Freddie Mercury is one of the most iconic and influential singers of all time. As the lead vocalist of Queen, his powerful vocals, flamboyant performances, and dynamic songwriting helped define the genre of rock and left an indelible mark on popular culture. With a career spanning more than two decades, he produced an impressive array of hits that solidified his place as a true legend of music.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Freddie Mercury songs of all time. From the anthemic “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the emotive “The Show Must Go On,” we’ll explore the music that has defined Mercury’s legacy and influenced generations of singers. We’ll take a closer look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and analyze what makes them enduring classics. Whether you’re a die-hard Queen fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the music and legacy of Freddie Mercury, one of the greatest singers of all time.
1. Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow/Let’s Turn It On (1985)
This song by Freddie Mercury, released in 1985, is a blend of two distinct tracks – 'Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow' and 'Let's Turn It On'. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it an entertaining dance number. With the use of clever wordplay and creative composition, Freddie Mercury adds his signature touch to this fantastic track.
The combination of sharp guitar riffs, thumping bass lines and heavy percussion makes this song a unique blend of pop and rock genres. The vocals are pure Freddie Mercury, displaying remarkable range, precision and emotion while singing about the experience of being young and alive. The song successfully captures the spirit of youth within four minutes.
One interesting fact about this track is that it was used as the closing song at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony performed by British dancer Darcy Bussell. This live performance added another layer of significance to an already memorable track.
Freddie Mercury proves that even without lyrics, he can still leave us speechless with Time/Time (Instrumental).
2. Time/Time (Instrumental) (1986)
One of Freddie Mercury's iconic instrumental works is a musical masterpiece named "Time." Released in 1986, this track has become a hit amongst its fans for its beautiful composition and distinctive sound. Accompanied by grand orchestral arrangements, the instrumental progression is absolutely enthralling.
The incredible aspect of Time as an instrumental track is how it evokes emotion without any lyrics. The intermittent sounds of piano notes alongside the crescendos of the orchestra are significant works together, creating striking audio visuals within the listener's mind. This unique ability earned Freddie Mercury vast critical acclaim and appreciation from both listeners and critics.
It's important to note that Time isn't just about instrumentation; it tells a wonderful tale through music that makes you feel like you're on a journey. Being one of the most terrific pieces produced by Freddie Mercury, it truly showcases his talent as an artist.
Pro Tip: To appreciate "Time," listen to an instrumental version first before moving onto the vocal track with lyrics. It will enhance your listening experience and give you a fuller appreciation for Freddie Mercury's artistic talent.
Freddie's vocal on 'The Great Pretender' is so good, it's like he's pretending to be a great singer…wait, what?
3. The Great Pretender/Exercises In Free Love (Freddie’s Vocal) (1987)
Freddie Mercury's rendition in "The Great Pretender/Exercises In Free Love" in 1987 showcased his vocal range and versatility. The track's originality and captivating melody made it one of the top songs of all time. This composition proved that Mercury had a unique voice and could take on any musical genre, from rock to pop. Being a renowned artist, he effortlessly delivered both flamboyant tunes as well as soft ballads; this song falls into the category of soft ballads.
The combination of forceful emotion, tone variations, and instrumentation used makes this song a perfect example of how powerful music can be when done correctly. Freddie captures your heart with his emotional performance in "The Great Pretender". Specifically, in Exercises In Free Love (Freddie's vocal), the distinct blend between his shivering vocals and instrumentation sends chills down your spine. The track is a masterpiece not just because it features Freddie's voice but also due to its detailed composition and arrangements.
What makes this tune stand out from others is its relatable message about grasping onto love while trying to free yourself from the toxicity surrounding it. This era was not just about recognizing self-worth, but also acknowledging one's worthiness for affection– something that most people can connect with—bringing back memories that might once have been deeply buried.
Mercury always sang from real experiences from his life – which led him to be known as an exceptional storyteller; therefore this song has even more impact as he describes these trials so graphically.
Despite having passed away years ago now, Freddie Mercury remains an iconic emblem of rock ‘n’ roll history—having left us with some unforgettable masterpieces like ‘The Great Pretender/Exercises In Free Love’.
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé's 'Barcelona' proves that exercise isn't the only thing that can give you those feel-good endorphins.
4. Barcelona (Single Version)/Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat’s Vocal) (1987)
This Freddie Mercury song, featuring Montserrat's vocals, combines the title track "Barcelona" with "Exercises In Free Love." Released in 1987 as a single version, this enchanting piece showcases the richness of both their voices and is often considered among the top favorite songs by Freddie. The romantic and melodic song was unique for its time since it was a fusion of pop-rock and opera, a genre never explored before.
It was inspired during one of Mercury's visits to Spain when he became enchanted by the city of Barcelona. He chose to collaborate with Montserrat Caballé, an operatic soprano he had been a fan of, for its composition. Freddie had integrated elements of his rock genre while Montserrat lent her powerful opera-like vocals that elevated the song even further.
The voices blend together effortlessly as they sing about coming together in love. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and also became popular at sporting events where it was played frequently. This beautiful duet portrayed the harmony and unity between two different vocal genres that were revered worldwide.
Fun fact: Apart from being a part-time music teacher at Ealing College Of Art, Freddie Mercury also held down various jobs such as working as a baggage handler at London's Heathrow Airport under his birth name Farrokh Bulsara. Freddie's voice was pure gold in 'The Golden Boy', but his B-side 'The Fallen Priest' was anything but…#darkhumor
5. The Golden Boy (Single Edit)/The Fallen Priest (B-side Edit)
This entry on the list is a single edit of "The Golden Boy" and a B-side edit of "The Fallen Priest" by Freddie Mercury. This track was released in 1988 as part of the 'Barcelona' album, created in collaboration with opera singer Montserrat Caballe. The song has a unique blend of styles, showcasing Mercury's versatility and creativity. It is praised for its operatic vocals along with rock beats, and boasts incredible arrangements. The lyrics are open to interpretation, making it one of Mercury's intellectual pieces.
"The Golden Boy/The Fallen Priest" is a notable example of how Freddie could combine different genres in his music seamlessly. Its melodies are catchy while showcasing Freddie’s range as a vocalist.
Pro Tip: This song often gets overlooked among Mercury's other well-known hits but should definitely not go unnoticed. It’s worth checking out for anyone who appreciates artistic diversity and intricate songwriting.
Freddie Mercury's vocals in 'I Can Hear Music/Going Back' will transport you back in time, just like a TARDIS, without the risk of encountering Daleks.
6. I Can Hear Music/Going Back (1973)
This entry from Freddie Mercury's repertoire, recorded in 1973, showcases his range as both a vocalist and songwriter. With its upbeat rhythm and ear-catching melody, the track is both catchy and lyrically compelling. While not one of his most well-known songs, it nonetheless showcases Mercury's ability to unite disparate musical styles to create something new and memorable for listeners.
The grouping of "I Can Hear Music" with "Going Back" offers listeners a further glimpse into Mercury's versatility as a performer.
Pro Tip: For those interested in delving deeper into Freddie Mercury's work beyond his chart-topping hits, this pairing is an excellent example of the breadth and depth of his abilities as a musician.
Freddie proves that even the grim reaper can't resist his killer vocals in Love Kills.
7. Love Kills (1984)
This particular song was released in 1984 by one of the most adored musicians, Freddie Mercury. 'Love Kills (1984)' is a classic upbeat track that showcases Freddie's sheer energy and passion. The song's lyrics are deeply emotional, which emphasize the pain of loss and heartbreak. Mercury's powerful vocals are an absolute standout in this song, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
The track was originally created as part of Giorgio Moroder's Metropolis soundtrack. But it was eventually released as a single on its own right after gaining immense popularity among the fans. With Freddie's legendary voice and memorable lyrics that connect with everyone emotionally, 'Love Kills (1984)' showcases his musical prowess.
Interestingly enough, the song has several remixes from top DJs such as Paul Oakenfold and more recently David Guetta. These remixes have helped introduce younger audiences to Freddie Mercury's genius music.
Overall, 'Love Kills (1984)' is a testament to Freddie Mercury's incredible talent as both a singer and songwriter. His unique blend of power and vulnerability gives the song its timeless appeal that still resonates with his fans nearly forty years later. Freddie Mercury knows how to make love and war sound equally epic in 'I Was Born To Love You/Stop All The Fighting'.
8. I Was Born To Love You/Stop All The Fighting (1985)
This track by Freddie Mercury, released in 1985, blends two contrasting tunes ‘I Was Born To Love You’ and ‘Stop All The Fighting’. This soulful song is a true representation of the mercurial nature of his music that brought out his ability to experiment with different genres. The upbeat disco background complements well with the lyrics that are brimming with life and romance. This track showcases Freddie Mercury's talent for weaving magic with contradictory genres, which proved to be a milestone in his musical journey.
The fusion of two diverse melodies in 'I Was Born To Love You/Stop All The Fighting,' creates an individuality to the track's vocal texture giving it a unique sound. A perfect production choice lets both melodies complement each other perfectly while still being specifically defined. This allowed Freddie Mercury to showcase how he was comfortable handling multiple musical styles that went on to become one of his most loved characteristics as an artist.
In this song, Freddie's vocals combine smoothly with snappy beats and intricate guitar work that remains consistent throughout the song making it more popular among different age groups. It celebrates love and happiness as much as it does arguments and conflicts in long-term relationships, making it relatable for many people.
Listeners can enjoy this delightful song by paying attention to twin riffs complimenting each other or tapping their feet along beat starting from the very beginning of the song. Or they can enjoy immersive playback using noise-cancelling headphones, highlighting every instrument used leading up to mesmerizing chorus providing sweet harmony throughout; this number proves to be a fantastic output from Freddie Mercury's repertoire thoroughly worth listening even after decades after its release.
If heaven had a soundtrack, Freddie Mercury would be the lead singer and 'Made In Heaven' would be the title track.
9. Made In Heaven/She Blows Hot And Cold (1985)
This entry into the list of best Freddie Mercury songs is a fusion of two tracks, "Made in Heaven" and "She Blows Hot and Cold," both released in 1985. "Made in Heaven" was the final song recorded by Mercury before passing away. The song features a calming tone with lyrics that convey acceptance and peace about his life journey. In contrast, "She Blows Hot and Cold" is an upbeat track with catchy melodies that showcase Mercury's versatility as a musician.
The combination of these two tracks creates a unique listening experience that has earned them a spot on this list. While "Made in Heaven" provides listeners with heart-touching introspection, "She Blows Hot and Cold" gives them an energetic track they can rock out to. The contrast between the two songs makes them a perfect fit for each other.
Mercury's vocal range and songwriting capabilities are showcased once again through these tracks, providing fans with a memorable listening experience.
Pro Tip: For those who may be new to Freddie Mercury's music, exploring his solo work is highly recommended for gaining a deeper understanding of his abilities as an artist. Freddie sure knew how to rock his solo career with Living On My Own, proving that even without the band, he still reigned supreme as the King of Queen.
10. Living On My Own/My Love Is Dangerous (1985)
This 1985 hit by Freddie Mercury, known as "Living On My Own/My Love Is Dangerous," showcases his talent for creating infectious beats and catchy lyrics. The song encapsulates his unique style, combining elements of pop, rock, and disco to create a one-of-a-kind sound.
Mercury's vibrant voice shines through in this upbeat track, giving it an energetic vibe that makes it perfect for dancing and singing along. As he sings about the joys and perils of living alone, listeners can't help but feel a connection to the message he conveys.
What makes this song truly special is the way Mercury expertly blends different musical genres together. By doing so, he creates something entirely new and unexpected. Fans of all types of music can appreciate the creativity and skill that went into crafting this iconic tune.
Interestingly, "Living On My Own" was actually a remix of a song from Queen's album "The Works." It wasn't until after Mercury's death that it became a solo hit in its own right.
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.
