Freddie Mercury, the charismatic frontman of the legendary rock band Queen, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unmatched vocal prowess, theatrical stage presence, and extraordinary songwriting abilities. From the powerful anthems that ignited stadiums to the heartfelt ballads that touched millions of hearts, Mercury’s talent knew no bounds. In this article, we delve into the realm of timeless music and celebrate the top 10 best Freddie Mercury songs of all time. These songs encapsulate the essence of his artistry, showcasing his incredible range, raw emotion, and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Whether it’s the unforgettable melodies, the intricate harmonies, or the thought-provoking lyrics, each track on this list represents a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Prepare to be taken on a journey through Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary musical legacy, where his incomparable talent and creative genius continue to resonate with listeners across generations. So, let us embark on this musical odyssey and explore the greatest songs that exemplify the genius of Freddie Mercury and solidify his place as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of rock music.
1. The Golden Boy (Single Edit)/The Fallen Priest
This track combines two of Freddie Mercury's greatest works, "The Golden Boy (Single Edit)" and "The Fallen Priest". This iconic duo showcases Freddie's versatile vocal range, from hauntingly powerful to soothingly melodious. The lyrics speak about embracing fame and the sacrifices necessary for success, making it relatable for many listeners.
Furthermore, the astounding use of operatic arrangements in both tracks is a testament to Freddie's unique musical genius. The blend of classical and modern styles beautifully complement each other, resulting in a masterpiece that will live on forever.
In this series of articles, we will dive into the top 10 best songs by Freddie Mercury. The next entry features another gem by Queen's frontman that captured the hearts of fans all around the world.
It is said that "The Golden Boy" was inspired by Montserrat Caballé while Freddie was writing his album Barcelona with her. In contrast, "The Fallen Priest" is based on a play that Freddie had seen. Such inspirations made this track even more special as they showcased the depth of his imagination beyond singing and songwriting skills.
Freddie proves he's not just the champion of rock with this stunning single, showing off his impressive vocal range and making us all feel like we could conquer the world…or at least our morning workout.
2. Barcelona (Single Version)/Exercises In Free Love
This track showcases Freddie's vocal range in an incredible duet with the operatic soprano Montserrat Caballé. The harmonious collaboration between Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé resulted in a melodious masterpiece that features lavish orchestration and haunting vocals. '2. Barcelona (Single Version)/Exercises In Free Love' conveys a dreamy and uplifting mood that has helped it stand out as one of Freddie's most popular songs, especially in the realm of classical music lovers.
Montserrat Caballé once said that working with Freddie Mercury was an extraordinary experience because he cared deeply about expressing himself through music while also encouraging others to do the same.
Fun Fact: The track reached the UK Top Ten after becoming the anthem for Barcelona's hosting of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Freddie may have been the great pretender, but there's no pretending these songs aren't pure genius.
3. The Great Pretender/Exercises In Free Love
The legendary Freddie Mercury's hit, depicting pretense and liberation in love, proved his songwriting prowess. The Great Pretender/Exercises In Free Love acted as an ode to the masked walls people put on every day. The lyrics depicted a person catering to society's expectations while being yearning love in secret.
The amalgamation of vocalizing brass and piano led to a catchy tune. Freddie Mercury played the role of both the composer and songwriter impeccably, resulting in a perfect union of sound and words.
Dedicated fans would be thrilled to know that the song was entirely recorded using a 48-track tape recorder. This equipment is considered obsolete compared to the digital systems we have today but significantly contributed to one of Freddie's greatest hits.
Freddie Mercury said that the song was inspired by his feelings at the time about living two different lives: one as an openly gay man, and another suiting society's expectations.
Freddie may have wanted to break free from time, but these songs will keep his legacy timeless.
4. Time/Time
Exploring the intricacies of Freddie Mercury's discography brings us to his songs that contemplate the subject of time. The musical genius of Mercury comes to shine in these pieces as he tackles a fundamental concept with depth, thoughtfulness, and beauty. In these tracks, he sings about the fleeting nature of life and finds solace in music, love, and memories. Time serves as an overarching theme for many artists, but Freddie Mercury's take on it remains timeless.
One such song is "Time Waits For No One." With its sweeping guitar licks and epic orchestration, the track takes us on a journey through space and time while reminding us to seize every moment. Another masterpiece is "The Show Must Go On," where Mercury delivers a powerful performance despite his ailing health. It confers that even in pain or adversity, we must carry on.
Beyond these popular tracks are pieces like "It's Late" and "In My Defence," where Mercury's vocal range shines bright. These tunes exhibit his knack for storytelling while showcasing his mastery over multiple genres.
Interestingly enough, Freddie was known to be punctual himself and always respected others' time. He wouldn't tolerate tardiness or excuses from anyone who worked with him. His respect for time is evident in how meticulously crafted his performances were – his precision elevated each concert into pure artistry.
Time being one such crucial element that served as a muse for many of his hits. As we listen to them today, they hold true teachings that are still relevant decades later.
Freddie sure knew how to turn up the heat with his electrifying tunes, making us love him like there's no tomorrow.
5. Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow/Let’s Turn It On
This track, with a unique blend of rock, reggae, and funk, highlights Freddie's versatile songwriting skills. 'Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow/Let’s Turn It On' was first released on his solo album Mr. Bad Guy in 1985. The lyrics are emotional and intimate with Freddie's signature falsetto vocals on full display. Its catchy bassline and upbeat melody make it a true standout among other tracks of the album.
Additionally, this song was deemed special as it was one of the last tracks that Mercury recorded before he passed away due to complications related to AIDS in 1991. Also re-released in 2019 under the title 'Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow (2020)' for Record Store Day, the track continues to garner attention from music enthusiasts worldwide.
Listeners can feel how Freddie poured his heart into this song and it is interpreted by many as a message about living life fully with passion and love while we are still here. It also reminds us of the brevity of life and prompts us to cherish every moment we share with our loved ones.
If you haven't listened to 'Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow/Let’s Turn It On', you're missing out on one of Freddie's genuine musical masterpieces that encapsulate his creativity and incredible ability to connect with audiences through his words and voice.
Freddie was truly living on his own wavelength with this song, proving once again that danger can be oh-so-sexy.
6. Living On My Own/My Love Is Dangerous
This entry combines two popular singles, "Living On My Own" and "My Love Is Dangerous", which reflect Freddie Mercury's ability to create lively and upbeat tracks. The former is a dance anthem that was reworked as a solo effort from the album Mr. Bad Guy in 1985, years after the original Queen version. Its catchy rhythm and remarkable vocals make it an ultimate party staple. While the latter track with its electric instrumentals capture the essence of his solo records, it also showcases his range as a songwriter with its poetic lyrics. Together these tracks offer fans a glimpse into Mercury's versatility and dynamic capabilities as a singer-songwriter.
Notably, "Living On My Own" was remixed by No More Brothers to great success for The Freddie Mercury Album in 1992, hitting #1 on the UK Singles Chart. Meanwhile, "My Love Is Dangerous" was also featured on Mr. Bad Guy but did not achieve chart success upon its release in 1985. Fans took to rediscovering these hits posthumously following Mercury's passing in 1991.
These tracks are evidence of the strong influence Freddie Mercury had on pop music beyond his role in Queen, cementing him as one of rock's greatest contributors to pop culture history.
Made in heaven, where Freddie's voice reigns supreme, and She Blows Hot and Cold… just like the reactions to my ex's attempts at karaoke.
7. Made In Heaven/She Blows Hot And Cold
This particular song from the legendary Freddie Mercury's repertoire is an exceptional work of art that goes by the name of 'Made in Heaven/She Blows Hot and Cold.' It captures the essence of Freddie's style and his versatility as a singer and songwriter. The song has a unique blend of romanticism, playfulness, and power that creates a magical end-product.
The track starts off with a mellow tune, which gets pumped up as it progresses towards the chorus. The lyrics are poetic, filled with charisma and create a perfect ambiance for any listener to indulge in. The band also executed an excellent instrumental solo towards the end of the track, making it even more enjoyable.
What sets 'Made in Heaven/She Blows Hot and Cold' apart is its experimental approach towards music, taking significant risks where necessary, without compromising on quality. Overall, this song deserves to feature on everyone's playlist who loves classic rock and soulful music.
Freddie Mercury's ability to transcend genres while maintaining his unique signature style is remarkable. He continues to influence generations of artists even after his demise. It's inspiring how he wasn't afraid to take bold steps in his career, creating timeless classics like 'Made in Heaven/She Blows Hot and Cold.'
"Freddie knew how to stop the fighting – he just had to sing 'I Was Born To Love You'."
8. I Was Born To Love You/Stop All The Fighting
One of Freddie Mercury's most beloved songs is a mix of two tracks – 'I Was Born To Love You' and 'Stop All The Fighting'. Both songs have an upbeat tempo and showcase Freddie's exceptional vocal range. In 'I Was Born To Love You', Freddie sings about falling in love and wanting to spend his life with that special someone. On the other hand, 'Stop All The Fighting' has a more aggressive tone, as Freddie urges people to stop fighting over petty things. Together, these two songs create a unique blend of emotions that captivates audiences.
The fusion of rock and disco music make this track stand out amongst all other Freddie Mercury's songs. Moreover, the lyrics are simple yet impactful – they speak to everyone on an emotional level while also delivering a message of love and peace. It's easy to see why fans adore this song and come together in unison to sing along when it comes up.
If you're looking for your next favourite mainstream song, give 'I Was Born To Love You/Stop All The Fighting' by Freddie Mercury a try. Listen attentively to understand how he expertly weaves together languages, upbeat instrumentals and powerful vocals that create unforgettable experiences for his fans and music-lovers alike.
Freddie proves that even love can be lethal in this haunting ballad.
9. Love Kills
This track, a collaboration between Freddie Mercury and famed Italian disco producer Giorgio Moroder, is an electro-dance classic. The pulsating beat and infectious chorus make it one of the most underrated Freddie Mercury songs. With its lyrics about the dangers of unrequited love, "Love Kills" showcases Mercury's emotional range as a singer. The song was released as part of Moroder's soundtrack for the 1984 film Metropolis and later featured on Mercury's solo album, Mr Bad Guy. Its varying versions are a testament to its popularity among fans even after all these years.
Pro Tip: Give this gem a chance, play it on your next dance party playlist. Freddie's vocals in 'I Can Hear Music/Going Back' are so good, he could make a funeral playlist sound like a party mix.
10. I Can Hear Music/Going Back
In the tenth position of our list for the top Freddie Mercury songs of all time, we have a delightful number – the groovy 'I Can Hear Music/Going Back'. The song was penned down by the legendary Phil Spector and his contemporaries Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. This iconic track was re-imagined by Mercury in 1985 for his debut solo album 'Mr Bad Guy' and received massive acclaim from fans worldwide.
Mercury's rendition of 'I Can Hear Music/Going Back' showcases his impressive vocal range, making it an instant classic. The singer's ability to capture the essence of both the original upbeat tune and slower, soulful rendition makes this song one that appeals to diverse audiences. The tune's orchestral arrangements also contributed to its success, providing a perfect backdrop for Mercury's voice.
One unique aspect of this track is how it demonstrated Mercury's skills as a producer. He beautifully blended various musical genres while adding his own flair, turning it into an entirely new creation. Additionally, Mercury's dedication to recording the song using only live instruments instead of electronic music further enhances its resonance with listeners.
If you're looking to truly enjoy this classic tune, we suggest setting aside some time to listen closely to each note. Turn up the volume and savour each beat as they blend together to create a masterpiece – much like how Freddie Mercury did when reimagining 'I Can Hear Music/Going Back.'
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
