Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Marc Martel, Thunderbolt and Lightning
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Marc Martel
Thunderbolt and Lightning



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Queen Cover Songs
Album length: 8 tracks: 30 minutes, 13 seconds
Street Date: October 26, 2018


READER RATING:   


Many fans of Christian alternative will know Marc Martel as the lead vocalist for Downhere, but as a solo artist, he's shown that he can hold his own in the classic rock world too. A good portion of Martel's post-Downhere days have been spent working with the official Queen tribute band, Queen Extravaganza, with Martel's incredible vocals fitting right in (Martel even leant his vocal talents for some of the singing in the film about Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody). For Thunderbolt and Lightning, Martel steps into Freddie Mercury's shoes once again for eight Queen covers that are modern while being faithful to the originals.

The album starts with "Bohemian Rhapsody." It's a decent cover, and Martel's vocals are top-notch, but purists among us may be bothered that the iconic guitar solo is replaced by a string section. Elsewhere in the song, strings give some nice dramatic flair, but the solo feels wimpy without the guitar. Also, during the "Mama…if I'm not back again this time tomorrow" section, there are some weird harmonies and effects that don't feel necessary. Marc's voice is awesome by itself, without any tampering or layering. In any case, these minor annoyances, though a little distracting, don't ruin this cover because there's a lot to like about it, too. Thankfully, the "Galileo's" and "magnifico's" are as great as ever!

Next is "We are the Champions," which has a noticeably modern feel to it that works really well. Whereas "Bohemian Rhapsody" felt a bit indecisive, as though it wasn't sure whether it wanted to be modern or retro, "We are the Champions" feels self-assured. The big kick with a thin, echoing snare wouldn't be out of place in an Imagine Dragons song, but none of these elements detract from Martel's Freddie Mercury-worthy performance. Actually, they emphasize his voice. The one possible downside is the absence of the guitar solo, but there's something to be said for this version making its own way and letting the original be the original.

"Love of My Life" sounds as beautiful as ever, though the string section sometimes seems a little heavy-handed compared to the original piano and subtle electric guitar. Maybe it's a preference issue, but the instrumental arrangement, especially when the timpani comes in, is too dramatic for this delicate song. Production aside, Marc gives another stellar performance.

As solid as the previous two songs are, his version of "Under Pressure," featuring Kevin Max, might be the best song on the album. Not only does Marc nail every note, but the arrangement isn't intrusive at all. And, while it's true that K-Max doesn't sound like David Bowie in the way that Martel sounds like Mercury, he and his vibrato are definitely up to the task.

Like "Under Pressure," "Don't Stop Me Now" and "You Take My Breath Away" are very faithful in tone to the originals. "Don't Stop Me Now" is more bass drum-heavy than Queen's version, while the only real difference between the two versions of "You Take My Breath Away" is that the solo is played by a cello instead of an electric guitar. This goes with the album's overall style and doesn't get in the way like the strings did in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Love of My Life."

"Somebody to Love" could, like "Bohemian Rhapsody," be a sticking point for Queen purists because of the cliché effects that don't add anything to the song. But, apart from that, Martel makes cool tweaks, such as replacing the "somebody to love" chant near the song's end with a piano-based section that gives those words more space. The final track, "We are the Champions - Reprise" winds up the album nicely as Martel accompanies himself with only a piano.

Throughout Thunderbolt and Lightning, it's obvious that Marc Martel loves Queen. No one can say he doesn't give it his all on this album, and no nitpicking critic can deny that it's a labor of love. Any fan of Queen or Downhere should definitely give this one a listen!

- Review date: 11/3/18, written by Andie Hardee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Marc Martel Music/The Fuel Music
. Album length: 8 tracks: 30 minutes, 13 seconds
. Street Date: October 26, 2018
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Bohemian Rhapsody (5:57)
  2. We Are the Champions (3:12)
  3. Love of My Life (3:24)
  4. Under Pressure (feat. Kevin Max) (3:51)
  5. Don't Stop Me Now (3:38)
  6. You Take My Breath Away (3:43)
  7. Somebody to Love (5:02)
  8. We Are the Champions - Reprise (1:26)

 

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
Philip Anthony A League of My Own (ALOMO) - EP (independent)
Josh Baldwin Full Grown Man, Vol. 1 - EP [Bethel]
bodie NO SKIPS [Provident]
Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Madison Watkins You Won't - Single [Provident]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Shine n Me (feat. Edward Rivera) - Single [Bethel]

Next Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images