Immerse yourself in a sonorous journey through the heady heights of ’70s grandeur and ’80s eclecticism, right down to ’90s poignancy, as we traverse the discography of Rock’s regal sovereigns – Queen. It’s a musical banquet of pure, unadulterated genius, seamlessly blending theatrics, often soaring, and at times heart-wrenching lyricism with groundbreaking production. From the audacious fantasy-laden landscapes of “Queen II” to the iconic rhapsodies of “A Night at The Opera”, each album is a masterclass in bending, if not obliterating, genre conventions.
Take a sonic detour to sample the seductive grooves of “Hot Space” that shocked the traditionalist rock realm, or the triumphant return to roots with “The Works”. Don’t forget to stop over at the majestic grandeur of “A Day at The Races”, pay respects to the anthemic “News of the World” and then dive headlong into the poignant swansong that is “Made in Heaven”.
Experience Queen’s resplendent brilliance via the “Deep Cuts” triad, which attempts to embody their dizzying spectrum of moods and styles across different periods. Or get your pulse racing to the electrifying versions of their classics on live albums, be it the raw and raucous “Live Killers”, the historic “Live at the Rainbow ’74”, or the sweeping majesty of “Live at Wembley Stadium”.
Then are the meticulously produced remastered versions, that, like a skilled jeweller, polish and refine the original gems to a dazzling sparkle. These albums offer another delicious dimension to their already multifaceted oeuvre, enhancing the thrilling complexity and timeless appeal of Queen’s music.
So let’s get into the magnificent realm of these musical mavericks. From the raw beginnings of “Queen” to the heart-wrenching finality of “Made in Heaven”, here are all of Queen’s albums ranked.
31. Deep Cuts 3
Released: 2011
Label: Hollywood Records
This compilation album rummages through the band’s final years, showcasing less-celebrated but equally potent tunes. You get a taste of Queen’s evolution as they grappled with the dynamic 80s and 90s music landscape, blending their trademark rock euphony with synth-pop, disco, and electronica. The album struts with tracks like “Hang on in There” and “Stealin'”, illustrating Queen’s relentless creative experimentation. Despite the absence of mega-hits, “Deep Cuts 3” is a treasure trove for hardcore Queen fans eager to unearth the band’s offbeat compositions. It’s a reflection of Queen’s resilience after Mercury’s AIDS diagnosis, proffering up poignant tracks such as “Mother Love”, Mercury’s swan song. While this compilation may not satisfy the appetite of casual listeners yearning for anthemic classics, it undoubtedly enriches the Queen narrative, offering a deeper, nuanced understanding of their late career phase.
30. Deep Cuts 2
Released: 2011
Label: Hollywood Records
Whisking fans through 1977 to 1982, this compilation epitomizes Queen’s versatility as they flirted with punk, funk, and even reggae influences. Swooping in with deep cuts, the album pays homage to underrated tracks like “Machines (or Back to Humans)” and “Mustapha”. This five-year phase was, after all, a period when Queen gambled with their sound, an audacious bet that not only paid off but essentially reshaped the rock landscape. This compilation isn’t about chart-topping juggernauts; it’s an exploration of Queen’s experimental spirit and their daring departure from conventional rock. However, it’s precisely this boldness that made them musical pioneers. So while “Deep Cuts 2” may cater primarily to the initiated, it’s a testament to Queen’s continuous evolution and their commitment to pushing rock’s creative boundaries.
29. Deep Cuts
Released: 2011
Label: Hollywood Records
This album dives headfirst into their audacious dalliances with glam rock and progressive structures, squaring the focus on tracks that didn’t necessarily nab the limelight but nonetheless showcase the band’s signature flamboyance and daring creativity. In here, you’ll find the intriguing “Great King Rat”, the driving “Flick Of The Wrist” and the pure melodrama of “Lily Of The Valley”. It’s an eclectic mix that plunges fans into the band’s sonic heart and offers a side dish to their better-known classics. While not populated with chart toppers, this compilation honors Queen’s divergent works, bearing witness to their refusal to stay boxed within a single sound. It’s an intimate tour through Queen’s formative years, satiating both the seasoned fan’s thirst for the band’s less-traveled paths and the newcomer’s hunger for their rock prowess.
28. Made in Heaven
Released: 1995
Label: Hollywood Records
Released in 1995, four years after Mercury’s tragic demise, it’s a testament to Queen’s unrivaled resilience and creativity. The album posthumously features Mercury’s vocals, and the band serves up an emotionally charged sonic experience, with each note seemingly reverberating Mercury’s immortal persona. The standout tracks include “Mother Love,” the last song Mercury recorded – an eerily prophetic epitaph that’s enough to send any hardcore Queen fan into a nostalgia-induced spiral. It’s far from a perfect album – it has its weak spots and some tracks feel padded out. But it isn’t about crafting a meticulous masterpiece; it’s a bitter-sweet tribute and a final farewell to rock’s most flamboyant frontman. “Made in Heaven” is a celebration of Mercury’s boundless talent and vivacity; it’s an album that encapsulates the essence of Queen – their shared pains, their victories, and their unfaltering camaraderie.
27. The Miracle
Released: 1989
Label: Hollywood Records
This album marked a departure from the solo projects that had consumed each member during the mid-80s and a return to the brotherhood’s collective creative genius. Although fraught with hardship – notably lead singer Freddie Mercury’s declining health – the album is an audacious testament of resilience and unity. Tracks like “I Want It All” and the anthemic title track exude classic Queen bravado despite the tumultuous circumstances, driving home the point that nothing could dampen the band’s indomitable spirit. But the album also showcased a softer side, with songs like “My Baby Does Me,” flaunting Queen’s adeptness at crafting catchy pop-rock melodies. And amid the pomp and razzmatazz, “The Miracle” was also replete with moments of introspection, as best encapsulated in “Was It All Worth It”, a somber, reflective piece that hints at the band’s contemplative mood in their autumn years. Despite brewing storms, “The Miracle” stands as a testament to Queen’s ability to produce magic under the most challenging circumstances.
26. On Fire: Live At The Bowl
Released: 2004
Label: Hollywood Records
This double-platinum album, which saw daylight on November 4, 2004, captures the concert that the band played at the Milton Keynes Bowl in England back in 1982, during the “Hot Space” tour. This gig epitomizes Queen’s audacious live performances, with Freddie Mercury’s theatrical showmanship on full display. The set list includes stone-cold classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Another One Bites The Dust”, performed with a furor that only Queen could deliver. Other thrilling moments include “Dragon Attack” with its prismatic guitar spectacle and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, which ferments into a rollicking rockabilly number. Brimming with Queen’s on-stage dynamism and charismatic flair, the 25-track album showcases the legendary quartet’s extraordinary ability to connect with the crowd and underline why they are considered art-slinging warlords of the live rock ‘n’ roll experience.
25. A Kind of Magic
Released: 1986
Label: Hollywood Records
Wrestling off their classic rock roots, the band dives headfirst into the swirling waters of synth-pop and rock balladry. This shift, however, didn’t fracture their integrity. Songs like “A Kind Of Magic”, with its synth-driven rhythm, and the power-packed “Who Wants To Live Forever,” showcase Queen’s chameleonic ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape. The majority of the album’s tracks were crafted for Russell Mulcahy’s fantasy film, “Highlander”, and that’s evident in the cinematic grandeur that permeates the record. Although “A Kind of Magic” was maligned by some critics for being overly polished and somewhat disjointed, it’s hard to deny the album’s inherent charm and the creative risks Queen took. Despite its mixed reception, this album represents Queen’s brilliant experimentation within the 80s music scene, producing numbers that still resonate with fans today.
24. Hot Space
Released: 1982
Label: Hollywood Records
Features: David Bowie
Released in 1982, the album drew much ire from rock purists. Peppered with funk and dance elements, “Hot Space” features tracks like “Body Language” and “Staying Power” that symbolize the band’s audacious departure from their rock roots. But they didn’t abandon rock entirely – “Put Out the Fire” is a high-voltage rock number that stands out on the album. The album is often remembered for “Under Pressure”, a collaboration with rock chameleon David Bowie, that remains a timeless anthem of unity in troubled times. Though it polarized fans and critics alike, “Hot Space” stands as a testament to Queen’s audacious spirit, a willingness to evolve, and an unflinching desire to push boundaries. Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny the album’s boldness and the indelible mark it left on the Queen discography. It remains a symbol of Queen’s proclivity for audacious sonic exploration.
23. The Game
Released: 1980
Label: Hollywood Records
Shedding the operatic bombast of their 70s output, the band veered into a more streamlined approach reminiscent of contemporary pop and rock. Really, it’s a testimonial to their musical versatility. The album is home to two of Queen’s biggest chart-toppers, “Another One Bites the Dust” with its infectious disco groove, and the rockabilly-influenced “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. Not to mention, the socio-politically tinged “Save Me” and anthemic “Play The Game” showcasing Freddie’s vocal prowess. “The Game” was the band’s first record to use synthesizers, a departure from their earlier philosophy. Even with these changes, Queen’s essence remained untouched. This sonic shift was widely embraced, making it their only album to reach No. 1 on both UK and U.S. charts. A testament to Queen’s ability to adapt and innovate, “The Game” is a must-listen for any die-hard rock fan, representative of a band in their prime delivering a collection of unforgettable hits.
22. The Works
Released: 1984
Label: Hollywood Records
It is, in every essence, Queen showing they still had the Midas touch – a band that ‘still had it’.
21. Jazz
Released: 1978
Label: Hollywood Records
Opening track ‘Mustapha’ hits you square with its Eastern-inspired vibe – a testament to Queen’s ability to gallivant across genres with a devil-may-care attitude, and yet still deliver a rocking’ tune. Then, there’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, a flamboyant helping of Queen at their eccentric best and a ubiquitous anthem for letting it all hang out. Throw in the social commentary of ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ (still a mainstay of rock radio, mind!) and ‘Bicycle Race’, and you have an album that is undeniably Queen – chaotic, eclectic, but consistently brilliant. Though it may not have set the world alight like ‘A Night at the Opera’, ‘Jazz’ is a fabulous romp through the musical renaissance of the late ’70s, replete with artistic frivolity and the indomitable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
20. News of the World
Released: 1977
Label: Hollywood Records
Features: Rick Rubin
Landing in the stores on 28th October 1977, this 11-track behemoth reinterpreted Queen’s artistry amidst the punk rock era’s gritty backdrop. The record kicks off with two of the most iconic rock anthems in history: “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” – a potent one-two punch that captures the zeitgeist of the late ’70s rock scene. Both tracks dominated the airwaves and still echo in sports arenas worldwide. Surprising the fanbase, the album flaunts a stylistic departure from Queen’s earlier opulent, multi-layered sound towards a stripped-back, raw aesthetic. Deeper cuts like the stadium-suited “Spread Your Wings” and the apocalyptic “It’s Late” demonstrate Queen’s chameleonic ability to experiment with diverse genres. Contrary to what the bleak and shocking cover artwork might suggest, the album exemplified Queen’s indomitable spirit and unfettered innovation. “News of the World” effectively consolidated Queen’s role as stalwarts of rock ‘n’ roll, appealing simultaneously to the album-oriented rock and pop crowds. It was a pivotal moment that signaled the band’s transition into the highest echelons of rock music history.
19. Queen
Released: 1973
Label: Hollywood Records
Much like a thunder punch, it announced the arrival of a band that was destined to challenge, elate, and confound. Marked by bluesy hard rock, the phantasmagoria of “Great King Rat” and raw power of “Keep Yourself Alive” symbolizes the band’s grasp of their musical prowess. Mustering up an admirable distillation of Hendrix-esque fuzz and Zeppelin style rock n roll swagger, Queen was already ahead of the curve. But here’s where it gets interesting: The debutante’s grandeur was not just encapsulated in their heavy roots, but their flirtation with genre bending, a trait that would later become their calling card, can be spotted in songs like “My Fairy King”. Relatively overlooked in their discography, “Queen” is more than a mere springboard for the band’s forthcoming ventures – it’s a standalone, gutsy testament to their innate aptitude and unyielding ambition.
18. Flash Gordon
Released: 1980
Label: Hollywood Records
It’s a veritable wall of sound and an exercise in audacious creativity, demanded by the necessity of scoring a soundtrack for the cult sci-fi flick “Flash Gordon”. This album sees the band take a leap of faith into the realm of instrumental rock; with the powerhouse vocals of Freddie Mercury notably absent on several tracks. Eerie synthesized tunes, like “Ming’s Theme” and “The Ring”, captured the ethereal essence of space, contrasting starkly with the raw rock energy of tracks like “Flash’s Theme”. Some fans were thrown for a loop, while others reveled in Queen’s ‘out-of-the-box’ approach. Though it may not be their most commercially successful effort, “Flash Gordon” showcases Queen’s bold versatility and willingness to push boundaries. It’s the kind of left-field move that solidifies a rock band’s legend status. This album is for true connoisseurs of Queen’s multifaceted musical journey.
17. Sheer Heart Attack
Released: 1974
Label: Hollywood Records
A far cry from their earlier work, this album marked Queen’s foray into the mainstream pop-rock landscape. With “Killer Queen”, a ravishing rococo masterpiece, they hit the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic, and presented a preview of Mercury’s zesty songwriting chops. “Stone Cold Crazy” is pure proto-thrash merriment, exhibiting an underappreciated facet of Queen’s musical DNA. But it’s not just about the hits. “Sheer Heart Attack” is a cornucopia of sonic experimentation. Tracks like “Flick of the Wrist” and “In the Lap of the Gods” are sprinkled with an audacity that resonate with stupendous harmonies and flamboyant high notes. The album distills the essence of what made Queen such a dynamic and versatile band: their ability to fuse style, substance, and flamboyance with an ease few could master. Adjust your amplifier’s volume high; “Sheer Heart Attack” is a sonic celebration of this British quartet’s enviable and magical chameleon-like songcraft.
16. A Night At The Opera
Released: 1975
Label: Hollywood Records
Released during the zenith of progressive rock era in 1975, it fearlessly amalgamated diverse musical genres which was intrinsic to the band’s unorthodox ethos. From Brian May’s winding guitar solos, to the operatic vocals of Freddie Mercury, every element was a testament to Queen’s virtuosity. Take for instance the timeless classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody” – a Bohemian manifesto that masterfully fused balladry, opera, and hard rock. On the flip, “You’re My Best Friend” emanated an irresistible pop allure. Then there’s “I’m in Love With My Car”, a unorthodox love song that screams ‘rock ‘n’ roll’. The album confidently flirted with grandeur and pomposity, at times bordering on the bizarre. Yet, it delivered an audacious tapestry of sound that pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be – making it not just a ‘Night at the Opera’, but an extravagant affair to remember.
15. The Miracle
Released: 2022
Label: Hollywood Records
With its 2022 release, it solidifies the band’s timeless charm by bringing a polished edge to the classics, ensuring they resonate eloquently with the new generation of rock devotees. Dripping with iconic tracks such as the anthemic title track, “I Want It All”, and the poignant “Scandal”, the album witnesses Queen exploring the furthest corners of their complex sonic identity. Freshly remastered, the songs burst forth with a renewed vigor, highlighting the dramatic flair of Freddie’s vocals and the ambitious production. Extra liner notes and rare pictures provide a delicious peek into the creation process, while bonus demos give fans a fresh perspective on familiar hits. This collector’s edition ultimately pays homage to Queen’s electrifying prowess and ceaseless innovation, underscoring the legacy of these rock titans with newfound reverence.
14. Queen II
Released: 1974
Label: Hollywood Records
The album, divided into ‘White’ and ‘Black’ sides, mirrors the Jekyll-and-Hyde personas of Brian May and Freddie Mercury, respectively. Right out of the gate, “Procession,” a regal, swelling instrumental, sets the tone. On the ‘White’ side, May’s guitar work shines, especially in the layered harmonic richness of “Father to Son”. Love it or hate it, the approach showcased the band’s raw talent and audacity. Meanwhile, the ‘Black’ side is a manifestation of Mercury’s extravagant rock opera visions. “The March of The Black Queen” and “Seven Seas of Rhye” are pulsating, ambitious epics that encapsulate the band’s early excesses and strengths. “Queen II” is an album of eclectic contradictions, where glammed-up, hard-hitting rock coexists with lyrical tales of fairy queens and ogres. It’s an early glimpse at the audacious adventurism that would come to define Queen’s iconic status.
13. Made in Heaven
Released: 1995
Label: Hollywood Records
It’s an album steeped in sentiment, sewn together from Freddie’s final studio sessions and band’s previously unheard recordings. It’s a difficult task, sculpting posthumous work into a coherent album. Yet, Queen pulls it off with remarkable grace, delivering a raw, emotionally-charged swansong that celebrates Mercury’s formidable legacy. Songs like “I Was Born to Love You” echo his audacious spirit, while “Too Much Love Will Kill You” unveils contemplative, tender moods. The album is imbued with a poignancy emphasized by the instrumental “Untitled”, an ambient piece marking the end. While it lacks the brazen inventiveness of their ground-breaking efforts, “Made in Heaven” stands as an homage to Mercury’s indomitable spirit, a fitting tribute to a man who defiantly declared, “The Show Must Go On”. Even beyond the grave, Freddie, it seems, got his wish.
12. The Miracle
Released: 1989
Label: Hollywood Records
This renaissance period marked their return to form, creating an album steeped in raw emotion and lyrical profundity. Emblazoned with hits like the chart-topping title track, “The Miracle”, “I Want It All”, and the deeply introspective “Scandal”, the album veered into new territories. Each song painted an intense emotional landscape, served with a generous dollop of Queen’s signature theatricality. The 2011 remastered version was a gift to Queen aficionados, enhancing the original production with a fresh soundscape. Dusted with bonus tracks and offering a deeper, high-quality audio experience, it highlights the band’s ability to morph pain into artistry, underpinned by Freddie Mercury’s intense persona and unmatchable vocal prowess. This release is more than an album; it’s an exultant testament to Queen’s ability to endure, evolve, and enthrall.
11. Innuendo
Released: 1991
Label: Hollywood Records
This album is an illustration of courage in the face of adversity, a fact that adds a poignant gravitas to the theatrical rock on display. Creating a sonic tapestry that harkens back to the diversity and complexity of their ’70s work, Queen delves into the grandiose (“Innuendo”), heart-rending (“These Are the Days of Our Lives”), and playful (“I’m Going Slightly Mad”), exhibiting their inherent knack for genre-hopping. The flamenco-tinged ‘Innuendo,’ with its commanding orchestral accompaniment and progressive guitar solo by Steve Howe, is a brilliant opener that recalls the band’s early operatic flair. “Innuendo”, in its glorious inconsistency, is the sound of Queen refusing to go quietly. Even in the shadow of mortality, their audacious spirit shines brightly. A poignant swansong that immortalized Mercury’s incomparable legacy, forever etched in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history.
10. A Kind of Magic
Released: 1986
Label: Hollywood Records
Released in ’86, it tiptoes the line between a studio album and a film soundtrack, bearing several songs from the cult classic “Highlander”. The title track encapsulates the album’s chimeric tone, a polished pop-rock anthem that’s simultaneously an earworm jingle for the movie. “Who Wants to Live Forever”, another notable track, is a heart-rending ballad, magnifying Mercury’s theatrical voice against Brian May’s symphonic arrangement. But this album isn’t all Highland fantasy. The biting “Gimme the Prize” is a taste of Queen’s heavier side, and there’s a raw primal energy in “Princes of the Universe”, a track that arguably outlives the movie itself. Despite inconsistencies in tone due to its dual-purpose nature, “A Kind of Magic” offers an interesting hybrid of commercial, cinematic and traditional rock. It’s a fascinating study of a band grappling with the ruthless demands of the 80s music scene whilst staying true to their classic rock roots.
9. Bohemian Rhapsody
Released: 2018
Label: Hollywood Records
Features: Smile, David Bowie
Released as a companion to the 2018 eponymous biopic, this 22-track sonic spectacle takes you on a riveting journey, showcasing the band’s hits and hidden gems in a revamped light. From the fist-pumping anthem “We Will Rock You” to the operatic magnum opus “Bohemian Rhapsody”, each track is a testament to Queen’s genre-bending genius. This album includes live performances from their legendary set at Live Aid, offering unparalleled raw energy and the chance to experience the band’s kinetic stage presence. What sets this album apart is the incorporation of lesser-known tracks like “Doing All Right” and the potent “Love of My Life”. Ultimately, this album serves as a love letter to Queen’s unmatched musical legacy, embodying their innovative spirit, relentless passion, and enduring relevance in the rock pantheon.
8. Sheer Heart Attack
Released: 1974
Label: Hollywood Records
This is a daring album, where the foursome fused their hard rock edge with a theatrical, almost vaudevillian flair. The track list is a veritable smorgasbord of styles—Roger Taylor’s proto-punk sneer on “Tenement Funster”, the Zeppelin-esque crunch of “Stone Cold Crazy”, the baroque pop sophistication of “Killer Queen”, each tune bristling with its own unique identity. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is how seamlessly Queen was starting to wield grandiose arrangements without forfeiting their rock ‘n’ roll ground. It has all the elements of what would come to characterize their sound— bombast, melody, harmony, and a healthy dose of camp. “Sheer Heart Attack” was their first commercial success, charting at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and breaking into the US Top 20. This was the moment Queen declared themselves as rock royalty.
7. A Day At The Races
Released: 1976
Label: Hollywood Records
Released in December ’76, the album consolidates Queen’s alchemy of rock, gospel, and their distinct brand of operatic grandeur. It kicks off with “Tie Your Mother Down”, a savage rocker penned by Brian May, its raucous guitars and infectious energy contrasting with the stately serenity of tracks like “Someone to Love”. Intricately layered harmonies meet heartfelt verses in “The Millionaire Waltz”, a nod to their symphonic rock roots. Yet the core of the album is “Somebody to Love”, Freddie Mercury’s gospel-infused reassurance that bolsters the soul and punctuates the album’s exploration of existential angst and longing. However, it’s not all high-stakes emotion and theatricality. The band weaves in lighter moments with “Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy”, showcasing their ability to create an expansive and immersive rock experience. Simply put, “A Day at the Races” witnesses Queen cement their place in rock’s pantheon while broadening their artistic palette.
6. News Of The World
Released: 1977
Label: Hollywood Records
This 11-track powerhouse is where rock ‘n roll bravado meets cutting-edge finesse, busting out blockbusters like “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” – anthems that would forever resonate in sports arenas worldwide. But, it wasn’t just about stadium rock. “Spread Your Wings” showed Mercury’s knack for storytelling, while “Who Needs You” displayed a casual strum-along vibe with Brian May’s Spanish guitar. And then, there’s “My Melancholy Blues”, where Queen stripped down their grandeur for a soulful piano-laden ballad. The Remastered Deluxe edition brings a fresh vibrancy to these tracks, maintaining the original flavor while accentuating the band’s intricate musicianship. It also includes rare live cuts and alternate takes, serving up an enriched experience for Queen devotees. “News of the World” remains an enduring testament to Queen’s versatile artistry and fearless creativity.
5. Hot Space
Released: 1982
Label: Hollywood Records
Features: David Bowie
From the David Bowie collaboration on the groundbreaking single “Under Pressure” to the soul-infused “Staying Power”, the album exemplified their continued appetite for pushing musical boundaries. Yet, not all experiments were welcome. Critics argued that the album’s dance-oriented divergence resulted in a disastrously overcooked sonic palette, leading to its lukewarm 22nd place on the UK Album Charts, a notable dip from their previous chart-toppers. While often deemed a momentary misstep, “Hot Space” is quintessential Queen — audacious, daring, and defiant. In retrospect, it’s a testament to their fearless pursuit of reinvention, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into a band boldly exploring uncharted terrains, even if it came at the cost of some feverishly-fought credibility amongst their hard-rock purist fans.
4. The Works
Released: 1984
Label: Hollywood Records
Striding through a multifaceted landscape of pop synths and hard rock frenzy, the album sought to reintegrate the band in the North American market. It did just that with the NFL stadium anthem “Radio Ga Ga”, a track that deplored the demise of radio in the MTV age, paradoxically becoming a huge TV and live staple. “I Want to Break Free”, with its iconic cross-dressing video, exuded an irresistible pop magnetism, while “Hammer to Fall” addressed the Cold War, wrapping up its deep-seated tension in a palatable rock delivery. Meanwhile, “It’s a Hard Life” resonated with Mercury’s signature operatic melodrama. While the band’s grandeur may be dialed down compared to their ’70s glory, “The Works” signifies a pivotal shift from the experimental to the commercially radiant, driving home the point that Queen’s airwaves reign was far from over.
3. A Night At The Opera
Released: 1975
Label: Hollywood Records
This was the album that hurled Queen into rock royalty, where they irrefutably belong. Dwelling in bohemian rhapsodies and prog-rock experiments, it showcased the band’s knack for marrying rock and opera—oh, deliciously so! From the infallibly flamboyant “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the ’30s-inspired ditty “Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy”, it’s a smorgasbord of styles. The multi-layered “The Prophet’s Song” is a true herald of Queen’s technique, while the breezy “You’re My Best Friend” is an underrated gem, proving that Queen could turn love songs into anthems too. The Deluxe Remastered Version revitalizes this music odyssey with enhanced audio quality, making the harmonies crisper, and the hard-hitting riffs sharper. It’s not just an album, it’s an experience, one where Queen’s audacious artistry and musical dexterity shine. A must-listen in the pantheon of rock music, it defined Queen’s idiosyncratic genius and solidified their rock deity status.
2. Jazz
Released: 1978
Label: Hollywood Records
Released at the height of punk-rock in 1978, this album offered defiantly flamboyant anthems and a grandiose rock-opera soundscape contrasting the era’s minimalist punk. Indeed, Queen holds nothing back as they pay homage to varying genres. We get a taste of rock ‘n’ roll gusto with “Fat Bottomed Girls”, a grand theatrical romp in “Bicycle Race”, and a loving dip into folksy balladry with “Dreamer’s Ball”. However, while the album soared to an impressive No. 2 on the UK Album Charts and brought forth memorable hits, critics felt it lacked consistency, famously prompting Rolling Stone to brand it ‘facile’ and ‘ridiculous’. But the truest sense of ‘Jazz’ lies not in its critical reception, but in its palpable sense of fun and aural extravagance. It’s Queen, confidently proactive, daringly innovative, and resolutely unapologetic about their penchant for theatricality.
1. The Game
Released: 1980
Label: Hollywood Records
The first Queen album to feature synthesizer, it marked a definitive shift from their ’70s aesthetic. Their risk-taking ethos paid off in droves with “Another One Bites The Dust,” a disco-infused rock anthem that gyrated its way to #1 on the Billboard charts. Then there’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” a rockabilly homage to Elvis, proving yet again, Queen’s genre-blending genius. Even lesser-known tracks like “Dragon Attack” attest to their musical prowess, with its robust base and edgy blues-infused riff. John Deacon’s bass-driven tour de force in “Need Your Loving Tonight” echoes the band’s quest to blend rock and pop in innovative ways. Chart success and critical acclaim aside, “The Game” showcased a band unafraid to push boundaries and break genre confines, amply demonstrating why Queen’s reign is unassailable.
