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?
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:
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
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
The Queen - Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster) in FLAC (specifically high-resolution 24-bit/88.2kHz or 96kHz) features a comprehensive digital overhaul of the original 1982 album. This edition was part of a major restoration project led by mastering engineer Bob Ludwig. Key Features
High-Resolution Audio: The FLAC version is often sourced from the 2011 96kHz/24-bit master. Some high-res versions also use an 88.2kHz/24-bit resolution derived from the DSD master.
Deluxe Bonus Tracks: The 2011 Deluxe Edition includes a second disc (or "Bonus EP") featuring live performances and rare B-sides: Staying Power (Live at Milton Keynes Bowl, June 1982) Soul Brother (Original B-Side of "Under Pressure") Back Chat (Single Remix) Action This Day (Live in Tokyo, November 1982) Calling All Girls (Live in Tokyo, November 1982)
Original Album Tracklist: All 11 original tracks are remastered, including the #1 hit duet with David Bowie, "Under Pressure".
Expanded Content (Platform Dependent): Some digital versions, like those on iTunes, included exclusive bonus videos such as "Las Palabras De Amor" from Top Of The Pops. Album Composition
This album marked Queen's significant shift into disco, funk, and dance-pop, famously utilizing synthesizers and drum machines (such as the Oberheim OB-X and Roland Jupiter-8).
Queen - Hot Space (2011 Deluxe Remaster) represents a high-fidelity restoration of the band's controversial 1982 disco-funk experimentation. This specific 2011 remaster, overseen by legendary engineer Bob Ludwig
, was meticulously re-created from the original first-generation master mixes using modern analogue and digital technology. Liverpool Sound and Vision Technical Specifications & High-Res Audio
While the 2011 remasters were originally captured at 96kHz/24bit, certain editions—particularly the Japanese Hi-Res CD (UHQCD x MQA) series—utilize a 24-bit/88.2kHz conversion. Resolution : 24-bit / 88.2kHz (converted from a 96kHz/24bit master).
: Lossless FLAC, often used for high-end digital playback and MQA-enabled audio players.
: Gateway Mastering Studios by Bob Ludwig, with additional audio restoration by Kris Fredriksson. Album Overview & Musical Shift
marked a significant departure from Queen's rock roots, diving heavily into dance, pop, and R&B Liverpool Sound and Vision Core Sound
: Features prominent use of synth bass, drum machines, and funk-influenced arrangements, exemplified by tracks like "Body Language" and "Back Chat". Collaborations : Includes the global hit "Under Pressure"
with David Bowie, widely regarded as the album's crown jewel.
: Produced by Queen and Reinhold Mack (with Arif Mardin on "Staying Power"). Deluxe Edition Tracklist (2011 Remaster)
The Deluxe Edition includes the original 11 tracks plus a bonus EP featuring live performances and B-sides. Ultimate Queen Staying Power Features horn arrangements by Arif Mardin Brian May's rock-fusion contribution Funk-influenced track by John Deacon Body Language Composed on synth bass by Freddie Mercury Action This Day Title inspired by a Winston Churchill catchphrase Put Out The Fire Anti-firearm rock track Life Is Real (Song For Lennon) Freddie Mercury's tribute to John Lennon Calling All Girls Roger Taylor's first single for the band Las Palabras De Amor Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88
Inspired by the band's relationship with South American fans Soulful collaboration between Mercury and Deacon Under Pressure Landmark collaboration with David Bowie 2011 Bonus EP Tracks:
Queen – Hot Space – CD (Album, Deluxe Edition + ... - Discogs 1 Jan 2024 —
Table_title: Tracklist Table_content: header: | 1-1 | Queen– | Staying Power Arranged By [Horns], Producer [Horns] – Arif Mardin | Queen "Hot Space" album and song lyrics 28 May 2018 —
The 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Queen's Hot Space represents a definitive high-fidelity restoration of the band's most controversial and experimental studio effort. This remastering project, handled at Gateway Mastering Studios using original first-generation master mixes, aims to capture the full sonic range of the album’s unique blend of funk, R&B, and electronic textures. Audio Fidelity: FLAC 88.2kHz / 24-bit
While standard CD releases are 16-bit/44.1kHz, the high-resolution digital version (often available on platforms like Qobuz or HDtracks) provides significantly more headroom:
Precision Separation: High-res playback helps resolve the intricate synth textures and "hot and spacey" horn arrangements by Arif Mardin found on tracks like "Staying Power".
Dynamic Range: Meticulously re-created from analogue sources, the 2011 version preserves the punch of Reinhold Mack's production and the deep, clean bass extension essential for the album's dance-floor aesthetic. Deluxe Edition Tracklist & Features
The Deluxe Remaster includes the original 11-track album plus a Bonus EP of rare and live recordings: Track # Song Title Highlights 1-11 Original Album
Includes "Under Pressure" (with David Bowie) and "Body Language". 12 Staying Power (Live) Recorded at Milton Keynes Bowl, June 1982. 13 Soul Brother The fan-favorite B-side to "Under Pressure". 14 Back Chat (Single Remix) A funk-focused remix by John Deacon. 15-16 Live in Tokyo (1982)
Performance tracks "Action This Day" and "Calling All Girls". Production Context
Instrumentation: The album famously features the Roland Jupiter-8 synthesizer and Oberheim bass emulation, marking a shift from Queen's "no synths" era.
Tributes: "Life Is Real (Song for Lennon)" is Mercury’s poignant tribute to John Lennon, mimicking the sparse, melodic style of Lennon's solo work.
Restoration: The 2011 series was overseen by Justin Shirley-Smith and Kris Fredriksson, ensuring modern digital standards while maintaining "natural tone" and "impressive dynamics".
Title: The Ghost of the Hot Space Format: Detailed Story Subject: A fictional narrative revolving around the discovery and experience of a rare audio artifact.
The rain in Tokyo that evening was relentless, a rhythmic drumming against the windowpane of the tiny apartment that served as Kenji’s sanctuary. Kenji was not just a collector; he was an archivist of the inaudible, a hunter of lost frequencies. His apartment was a graveyard of wires, amplifiers, and hard drives, all humming in a low, electric chorus.
On his screen, a notification pulsed in a dimly lit forum dedicated to lossless audio piracy. The thread title was simple, almost unassuming: “Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88.”
Kenji paused, his hand hovering over the mouse. He knew the discography of Queen like he knew the veins on the back of his hand. Hot Space, the band’s controversial 1982 dive into dance and funk, was their maligned masterpiece. But the numbering was wrong. The 2011 remasters were well documented, handled by Bob Ludwig. There was no "88" in the standard catalog.
He clicked. The metadata was sparse, uploaded by a user named CosmosRises.
Filename: Queen_Hot_Space_Deluxe_2011_FLAC_88.flac Size: 4.88 GB (Suspiciously large for a standard album) Frequency: 88.2 kHz / 24-bit.
"The sample rate," Kenji muttered to himself, adjusting his glasses. "88.2 kHz. That’s for SACD transfers, or studio masters. It shouldn't exist for this."
The download began. It was slow, agonizingly so, as if the file was being dragged through a muddy hose from a server in a basement in 1982. When the progress bar finally hit 100%, the file sat on his desktop, an orange icon looking like a digital artifact from another dimension.
He didn't just listen to music; he dissected it. He powered up his external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)—a high-end model capable of resolving the subtlest air in a recording—and put on his heavy, open-back headphones. The silence of the apartment was suddenly suffocating.
He dragged the file into his spectral analyzer.
The visualizer showed the familiar spectral footprint of Hot Space, but there were anomalies. The "air" above 20kHz, usually silent in CD rips, was alive with data. It looked like a frozen lightning storm. And then, he saw the timestamp. The track listing wasn't the standard eleven songs. There was a hidden, twelfth track. It was unlabeled.
He pressed play.
The opening of "Staying Power" hit him, but it wasn't the thin, synthesizer-heavy mix he was used to. This was raw. The brass section sounded like it was in the room with him, the air moving through the valves audible. Freddie Mercury’s voice wasn't just a recording; it was a physical presence, centered and terrifyingly intimate. The 2011 remasters were known for being loud and compressed, but this... this was dynamic. It breathed.
Kenji closed his eyes. He could hear the squeak of John Deacon’s fingers on the bass strings. He could hear the distant laughter of the band in the studio booth during the breakdown.
But as the album progressed, the atmosphere shifted. "Las Palabras De Amo" usually sounded polished. Here, under the high-resolution microscope of the 88.2 kHz transfer, there was a strain. It sounded less like a pop song and more like a desperate plea. The digital cleanup had stripped away the radio sheen, leaving behind a haunting, almost skeletal performance. Freddie’s voice cracked on a high note—a mistake usually spliced out or smoothed over. It remained here, raw and human.
The album ended. The rain outside intensified.
Then, the twelfth track began.
It was silence. But not digital silence. It was room tone. The sound of a studio settling. The hum of a tape machine.
Kenji watched the timer. 00:00... 00:15... 00:30...
Suddenly, a voice cut through the left channel. It was distant, sounding like it was picked up by an overhead mic in the drum booth.
"It’s too hot, mate. The machines are melting."
It was Roger Taylor. Kenji’s heart skipped a beat. This wasn't a studio outtake. This sounded like a private conversation, perhaps never meant to be archived. This 88
Another voice answered, deeper, closer to the mic. Brian May. "We need to finish the vocal pass. Freddie’s tired."
"He’s not tired, he’s... he’s somewhere else," Roger replied. "Listen to the playback. It doesn't sound like us anymore. It sounds like the future."
There was a rustle, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor. Then, the unmistakable sound of Freddie Mercury clearing his throat, right into the microphone, causing the input levels to clip into the red.
"Darling," Freddie’s voice echoed, sounding ghostly and uncompressed. "The future is a lonely place. Make it louder. Let them hear us break."
A piano chord struck, dissonant and jarring. It wasn't a song. It was a soundcheck. It spiraled into feedback. The spectral analyzer on Kenji’s screen went wild, the frequencies spiking up to 40kHz—a range inaudible to human ears, yet Kenji felt a pressure in his skull, a phantom sensation of sound that bypassed his eardrums.
The track ended abruptly. The file finished.
Kenji sat in the dark, the headphones heavy on his ears. The rain had stopped outside. He looked at the file info again. The upload date was 2011, but the "Last Modified" date on the file read: November 24, 1991.
The day Freddie died.
He tried to back up the file, to share it, to prove what he had found. He hit "Save As."
An error message popped up: Error 88: File cannot be copied. Source data corrupt.
Kenji refreshed the forum. The thread was gone. User CosmosRises no longer existed. He looked at the folder on his desktop. The file size was slowly shrinking, counting down. 4.00 GB... 3.50 GB...
He tried to play it again.
Silence.
The file dissolved into 0 bytes and vanished from his hard drive, leaving no trace, no ghost in the recycle bin.
Kenji pulled the headphones off. The silence of the room returned, but it felt heavier now. He looked at the rain-slicked streets of Tokyo below. He knew the music was still out there, drifting in the digital aether, a moment of raw, broken perfection caught in a frequency that only a few would ever hear.
The "Hot Space" wasn't just an album, he realized. It was a time capsule, buried in the noise, and for eight minutes and eight seconds, he had been the only one allowed to open it.
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."
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. Would you like a comparison of this remaster
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.
The Diamond in the Rough: Reassessing Queen’s Hot Space via the 2011 Deluxe Remaster
In the pantheon of rock history, few albums have undergone as critical a reevaluation as Queen’s 1982 release, Hot Space. Initially dismissed by purists as a baffling departure from the band’s stadium-rock roots, the album was a commercial stumble in the wake of the disco-infused but massively successful The Game. However, time has been kind to Hot Space, and the 2011 Deluxe Remaster—specifically sought after in the high-fidelity FLAC format by audiophiles—serves as the definitive vehicle for understanding the album’s misguided reputation and its underrated musical prowess.
The context of Hot Space is vital. Coming off the high of "Another One Bites the Dust," Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon were deeply influenced by the burgeoning club culture of the early 1980s. They sought to strip away the layered operatic rock of the 1970s in favor of a tighter, funkier, and more synthesized sound. For a legion of rock fans wearing denim jackets and awaiting another "We Will Rock You," this pivot was nothing short of a betrayal. Yet, listening to the 2011 remaster, the "betrayal" sounds more like a brave, forward-thinking evolution.
The primary value of the 2011 Deluxe Remaster lies in its sonic clarity. In the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format, the audio is preserved with studio-perfect integrity, revealing nuances that were often lost in the muddy vinyl pressings or early CD transfers of the 80s. The low-end, which is the backbone of this album, benefits tremendously. Tracks like "Back Chat" and "Body Language" rely on syncopated bass grooves and crisp, electronic drum sounds. In previous iterations, these elements could sound flat or dated. Here, the remastering breathes new life into the mix, separating the instrumentation so that the funk guitar licks and Roger Taylor’s electronic percussion pop with a modern vitality. It becomes clear that the band didn't just "go pop"; they were mastering the genre with the same technical precision they applied to "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Furthermore, the album’s placement in the Queen discography has aged remarkably well. In a modern musical landscape where genre-blending is the norm, Hot Space sounds far less jarring today than it did in 1982. It stands as a precursor to the sophisticated pop of the mid-80s and even hints at the sounds Michael Jackson would further popularize on Thriller (an artist who famously cited "Another One Bites the Dust" as an influence). The remaster highlights the synthesizer work—often a point of contention for old-school fans—showing it to be a textural tool that added atmospheric depth to the band's songwriting.
The Deluxe edition also offers the requisite bonus material, often providing insight into the creative process, but the true star remains the original album’s presentation. The remastering process has adjusted the dynamic range, ensuring that the quieter, sultry moments of "Cool Cat" retain their intimacy, while the rockier outliers like "Put Out the Fire" gain a welcome punch that bridges the gap between the new style and the old Queen sound.
Ultimately, the 2011 Deluxe Remaster of Hot Space acts as a rehabilitation project. It strips away the cultural bias of the 1980s and presents the album on its own merits: as a funky, dance-driven experiment by a band at the height of their technical powers. For the audiophile seeking the FLAC experience, the album is no longer a "hot mess" to be skipped in the discography, but a "hot space" of innovation that sounds better now than it ever has. It serves as a reminder that Queen was never just a rock band; they were musical chameleons, and even their most controversial turns contain diamonds of
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:
Is Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88 just technical fetishism? Partially, yes. On laptop speakers or cheap earbuds, you won't hear the difference. But for the dedicated listener, this file represents the definitive version of a definitive remaster of a definitively challenging album.
Hot Space is no longer the "bad Queen album." It is the "prescient Queen album." And to hear it in 88.2 kHz FLAC is to hear Queen not as a rock band slumming in disco, but as four master musicians predicting the future of pop production. The high-resolution format finally honors the intricate sound design that was lost in the muddy vinyl pressings of 1982 and the tinny CD releases of the 1990s.
If you have the storage space (roughly 800 MB for the album) and the gear to do it justice, seek out this specific digital artifact. It is the sound of Freddie Mercury clubbing in Munich, captured on magnetic tape, encoded in lossless math, and delivered directly to your ears.
Search String Recap: Queen - Hot Space -2011 Deluxe Remaster FLAC- 88 => The holy grail for Queen fans who believe that dance music deserves dynamic range.
Queen’s Hot Space: Rediscovering the 2011 Deluxe Remaster in 88.2kHz FLAC
When Queen released Hot Space in 1982, it was arguably the most polarizing moment in their career. Coming off the massive global success of "Another One Bites the Dust," the band leaned heavily into disco, funk, and R&B, momentarily distancing themselves from the operatic rock that defined their 70s output.
Decades later, the 2011 Deluxe Remaster—specifically the high-resolution FLAC 88.2kHz/24-bit version—offers a compelling argument for the album's brilliance. In this format, the technical precision and sonic risks Queen took are laid bare, revealing a record that was years ahead of its time. The 2011 Remastering Project
As part of Queen’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, their entire catalog was meticulously remastered by Bob Ludwig. The goal was to restore the dynamic range and clarity that had been lost in previous CD transfers.
For Hot Space, this was transformative. The album’s minimalist production, characterized by dry drums and synthesizers, benefits immensely from the increased headroom of high-resolution audio. Unlike the "loudness war" masters of the late 90s, the 2011 FLAC files preserve the punchy transients of Roger Taylor’s electronic percussion and John Deacon’s iconic basslines. Why 88.2kHz FLAC Matters
Audiophiles often debate sample rates, but the 88.2kHz format is particularly significant for Hot Space. Because it is an exact multiple of the standard CD sample rate (44.1kHz), the downsampling process is cleaner, resulting in fewer mathematical artifacts. In a 24-bit/88.2kHz FLAC environment:
"Under Pressure" gains a new dimension. The separation between David Bowie and Freddie Mercury’s vocals is crystal clear, and the acoustic guitar strums in the background have a lifelike decay.
"Body Language" becomes a masterclass in minimalism. The deep, synth-driven bass reaches lower and tighter than on any previous vinyl or CD pressing.
"Dancer" showcases Brian May’s ability to blend heavy rock riffs with a club beat, with the high-res format capturing the gritty texture of his Red Special guitar against the polished synths. The Deluxe Content
The 2011 Deluxe edition isn't just about the main album. The high-resolution package typically includes a "Bonus EP" featuring:
Live versions from the Milton Keynes Bowl (1982), proving that these dance tracks carried a massive, heavy-rock energy when performed on stage.
B-Sides like "A Dozen Red Roses for My Darling," which further highlight the band’s experimental phase. Critical Re-evaluation
While Hot Space was initially dismissed by fans who wanted "Bohemian Rhapsody" Part II, it has since influenced artists from Michael Jackson (who famously cited it as an influence for Thriller) to modern electro-pop acts.
Listening to the FLAC-88 version today, it’s clear that Queen wasn't "lost"—they were evolving. The 2011 remaster strips away the "dated" 80s sheen and presents the album as a crisp, punchy, and daring sonic experiment. Final Verdict
For any serious Queen collector or audiophile, the 2011 Deluxe Remaster in 88.2kHz FLAC is the definitive way to experience Hot Space. It provides the clarity needed to appreciate John Deacon’s funk sensibilities and Freddie Mercury’s vocal versatility in a way that standard streaming simply cannot match.
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.
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.
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.