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Photo: Queen Productions Ltd
Picking the best Songs By Queen is no easy task. This legendary band, fronted by the iconic Freddie Mercury, created a body of work that solidified them as one of the most successful and beloved groups in music history. Queen’s music is characterized by its incredible range, from hard rock anthems to operatic masterpieces, and their influence spans generations. Alongside Mercury, the band was formed by the exceptional talents of Brian May on guitar and vocals, John Deacon on bass guitar, and Roger Taylor on drums and vocals. Their story, a testament to their musical genius and Mercury’s unforgettable persona, was brought to a new audience with the acclaimed biopic Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018. Here, we explore 20 of the greatest songs by Queen, a selection that aims to celebrate their diverse and impactful career. While this list represents a curated selection, the beauty of Queen’s discography is that every fan has their personal favorites. We encourage you to share your own top Queen songs in the comments below.
20: Father To Son (1974)
From their second album, Queen II, emerges “Father To Son,” a track that often gets overshadowed by other hits from the same era, but is a true gem among songs by Queen. While “Seven Seas Of Rhye” and “Ogre Battle” are also highlights of this album, “Father To Son” stands out as a powerful and musically complex piece. Penned by Brian May, the song is a showcase for his distinctive guitar work, which intertwines seamlessly with Freddie Mercury’s masterful piano playing. This power ballad delves into the weighty theme of paternal responsibility, exploring the complex dynamic between fathers and sons through poignant and thought-provoking lyrics. Its emotional depth and musical sophistication make it a standout, and it’s often recognized as one of the best songs by Queen for Father’s Day, though its themes resonate far beyond a single holiday.
19: Innuendo (1991)
“Innuendo,” the title track and lead single from the album of the same name, holds a significant place in the catalog of songs by Queen. Released in 1991, it was tragically the last album Freddie Mercury worked on before his passing. This song, which immediately soared to the top of the UK charts, originated from a spontaneous jam session in Switzerland. Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon laid down a rhythmic foundation, upon which Mercury and Taylor built layers of lyrics and a grand, orchestrated arrangement. Notably, “Innuendo” features a flamenco guitar interlude performed by Steve Howe of Yes, adding an unexpected and brilliant dimension to the track. As one of the most ambitious songs by Queen from their later period, “Innuendo” is a testament to their continued creativity and Mercury’s unwavering vocal power, even in the face of illness. The album itself concludes with “The Show Must Go On,” a powerful and poignant reflection of Mercury’s courage and dedication to his art.
18: Fat Bottomed Girls (1978)
Queen were never afraid to push boundaries, and “Fat Bottomed Girls,” from their 1978 album Jazz, exemplifies this adventurous spirit in their songs by Queen. This blues-infused rock anthem, delivered with Mercury’s characteristic gusto, quickly became a crowd favorite at live performances. Released as a double A-side single with “Bicycle Race,” the latter of which courted controversy with its music video featuring nude models on bicycles, “Fat Bottomed Girls” is a raucous celebration of a particular type of female physique. While thematically different from many of their other songs by Queen, its infectious energy and catchy melody ensured its place as a fan favorite and a staple in their live shows. Mercury reportedly penned “Bicycle Race” inspired by watching the Tour De France.
17: I Want To Break Free (1984)
John Deacon’s songwriting talent shone brightly with “I Want To Break Free,” a catchy pop-infused track from 1984 that became one of the most recognizable songs by Queen. However, the song’s promotional video sparked unexpected controversy. The concept, devised by Roger Taylor, saw all band members in drag, parodying the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. While intended as humorous, the video received a surprising backlash in the United States, leading to MTV banning it. Despite this setback in one market, “I Want To Break Free” became an anthem of liberation and self-expression around the world, further cementing Queen’s ability to create songs by Queen that resonated deeply with diverse audiences.
16: A Kind Of Magic (1986)
“A Kind of Magic,” released as a single before the album of the same name, is a prime example of Roger Taylor’s songwriting prowess and a highlight among songs by Queen. Following the success of “Radio Ga Ga” and “Don’t Lose Your Head,” Taylor delivered another hit that showcased his knack for catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. Written for the soundtrack of the film Highlander, the song directly references a line from the movie spoken by Christopher Lambert’s character, “It’s a kind of magic.” Mercury’s clever pop arrangements further elevate the song, making it instantly memorable. The music video, directed by Highlander director Russell Mulcahy, further solidified the song’s connection to the film and its magical themes, making it one of the most visually striking songs by Queen.
15: Tie Your Mother Down (1977)
Brian May’s contributions to songs by Queen are numerous and diverse, with “Tie Your Mother Down” standing out as a particularly energetic and enduring fan favorite. John Deacon himself cited the funky “Dragon Attack” as a personal favorite May composition, but “Tie Your Mother Down”’s raw rock energy has made it a live staple for decades. By the time Queen recorded their fifth album, A Day At The Races (named in tribute to the Marx Brothers, like its predecessor A Night At The Opera), they were already ascending to rock superstardom. “Tie Your Mother Down,” with its rollicking rhythm and powerful guitar riffs, became a quintessential Queen concert opener. Mercury humorously suggested that May must have been in a particularly “vicious mood” when he conceived the song’s provocative main lyric line, highlighting the song’s rebellious and hard-rocking spirit amongst songs by Queen.
14: One Vision (1986)
The A Kind Of Magic album is rich with strong tracks, including the title song, “Who Wants To Live Forever,” and “Friends Will Be Friends.” However, “One Vision” arguably marks the album’s true return to form and is a standout amongst songs by Queen. This song is infused with a palpable sense of confidence and unity, reflecting the band’s renewed energy following their triumphant Live Aid performance in July 1985. “One Vision” captures the revitalized spirit of Queen, both musically and as a band, after a period of internal tensions. Its powerful message and driving rhythm resonated with audiences, propelling it to No.7 in the UK charts and becoming a powerful anthem in Queen’s repertoire of songs by Queen.
13: I Want It All (1989)
“I Want It All,” written by Brian May in 1989, is a powerful anthem that reflects personal experiences and broader societal themes within songs by Queen. During a period when May’s marriage was ending and he was entering a relationship with actress Anita Dobson of EastEnders fame, Dobson’s catchphrase, “I want it all and I want it now,” inspired May to craft a song around these words. The resulting track seemed to capture the zeitgeist of the 1980s, reflecting the era’s perceived greed and ambition. May shares vocal duties with Mercury, creating a dynamic duet. Lyrics like “I’m a man with a one-track mind/So much to do in one lifetime” resonated with listeners, making “I Want It All” a powerful statement and one of the more socially conscious songs by Queen. The song reached No.3 in the UK charts, proving its widespread appeal and impact.
12: You’re My Best Friend (1976)
John Deacon’s “You’re My Best Friend” stands as a testament to his songwriting talent and a beautiful example of heartfelt songs by Queen. This sublime love song, penned for his wife, Veronica Tetzlaff, became a significant chart hit in 1976. Interestingly, Deacon opted to play a Wurlitzer electric piano on the recording, despite Freddie Mercury’s playful remark about it being “a horrible instrument.” This lighthearted anecdote underscores the collaborative and sometimes humorous dynamic within the band. After Mercury’s death, Deacon retreated from the public eye, choosing to live a quiet life with his wife and children in suburban London, further emphasizing the genuine emotion behind this personal and touching song among the many songs by Queen.
11: Hammer To Fall (1984)
“Hammer To Fall” holds a special place in Queen’s history, not only as a powerful rock anthem but also as the third song they performed at their iconic Live Aid concert. Penned by guitarist Brian May during a period of heightened Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the Reagan-led United States, the song subtly references the looming threat of nuclear conflict. The lyric “in the shadow of the mushroom cloud” poignantly captures the anxieties of growing up under the shadow of potential nuclear war, adding a layer of social commentary to the hard-rocking sound. “Hammer To Fall” is not just one of the heavier songs by Queen, but also one of the more thematically resonant, reflecting the political climate of the 1980s.
10: Don’t Stop Me Now (1979)
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a dazzling display of Freddie Mercury’s vocal range and showmanship, and a joyous standout among songs by Queen. This exuberant track, written for the Jazz album, became a Top 10 hit in 1979 and remains a timeless anthem of unbridled joy and confidence. Recorded in France, where Mercury was known to enjoy the vibrant social scene, the song reflects his zest for life and performance. With lyrics like “They call me Mr. Fahrenheit/I’m traveling at the speed of light,” the song is a pure celebration of pleasure-seeking and living in the moment. It’s Mercury at his most flamboyant and unrestrained, making “Don’t Stop Me Now” one of the most uplifting and enduring songs by Queen.
9: Was It All Worth It? (1989)
Queen’s 1989 album, The Miracle, features “Was It All Worth It?”, a deeply moving and introspective song that stands out among songs by Queen for its emotional weight. This track delves into the reflections of a rock star contemplating the trajectory of their life and career, imbued with a sense of both triumph and vulnerability. Shortly after the album’s completion, Mercury shared with the band his AIDS diagnosis, adding a layer of poignant context to the song’s introspective lyrics. Roger Taylor recounted Mercury’s stoic response: “I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to get on and work until I f__king well drop. I’d like you to support me in this.” This revelation makes “Was It All Worth It?” not just a reflection on a rock and roll life, but a foreshadowing of Mercury’s own courageous battle and legacy.
8: Somebody To Love (1976)
“Somebody To Love” showcases Queen’s remarkable ability to blend rock with soulful, gospel-infused elements, resulting in one of the most powerful songs by Queen. Mercury’s lyrics, exploring themes of spiritual yearning, salvation, and the quest for love, provide a profound emotional core to the song. Released as the lead single from the A Day At The Races album, it quickly climbed to No.2 in the charts, demonstrating its immediate impact. Mercury’s deep admiration for soul music legend Aretha Franklin served as a primary inspiration for the song, evident in its vocal harmonies and gospel-inspired arrangements. “Somebody To Love” is a testament to Queen’s musical versatility and Mercury’s vocal prowess, seamlessly merging rock grandeur with soulful depth.
7: We Are The Champions (1977)
Freddie Mercury’s “We Are The Champions,” from the 1977 album News Of The World, has transcended its origins to become one of the most universally recognized rock anthems globally and a cornerstone of songs by Queen. In a 2005 poll, it was even voted the world’s favorite song, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural impact. It’s a staple at sporting events worldwide and served as the official theme song for the 1994 World Cup. Drummer Roger Taylor emphasized the song’s inclusive message: “’We Are The Champions’ is meant to be ‘we’, as in ‘all of us’, collectively, not us the band.” The music video, filmed in a London theatre with over a thousand members of Queen’s fan club, involved an arduous 50 takes, according to Taylor, highlighting the band’s dedication to perfection even for a seemingly straightforward anthem.
6: Another One Bites The Dust (1980)
“Another One Bites The Dust,” penned by John Deacon for The Game album, marked a significant crossover moment for Queen and is one of their most commercially successful songs by Queen. Following a Queen concert in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson went backstage and reportedly suggested to the band that Deacon’s song had strong pop chart potential. Released as a single in October 1980, it dominated the No.1 spot for three weeks and became a global phenomenon. Brian May reflected on the song’s impact: “I always thought there was an instant where we were the biggest thing in the world. ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ sort of clinched it, because it suddenly crossed over to the black R&B market.” This crossover appeal broadened Queen’s fanbase and solidified their status as global music icons.
5: Under Pressure (1981)
“Under Pressure,” the monumental duet between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, is a unique and powerful collaboration within the collection of songs by Queen. The song evolved organically from an impromptu jam session at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. Mercury and Bowie playfully competed over vocal prominence, adding to the song’s dynamic energy. John Deacon’s distinctive pulsating bassline provides the song’s rhythmic backbone, while the overall spontaneity, including Mercury’s scat singing, is infectious. Bowie famously insisted on a unique improvisational vocal approach, where he and Mercury would record their verses separately, unable to hear what the other had sung, enhancing the song’s raw and collaborative feel. Brian May recalled the ensemble approach to creating the backing track, and Bowie’s innovative vocal recording method that resulted in a truly unique and powerful song that reached No.1 in the UK. It later became the foundation for Vanilla Ice’s hit “Ice Ice Baby.” Bowie performed “Under Pressure” at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, further cementing its legacy.
4: Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1980)
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” famously written by Mercury while in a bubble bath at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, is a rockabilly-infused hit that showcases Queen’s versatility and is among their most beloved songs by Queen. Mercury himself described the inspiration: “I’m a loving person. Love was the inspiration for the song.” Its vintage rock and roll vibe and catchy melody made it a monster hit and a popular song for covers by diverse artists. Robert Plant, Dwight Yoakam, Diana Ross, Michael Bublé, and Showaddywaddy are among the many musicians who have recorded their own versions, testament to the song’s broad appeal and timeless charm. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a testament to Queen’s ability to effortlessly blend genres and create instantly appealing music.
3: Killer Queen (1974)
“Killer Queen,” a flamboyant and sophisticated song about a high-class prostitute, appeared on the Sheer Heart Attack album and is a prime example of Queen’s mastery of vocal harmonies and intricate musical arrangements within their songs by Queen. The single reached No.2 in October 1974 and marked Queen’s breakthrough hit in the United States, signaling their growing international success. The track is brimming with the energy and theatricality that became Queen’s hallmark. Mercury jokingly suggested that the song’s sophisticated style might even suit Noël Coward. Brian May considered the album a “turning point” in defining Queen’s signature sound. The song features a multi-layered guitar arrangement with 12 overdubs and contains one of May’s most celebrated guitar solos, contributing to its rich and complex sonic tapestry.
2: We Will Rock You (1977)
“We Will Rock You,” alongside “We Are The Champions,” has become a cultural landmark, transcending its status as just another song to become a globally recognized anthem and a cornerstone of songs by Queen. Taken from the News Of The World album, these two tracks were released together as a double-A-side single, reaching No.2 in the UK and No.4 in the US. In 2000, boy band 5ive covered “We Will Rock You,” featuring Brian May on guitar and Roger Taylor on drums, and took it to No.1, demonstrating its continued relevance across generations. Brian May noted, “’We Will Rock You’ is when we established ourselves as a rock anthem band. We should have done an album called Anthems, really.” The song’s simple yet powerful stomp-stomp-clap rhythm and universally relatable message have cemented its place in music history.
1: Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
The six-minute epic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” written by Freddie Mercury for the album A Night At The Opera, is widely considered a masterpiece of modern music and the pinnacle of songs by Queen. Mercury’s inventive songwriting and dynamic vocal performance are at the heart of this operatic rock odyssey. He meticulously overdubbed his voice to create a choir-like effect, with iconic phrases like “mamma mia,” “Galileo,” and “Figaro” soaring through octaves. Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA expressed his admiration: “I was green with envy when I heard ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ It was a piece of sheer originality that took rock and pop away from the normal path.” The groundbreaking music video, directed by Bruce Gowers, with its innovative multi-angle shots, further enhanced the song’s impact.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” holds the unique distinction of being the only song to reach Christmas No.1 twice – first in 1975 and again 16 years later after Mercury’s death. Since 1977, it has sold over 2.6 million copies, and in December 2018, it was officially recognized as the most-streamed song from the 20th Century, solidifying its place as one of the most enduring and beloved songs by Queen, and indeed in music history.
Think we missed a tune? Wish we had included something from Flash Gordon or Made in Heaven like “Too Much Love Will Kill You”? Let us know in the comments below.
