Top Of The World Ma

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Top Of The World Ma" by The Cross from their 1990 album Mad: Bad: And Dangerous To Know, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, a gritty, borderline heavy-metal anthem, showcases the collaborative spirit of the band, with writing credits shared among Clayton Moss, Roger Taylor, Spike Edney, Peter Noone, and Joshua J. Macrae. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the album’s production: unlike The Cross’s debut album Shove It, which leaned into dance-pop, Mad: Bad: And Dangerous To Know marked a deliberate shift to straight-up rock, with "Top Of The World Ma" exemplifying this raw, rebellious edge. The song’s driving riffs and bold attitude have been praised by fans on platforms like Rate Your Music, where reviewers call it a standout for its near-metal intensity.

Another tidbit about "Top Of The World Ma" ties to its lead vocals, sung by guitarist Clayton Moss, a rarity for the band, as Roger Taylor often took the mic. According to fan discussions on Queen-related forums, Moss’s vocal delivery added a unique swagger to the track, making it a favorite among those diving into Roger Taylor’s side projects. The album itself faced challenges, with Roger Taylor’s commitments to Queen’s The Miracle limiting his contributions, as noted in a Genius overview. Despite this, the shared songwriting created a diverse, anthemic sound that still resonates with Zoo Freaks rocking out to the Zoo Crew’s spins.

The Cross was formed in 1987 by Roger Taylor, the legendary drummer of Queen, as a creative outlet during Queen’s downtime. Taylor, wanting to explore a different musical direction, assembled a group of talented musicians: Spike Edney (keyboards), Peter Noone (bass), Clayton Moss (guitar), and Joshua J. Macrae (drums). The band’s inception came after Taylor’s solo work, particularly his 1987 single “Shove It,” which evolved into the debut album of the same name. Unlike Queen’s theatrical rock, The Cross aimed for a grittier, club-friendly rock sound, initially blending dance influences before pivoting to the harder edge heard in Mad: Bad: And Dangerous To Know. Their early gigs in the UK and Germany built a cult following, though commercial success was limited, as noted in a Wikipedia entry on the band.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with The Cross’s legacy, there’s no official band website, as The Cross disbanded in 1993, but Roger Taylor’s official site, rogertaylorofficial.com, offers insights into his projects, including The Cross. Social media presence is tied to Taylor’s accounts: follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates. Fans can also join the vibrant Queen Fan Club Worldwide on Facebook, where The Cross’s music is often celebrated alongside Queen’s. For deeper dives, check out Queenpedia, a fan-driven site with detailed info on The Cross’s discography and history, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out.