earlier anthem "Teo Torriatte". "Staying Power" & "Back Chat"
: Prime examples of John Deacon's influence, featuring heavy funk basslines and horn arrangements by Arif Mardin. Hot Space (2011 Remastered Version: 2CD) - Amazon UK
Here’s an informative feature about the release you’re referring to:
Release Title: Queen – Hot Space
Version: 2011 Deluxe Remaster
Audio Format: FLAC
Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 88.2 kHz (likely 24-bit / 88.2 kHz) – common for high-resolution remasters
Island Records and Universal Music Group undertook a massive reissue campaign for Queen’s discography. The 2011 Deluxe Remaster of A Kind of Magic (which houses Space) is considered a gold standard. Why? Because unlike the compressed "loudness war" remasters of the early 2000s, the 2011 team went back to the original first-generation master tapes.
Now, let's address the cultural heart of the keyword. What is the 88 lifestyle?
The number 88 is a loaded symbol in lifestyle circles. For this niche, 88 refers to:
Hot Space is Queen’s tenth studio album, originally released in May 1982. Known for its sharp stylistic departure from the band’s previous rock-oriented sound, the album incorporated funk, R&B, disco, and dance-pop — heavily influenced by the contemporary club music scene. Tracks like “Under Pressure” (a collaboration with David Bowie) and “Body Language” defined its controversial yet influential legacy.
This guide covers how to obtain, verify, store, and play the 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Queen’s album Hot Space in FLAC at 88.2 kHz (assumed from “88”), plus tagging and archival best practices.
A Legal Note: The keyword likely appears on blogs, torrent sites, or P2P networks. However, the legitimate way to obtain this exact specification is through Qobuz or HDtracks.
Playing the File:
Ripping Note: If you are archiving from a Blu-Ray, software like DVD Audio Extractor can rip the 88.2kHz FLAC directly to your hard drive, preserving the exact bitstream.