Queen, a band synonymous with rock royalty, has gifted the world with an unparalleled catalog of hits. Fronted by the iconic Freddie Mercury, alongside Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor, Queen’s music transcends generations. Their electrifying performance at Live Aid remains legendary, and their story captivated audiences worldwide in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. Choosing the best Songs From The Band Queen is no easy task, but here we delve into 20 essential tracks that showcase their genius. Prepare to rediscover the magic of Queen and their timeless songs.
20. Father To Son (1974)
From their second album, Queen II, “Father To Son” stands out amidst other strong tracks like “Seven Seas Of Rhye” and “Ogre Battle.” Penned by Brian May, this powerful ballad features his signature guitar brilliance intertwined with Freddie Mercury’s masterful piano work. “Father To Son” explores the weighty responsibility of fatherhood with poignant lyrics, making it a profound and often overlooked gem among songs from the band Queen. Its intensity and musical complexity highlight the early progressive rock elements of Queen’s sound.
Queen – Father To Son (Official Lyric Video)
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19. Innuendo (1991): A Late-Period Masterpiece
“Innuendo,” the title track and lead single from Queen’s 1991 album, marked a poignant moment as the last album Freddie Mercury worked on. This ambitious song, born from a jam session in Switzerland, showcases the band’s musical evolution. Featuring a flamenco guitar interlude by Yes’s Steve Howe, “Innuendo” is a testament to Queen’s willingness to experiment. Mercury’s vocal performance is nothing short of immense, making this one of the most powerful songs from the band Queen’s later years. The album’s closer, “The Show Must Go On,” further cemented Mercury’s courageous spirit during his illness.
Queen – Innuendo (Official Video)
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18. Fat Bottomed Girls (1978): Embracing Bluesy Rock
Queen explored bolder territories on their 1978 album Jazz, and “Fat Bottomed Girls” exemplifies this adventurous spirit. This blues-rock anthem, delivered with Mercury’s characteristic gusto, became an instant crowd-pleaser. Released as a double A-side single with “Bicycle Race,” it courted controversy with its accompanying video. “Fat Bottomed Girls” is a fun, raucous example of songs from the band Queen that highlight their versatility and playful side.
Queen – Fat Bottomed Girls (Official Video)
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17. I Want To Break Free (1984): Pop with a Statement
John Deacon’s infectious pop sensibilities shine in “I Want To Break Free,” a catchy track from The Works. However, the song’s music video, featuring the band in drag as a parody of the British soap opera Coronation Street, sparked unexpected controversy, especially in the US where MTV banned it. Despite the backlash, “I Want To Break Free” remains a beloved song from the band Queen, celebrated for its liberating message and memorable melody.
Queen – I Want To Break Free (Official Video)
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16. A Kind Of Magic (1986): Soundtrack Success
“A Kind of Magic,” the title track from the album of the same name, underscores Roger Taylor’s songwriting prowess. Following the success of “Radio Ga Ga,” Taylor penned this hit for the Highlander movie soundtrack. The phrase “It’s a kind of magic,” spoken in the film, became the song’s central hook. Mercury’s clever pop arrangements amplify the song’s catchy nature. The music video, directed by Highlander director Russell Mulcahy, further solidified its connection to the film and its place among memorable songs from the band Queen.
Queen – A Kind of Magic (Official Video Remastered)
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15. Tie Your Mother Down (1977): A Rock Anthem in the Making
Brian May’s “Tie Your Mother Down” is a quintessential rock anthem and a live performance staple for Queen. From the album A Day At The Races, this song marked Queen’s ascent to rock superstardom. Its driving energy and memorable riff made it an instant hit with audiences. Mercury jokingly attributed the song’s edgy lyrics to May being in a “vicious mood,” but its raw power is undeniable, making it a standout among high-energy songs from the band Queen.
Queen – Tie Your Mother Down (Official Video)
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14. One Vision (1986): Unity and Triumph
A Kind Of Magic boasted several strong songs, but “One Vision” truly signaled Queen’s return to peak form. Fueled by the band’s renewed unity after their triumphant Live Aid performance, “One Vision” exudes confidence and dynamism. This song, reaching No.7 in the UK charts, captures the reinvigorated spirit of Queen and their collective musical strength, standing as a powerful song from the band Queen’s mid-80s era.
Queen – One Vision (Extended) 1985 [Official Video]
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13. I Want It All (1989): An Anthem of Ambition
Brian May’s personal life experiences influenced the powerful anthem “I Want It All.” Inspired by his then-partner Anita Dobson’s catchphrase, the song became a reflection of 80s ambition and desire. May’s duet with Mercury amplifies the song’s impact, and lyrics like “I’m a man with a one-track mind/So much to do in one lifetime” resonated widely. Reaching No.3 in the UK, “I Want It All” is a forceful and relatable song from the band Queen’s late discography.
Queen – I Want It All (Official Video Remastered)
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12. You’re My Best Friend (1976): A Tender Ballad
John Deacon’s heartfelt love song, “You’re My Best Friend,” written for his wife Veronica Tetzlaff, became a chart success in 1976. Deacon’s use of the Wurlitzer electric piano, despite Mercury’s playful teasing, adds to the song’s charm. This tender ballad showcases a different facet of songs from the band Queen, highlighting their ability to create intimate and emotionally resonant music. Deacon’s quiet life after Mercury’s passing further adds to the song’s sincere and personal nature.
Queen – You’re My Best Friend (Official Video)
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11. Hammer To Fall (1984): Rock with a Cold War Edge
“Hammer To Fall” held a significant spot in Queen’s legendary Live Aid performance as the third song they played. Brian May wrote this powerful rocker during the height of Cold War tensions, referencing nuclear anxieties with the lyric “growing up in the shadow of the mushroom cloud.” This song from the band Queen is not just a high-energy rock track but also a reflection of its time, imbued with socio-political commentary.
Queen – Hammer To Fall (Official Video)
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10. Don’t Stop Me Now (1979): Joyful Exuberance
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a showcase of Freddie Mercury’s vocal prowess and flamboyant personality. Written for the Jazz album, this Top 10 hit is a pure celebration of life and pleasure. Mercury’s confident delivery of lyrics like “They call me Mr. Fahrenheit/I’m traveling at the speed of light” perfectly encapsulates the song’s joyous and unrestrained spirit, making it one of the most uplifting songs from the band Queen.
Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)
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9. Was It All Worth It? (1989): Introspective Reflection
Queen’s 1989 album, The Miracle, features the deeply moving “Was It All Worth It?,” a poignant reflection on the life of a rock star. This introspective track gains deeper resonance knowing it was recorded shortly before Mercury shared his AIDS diagnosis with the band. Taylor’s recollection of Mercury’s determination to continue working adds a layer of profound meaning to this song from the band Queen, making it a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Queen – Was It All Worth It (Official Lyric Video)
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8. Somebody To Love (1976): Gospel-Infused Soul
“Somebody To Love” exemplifies Queen’s mastery of soulful, gospel-infused pop. Mercury’s lyrics, exploring themes of salvation and spiritual yearning, made it an ideal lead single for A Day At The Races. Reaching No.2 in the charts, the song was heavily inspired by Aretha Franklin, showcasing Mercury’s deep respect for soul music. This powerful and emotive song from the band Queen highlights their vocal harmonies and diverse musical influences.
Queen – Somebody To Love (Official Video)
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7. We Are The Champions (1977): The Anthem of Victory
Freddie Mercury’s “We Are The Champions,” from News Of The World, is arguably the most universally recognized rock anthem. Voted the world’s favorite song in a 2005 poll, it resonates across sporting events and beyond. Drummer Roger Taylor emphasizes the song’s inclusive nature, stating it’s about “’we’, as in ‘all of us’, collectively, not us the band.” Filmed in a London theatre with fan club members, the video and the song itself cemented its status as a defining song from the band Queen.
Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)
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6. Another One Bites The Dust (1980): Crossing Genre Boundaries
Michael Jackson’s suggestion to release John Deacon’s “Another One Bites The Dust” as a single proved to be a stroke of genius. From The Game album, this track topped charts for three weeks and achieved significant crossover success into the R&B market. Brian May acknowledged this moment as Queen’s peak global reach, with “Another One Bites The Dust” solidifying their worldwide appeal and demonstrating the band Queen’s ability to transcend genre limitations.
Queen – Another One Bites the Dust (Official Video)
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5. Under Pressure (1981): A Duet of Titans
The collaboration between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie on “Under Pressure” arose from an impromptu jam session in Montreux. This iconic duet, fueled by creative sparring and spontaneity, features Deacon’s pulsating bassline and Mercury’s unforgettable scat singing. Bowie’s and Mercury’s contrasting yet complementary vocal styles resulted in a No.1 hit in the UK. This song from the band Queen, featuring Bowie, later became the foundation for Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” further highlighting its lasting impact.
Queen – Under Pressure (Official Video)
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4. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1980): Rockabilly Charm
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” penned by Mercury in a Munich hotel bathtub, is a testament to the power of love and simple inspiration. This rockabilly-infused hit from The Game has been covered by numerous artists, including Robert Plant and Diana Ross, showcasing its broad appeal. It’s a fun, energetic song from the band Queen that highlights their ability to effortlessly blend genres and create universally loved music.
Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Official Video)
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3. Killer Queen (1974): Sophisticated Glam Rock
“Killer Queen,” from Sheer Heart Attack, is a flamboyant and sophisticated track about a high-class prostitute. It showcases Queen’s remarkable ability to craft intricate harmonies and layered arrangements. Reaching No.2 and becoming Queen’s first US hit, “Killer Queen” defined their energetic and theatrical sound. Mercury’s witty lyrics and May’s multi-layered guitar work, including 12 overdubs and a signature solo, make this a standout song from the band Queen’s early catalog.
Queen – Killer Queen (Top Of The Pops, 1974)
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2. We Will Rock You (1977): An Unstoppable Force
Paired with “We Are The Champions” on the News Of The World album, “We Will Rock You” has become a global anthem of unity and resilience. Together, these songs reached No.2 in the UK and No.4 in the US. Covered by 5ive featuring May and Taylor in 2000, it reached No.1 again, proving its timeless appeal. May considers “We Will Rock You” pivotal in establishing Queen as an “anthem band,” and it remains one of the most impactful songs from the band Queen.
Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)
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1. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975): A Musical Masterpiece
Freddie Mercury’s six-minute epic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” from A Night At The Opera, is a groundbreaking masterpiece. Its operatic structure, inventive lyrics, and Mercury’s vocal dynamism, achieved through extensive overdubs, defied pop conventions. Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA lauded its originality, recognizing its genre-bending innovation. The iconic music video, directed by Bruce Gowers, further cemented its legendary status. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the only song to reach Christmas No.1 twice, first in 1975 and again after Mercury’s death. Recognized as the most-streamed song from the 20th century, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is undeniably the quintessential song from the band Queen, symbolizing their artistic ambition and enduring legacy.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video)
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Did we miss any of your favorite songs from the band Queen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
