Queen, a name synonymous with rock royalty, has captivated the world with their electrifying music and theatrical performances. Fronted by the iconic Freddie Mercury, alongside Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor, Queen carved a unique niche in music history, blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. Their story, immortalized in the acclaimed biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, continues to inspire generations. Choosing the best songs from Queen’s extensive catalog is no easy feat, but we’ve curated a list of 20 essential tracks that showcase their unparalleled talent and enduring appeal. Prepare to rediscover the magic of Queen and delve into the songs that cemented their legendary status.
Queen in their mid-70s, showcasing their iconic lineup and stage presence
Photo: Queen Productions Ltd
20: Father To Son (1974)
From their ambitious second album, Queen II, “Father To Son” stands out as a powerful early example of Queen’s dynamic range. While the album boasts other gems like “Seven Seas Of Rhye” and “Ogre Battle,” Brian May’s composition, “Father To Son,” is a tour-de-force. It features May’s signature searing guitar riffs interwoven with Freddie Mercury’s delicate yet powerful piano work. This proto-power ballad delves into the complex relationship between fathers and sons, exploring themes of responsibility and legacy with poignant and edgy lyrics, making it a resonant choice for Songs By The Group Queen that explore deeper emotional themes.
19: Innuendo (1991)
“Innuendo,” the title track and lead single from Queen’s final album with Freddie Mercury, is a testament to the band’s enduring creativity even in the face of adversity. Reaching No.1 in the UK charts, this epic song originated from a jam session in Switzerland. Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon laid down the foundation, upon which Mercury and Taylor built, adding profound lyrics and a rich, orchestrated arrangement. Notably, “Innuendo” features a captivating flamenco guitar interlude performed by Steve Howe of Yes, adding an unexpected layer to this ambitious late-period song by Queen. Mercury’s vocal performance is nothing short of immense, showcasing his unwavering power and artistry. The album itself concludes with the poignant “The Show Must Go On,” a powerful symbol of Mercury’s courage during his illness.
18: Fat Bottomed Girls (1978)
Queen embraced a playful and provocative spirit on their 1978 album, Jazz, and “Fat Bottomed Girls” exemplifies this adventurous side. This blues-infused rock anthem, sung with unrestrained gusto by Mercury, became an instant crowd favorite at live performances. Released as a double A-side single with “Bicycle Race,” the latter known for its controversial music video featuring nude models, “Fat Bottomed Girls” is a quintessential Queen song that celebrates rock and roll excess and body positivity in a typically flamboyant Queen fashion. “Bicycle Race” itself was inspired by Mercury’s experience watching the Tour De France.
17: I Want To Break Free (1984)
John Deacon’s infectious pop sensibility shines brightly in “I Want To Break Free,” a standout track from the album The Works. However, the song is perhaps equally known for its groundbreaking and, at the time, controversial music video. The band members famously donned drag attire, a concept conceived by Roger Taylor as a parody of the popular British soap opera Coronation Street. While intended as humorous, the video faced unexpected backlash in the US, including a ban from MTV. Despite the controversy, “I Want To Break Free” remains a beloved song by Queen, celebrated for its catchy melody and message of liberation.
16: A Kind Of Magic (1986)
“A Kind Of Magic” served as the perfect single to herald the arrival of the album of the same name, A Kind Of Magic. Roger Taylor’s songwriting prowess was in full swing, following the success of “Radio Ga Ga” and “Don’t Lose Your Head.” This undeniably catchy hit was crafted for the soundtrack of the cult classic film Highlander. The song’s title and memorable lyrics are directly inspired by a line spoken by Christopher Lambert’s character in the movie. Mercury’s deft pop arrangements elevate the track further, while the music video, directed by Highlander director Russell Mulcahy, seamlessly blends the band’s performance with scenes from the film, making it a visually and aurally magical Queen song.
15: Tie Your Mother Down (1977)
Brian May’s songwriting contributions are integral to Queen’s signature sound, and “Tie Your Mother Down” is a prime example of his rock anthems. Featured on their fifth album, A Day At The Races, a companion piece to A Night At The Opera, “Tie Your Mother Down” became a live staple for Queen, igniting audiences worldwide. As Queen ascended to global rock superstardom, this song, with its powerful riffs and energetic delivery, solidified their reputation for high-octane performances. Mercury jokingly suggested that May must have been in a particularly “vicious mood” when he penned the song’s iconic opening line, highlighting the song’s raw, rebellious energy.
14: One Vision (1986)
A Kind Of Magic was brimming with strong tracks, including the title song, “Who Wants To Live Forever,” and “Friends Will Be Friends.” However, “One Vision” stood out as a potent symbol of Queen’s triumphant return to form. Riding high on the momentum of their legendary Live Aid performance in 1985, “One Vision” pulsates with confidence and embodies the renewed unity within the band. This powerful song by Queen reflects their revitalized energy and collaborative spirit, reaching No.7 in the UK charts and becoming an anthem of resilience and optimism.
13: I Want It All (1989)
“I Want It All,” from The Miracle album, is a powerful anthem born from personal experience and observation. Written by Brian May during a period of personal upheaval, as his marriage ended and a new relationship with actress Anita Dobson began, the song is imbued with raw emotion. Dobson’s catchphrase, “I want it all and I want it now,” became the central theme around which May constructed this powerful rock anthem. The lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, seemingly capturing the zeitgeist of the 1980s, with its emphasis on ambition and desire. May’s vocal alongside Mercury’s, combined with lyrics like “I’m a man with a one-track mind/So much to do in one lifetime,” propelled the song to No.3 in the UK charts, making it a potent and relatable Queen song.
12: You’re My Best Friend (1976)
John Deacon’s songwriting prowess is beautifully showcased in “You’re My Best Friend,” a tender and enduring love song. Penned for his wife, Veronica Tetzlaff, this track from A Night At The Opera became a chart success in 1976, proving its universal appeal. Deacon’s use of the Wurlitzer electric piano, despite Mercury’s playful teasing about it being a “horrible instrument,” adds a distinctive and charming element to the recording. “You’re My Best Friend” stands as a testament to Deacon’s songwriting talent and remains one of the most heartwarming songs by Queen. Following Mercury’s passing, Deacon retreated from the public eye, living a private life with his wife and family.
11: Hammer To Fall (1984)
“Hammer To Fall” holds a special place in Queen’s history as the third song they performed at their iconic Live Aid concert. This hard-rocking anthem, written by Brian May for the album The Works, carries a deeper, more serious message beneath its powerful exterior. Written during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, the lyrics subtly reference the threat of nuclear conflict, with lines about growing up “in the shadow of the mushroom cloud.” “Hammer To Fall” is a powerful and relevant song by Queen that combines rock energy with social commentary, reflecting the anxieties of the era.
10: Don’t Stop Me Now (1979)
“Don’t Stop Me Now,” from the Jazz album, is a pure celebration of life and unrestrained joy, showcasing Freddie Mercury’s vocal brilliance and flamboyant personality. A Top 10 hit in 1979, the song was written during the album’s recording sessions in France, a period Mercury relished for its vibrant social scene. This track is a testament to Mercury’s confidence and showmanship, with lyrics like “They call me Mr. Fahrenheit/I’m traveling at the speed of light” embodying his boundless energy and zest for life. “Don’t Stop Me Now” is an iconic Queen song that encapsulates Mercury’s unapologetic pursuit of pleasure and happiness.
9: Was It All Worth It? (1989)
The Miracle album from 1989 features the deeply moving “Was It All Worth It?”, a song that offers an introspective glimpse into the life of a rock star. This poignant track takes on even greater resonance when considering the context of its creation. After the album’s completion, Mercury shared with his bandmates his AIDS diagnosis. 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.” “Was It All Worth It?” becomes a powerful and poignant song by Queen when viewed through the lens of Mercury’s personal struggle and unwavering dedication to his art.
8: Somebody To Love (1976)
“Somebody To Love,” from A Day At The Races, showcases Queen’s versatility, venturing into soulful, gospel-infused pop territory. Mercury’s lyrics, exploring themes of spiritual yearning and the search for love and redemption, resonated deeply with audiences. Released as the lead single from the album, it soared to No.2 in the charts. Mercury’s admiration for soul music legend Aretha Franklin served as a significant inspiration for the song’s powerful vocal harmonies and emotional depth. “Somebody To Love” is a testament to Queen’s ability to blend genres and create emotionally resonant songs.
7: We Are The Champions (1977)
Freddie Mercury’s “We Are The Champions,” from the News Of The World album, has become one of the most universally recognized rock anthems ever created. Its impact transcends music, becoming a staple in sporting arenas and celebratory events worldwide. In a 2005 poll, it was even voted the world’s favorite song. It served as the official theme song for the 1994 World Cup, further cementing its global anthem status. 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 song’s music video, filmed in a London theatre with over a thousand members of Queen’s fan club, required 50 takes, reflecting the band’s commitment to perfection. “We Are The Champions” is an enduring song by Queen that embodies unity and triumph.
6: Another One Bites The Dust (1980)
John Deacon’s bassline brilliance takes center stage in “Another One Bites The Dust,” from The Game album. The song’s crossover appeal was famously championed by Michael Jackson. After attending a Queen concert in Los Angeles, Jackson went backstage and suggested that this track had immense pop chart potential. Released as a single in October 1980, it dominated the No.1 spot for three weeks, crossing over into the R&B market. Brian May reflected, “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 Queen song showcases their ability to innovate and conquer diverse musical landscapes.
5: Under Pressure (1981)
“Under Pressure,” a monumental collaboration between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, emerged from an impromptu jam session at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. The creative energy between these two iconic artists is palpable. Mercury and Bowie playfully debated vocal prominence, while Deacon’s pulsating bassline provided the song’s rhythmic backbone. The spontaneous nature of the recording, including Mercury’s scat singing, is infectious. Bowie’s unconventional approach to vocal recording, insisting that he and Mercury swap verses “blind,” enhanced the song’s improvisational feel. Brian May recalled, “We felt our way through a backing track all together as an ensemble. When the backing track was done, David said, ‘OK, let’s each of us go in the vocal booth and sing how we think the melody should go – just off the top of our heads – and we’ll compile a vocal out of that.’” This iconic song by Queen and David Bowie reached No.1 in the UK and later became the foundation for Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” Bowie performed “Under Pressure” at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992, further solidifying its legacy.
4: Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1980)
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” penned by Mercury in a moment of inspiration while in the bath at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, is a rockabilly-infused gem. “I’m a loving person. Love was the inspiration for the song,” Mercury explained. This upbeat and infectious track became a massive hit and has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including Robert Plant, Dwight Yoakam, Diana Ross, Michael Bublé, and Showaddywaddy. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” stands as a testament to Queen’s versatility and Mercury’s songwriting prowess, a fun and timeless Queen song.
3: Killer Queen (1974)
“Killer Queen,” from the Sheer Heart Attack album, is a sophisticated and flamboyant track that showcases Queen’s masterful harmonies and intricate arrangements. The song, about a high-class prostitute, reached No.2 in the UK in October 1974 and became Queen’s first US hit, marking their breakthrough in America. “Killer Queen” possesses the energy and theatricality that would become Queen’s hallmarks. Mercury himself joked, “You almost expect Noël Coward to sing it.” Brian May considered the album a “turning point” in defining Queen’s signature sound. The song’s multi-layered guitar work features 12 overdubs and includes one of May’s most celebrated guitar solos, making it a quintessential song by Queen.
2: We Will Rock You (1977)
“We Will Rock You,” alongside “We Are The Champions,” has become a global anthem, a cultural touchstone synonymous with rock music. Both tracks from News Of The World were released as a double-A-side single, reaching No.2 in the UK and No.4 in the US. In 2000, boy band 5ive covered the song, featuring Brian May and Roger Taylor, and took it to No.1, demonstrating its enduring appeal across generations. Brian May stated, “‘We Will Rock You’ is when we established ourselves as a rock anthem band. We should have done an album called Anthems, really.” “We Will Rock You” is an instantly recognizable and universally embraced song by Queen.
1: Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
The six-minute epic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” written by Freddie Mercury for A Night At The Opera, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern music and the quintessential song by Queen. Mercury’s inventive songwriting and dynamic vocal performance are at their peak, with layers of overdubbed vocals creating an operatic choir, featuring the iconic “mamma mia,” “Galileo,” and “Figaro” refrains. Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA confessed, “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 song’s groundbreaking music video, directed by Bruce Gowers, with its innovative multi-angle shots, further cemented its iconic status.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” holds the unique distinction of being the only song to reach Christmas No.1 twice – first in 1975 and again in 1991 after Mercury’s death. It has sold over 2.6 million copies since 1977 and, in December 2018, was officially recognized as the most-streamed song from the 20th Century, a testament to its timeless appeal and enduring popularity.
Did we miss any of your favorite Queen tracks? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments below!
