Since their inception in the 1970s, the legendary British rock band Queen has enthralled audiences with their extraordinary talent, boundless creativity, and unparalleled showmanship. Led by the iconic Freddie Mercury, Queen has left an indelible mark on the music industry, etching their name in the annals of rock history. From the anthemic stadium rockers to the intimate ballads, their discography boasts a plethora of timeless classics that continue to resonate with fans across generations.
In this article, we embark on a melodic journey to explore and celebrate the top 10 best Queen songs of all time. Delving deep into the band’s extensive repertoire, we revisit the masterpieces that have captured the hearts and souls of millions around the world. Each song represents a unique chapter in Queen’s musical odyssey, showcasing their ability to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and craft unforgettable musical experiences.
From the electrifying guitar riffs of Brian May to the thunderous rhythm section of John Deacon and Roger Taylor, Queen’s instrumental prowess sets the stage for Mercury’s extraordinary vocal range and mesmerizing stage presence. Their compositions are a tapestry of genres, seamlessly blending rock, opera, glam, and pop, forging a sound that is uniquely Queen.
As we embark on this sonic voyage, prepare to be transported through time and space, rediscovering the brilliance of Queen’s unparalleled musical legacy. From the raw energy of their early works to the refined opuses that marked their later years, these top 10 Queen songs will undoubtedly reignite your love for this extraordinary band and serve as a testament to their enduring impact on the world of music.
1. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
This classic rock song, with its catchy riff and Freddie Mercury's energetic vocals, is one of Queen's most well-known hits. 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' was written by Mercury in just 10 minutes on the guitar and draws inspiration from 1950s rock and roll. The song's upbeat tempo and infectious lyrics make it a fan favorite, even decades after its release. It was featured on Queen's eighth studio album, 'The Game', which was released in 1980.
A standout feature of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is its simplicity. The song utilizes only a few chords throughout and relies heavily on rhythm and melody to create a memorable sound. Its retro style also adds to its appeal, transporting listeners back to a bygone era of rock music.
Interestingly enough, although 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' was written quickly by Mercury, the band recorded multiple versions of the song before settling on the final mix. This attention to detail paid off, cementing this hit as one of Queen's most beloved tracks.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, "Freddie Mercury once called 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' his tribute to Elvis Presley." It's clear that this track holds a special place in both Queen's legacy and rock history overall.
Breakthru: the perfect song to blast while fleeing the scene of a heist (note: we do not condone or endorse actual heists).
2. Breakthru
This iconic Queen track exhibits a brilliant combination of pop and rock elements, creating an upbeat melody that's impossible not to dance along to. Featuring Freddie Mercury's soaring vocals and Brian May's signature guitar riffs, it showcases the band's musical genius and catchy songwriting abilities. The energetic chorus and dynamic instrumentation make it a timeless classic that never fails to light up any room.
Additionally, the song's music video demonstrates the band's playful sense of humor and charismatic stage presence. The visuals show the quartet riding bicycles while performing, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Fun Fact: According to Ultimate Classic Rock, 'Breakthru' was one of five tracks written by both Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor for Queen's 1989 album 'The Miracle.'
It's late, but it's never too late to rock out to this Queen classic.
3. It’s Late
This song by Queen, which is known as the 3rd-best among their classic hits, is characterized by its intense rock melody and powerful vocals. The lyrics talk about a man feeling regret over not having spent enough time with his lover. 'It’s Late' showcases Freddie Mercury's impressive range, as he belts out his signature high-pitched notes.
The electrifying guitar riffs and drum beats in 'It’s Late' keep listeners engaged throughout the song. Brian May's iconic solo is certainly one of the highlights of the track. Queen's ability to create timeless pieces that bring together various genres, such as rock, opera and pop, shines through in this song.
Interestingly enough, 'It’s Late' was originally slated for inclusion on A Night at the Opera but ended up on News of the World instead. This decision came about because Roger Taylor felt that it did not fit well with the rest of the tracks on their previous album.
To fully appreciate this piece, it would be advisable to listen to it with good quality headphones or speakers that capture every instrument and vocal detail clearly. Fans have praised this song for its raw energy and emotional depth.
In order to truly enjoy 'It’s Late', try listening to it while going for a night-time drive or when feeling introspective. It is also worth noting that this song has been sampled by several artists in different genres over the years.
Need some love tonight? Just turn on Queen's 'Need Your Loving Tonight' and let Freddie Mercury's voice do the seducing for you.
4. Need Your Loving Tonight
This Queen classic, known as "Need Your Loving Tonight," boasts an upbeat tempo and a driving rhythm that's sure to get everyone on their feet. With its catchy guitar riffs and sing-along chorus, this song showcases Freddie Mercury's talent for creating anthemic rock tunes. Its popularity has stood the test of time, earning it a spot on the list of the 10 Best Queen Songs of All Time.
As we dive deeper into this track, listeners will appreciate the perfect blend of Brian May's guitar work and John Deacon's basslines. Queen manages to showcase all their talents and deliver a well-rounded track with "Need Your Loving Tonight." It stands out among other crowd-pleasers like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You."
Fans of Queen will also appreciate how Mercury expertly delivers his vocal lines in a playful manner. His ability to evoke emotion from simple lyrics is truly impressive. This song is perfect for those who want to experience Queen's versatility beyond their top hits.
Don't miss out on discovering or revisiting this underrated gem from Queen's repertoire. "Need Your Loving Tonight" deserves more recognition than it has received over the years. Give it a listen today and add it to your favorites playlist!
You know another one bites the dust when Queen's bassline drops harder than the collective jaws of their haters.
5. Another One Bites The Dust
This popular track, known for its catchy bassline, is titled after a common boxing phrase. It became Queen's best-selling single in the US and was written by bass guitarist John Deacon. The song has been covered by many artists across various genres and heavily sampled in hip-hop music. Its success helped solidify Queen's global popularity.
Additionally, the song's simplicity and strong beat made it a favorite at dance clubs around the world. Its contagious energy and memorable lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated today.
Another notable fact about this track is that Michael Jackson, who was a fan of Queen's music, encouraged them to release it as a single.
Overall, 'Another One Bites The Dust' exemplifies Queen's influence on pop culture and their ability to create songs that transcend time.
Killer Queen: the song that taught us it's okay to sing about murder as long as it's catchy enough.
6. Killer Queen
This song by Queen is an electrifying classic that showcases Freddie Mercury's vocal prowess. The track's lyrics are cleverly written, paying homage to a woman who exudes charm and charisma – qualities that Mercury himself possessed in spades. It is alluring in its melody with its distinct piano and guitar riffs, while the harmonies of Brian May and Roger Taylor provide additional magic. Killer Queen is a true masterpiece of Queen's musical repertoire and a timeless hit that has been loved by millions around the world.
Additionally, what makes the song even more impressive is that it was not just a commercial success but also critically acclaimed. It became Queen's first hit in the US, making them an international rock sensation. Killer Queen was ranked number 327 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Queen band member Brian May revealed that the inspiration for this song came from his then-girlfriend who worked at a fashion boutique. He observed how she used her charms to persuade customers to buy more expensive items. Her alluring personality made him think of her as a "Killer Queen." Thus, the iconic anthem was born out of pure creative genius and inspired storytelling.
If longevity is what you're after, then Queen's 'Who Wants To Live Forever' is the perfect anthem for immortals and procrastinators alike.
7. Who Wants To Live Forever
This Queen song explores the theme of mortality, asking who truly desires to live forever. The thought-provoking lyrics and Brian May's haunting guitar solos have made it a fan favorite. Its inclusion on the 'Highlander' soundtrack has helped sustain its popularity over the years. The powerful electric guitar solo that accompanies Freddie Mercury's vocals is one of the most iconic moments in Queen history.
Even Freddie Mercury knew the show must go on – and with this power ballad, it certainly did.
8. The Show Must Go On
This Queen classic showcases Freddie Mercury's unbelievable showmanship and perseverance through tough times. The song has become a symbol of hope amidst adversity, with its powerful lyrics and soaring vocals. The emotional intensity of "The Show Must Go On" has made it one of the most popular tracks in Queen's discography.
In this epic rock anthem, Mercury sings about carrying on despite physical and emotional pain, determined to put on an incredible performance for his fans. With Brian May's signature guitar riffs and Roger Taylor's thunderous drums, the song builds to a triumphant climax that leaves audiences spellbound.
Fun fact: "The Show Must Go On" was recorded while Freddie Mercury was suffering from severe bronchitis and other health issues, making his vocal performance all the more impressive.
Pro Tip: When you're facing challenges in life or work, channel your inner Freddie Mercury and remember that the show must go on. Keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams.
Even the most frugal person can feel like a millionaire while listening to this waltz.
9. The Millionaire Waltz
This iconic track from Queen's album A Day at the Races is renowned for its grandiose, classical-style piano intro and upbeat rock tempo. The Millionaire Waltz's lyrics were inspired by Freddie Mercury's desire to live a lavish lifestyle, which he whimsically coined 'the millionaire waltz.' It features intricate guitar solos and impressive harmonies that come together to give it a unique feel, making it one of the band's most beloved songs.
The sheer exuberance of The Millionaire Waltz is quite infectious. Brian May's breathtakingly brilliant guitar work combined with Freddie Mercury's vocal prowess makes this song stand out in their extensive catalogue. The Millionaire Waltz has an almost cinematic quality that transports the listener to another time and place, making it one of Queen's most captivating tracks.
What sets The Millionaire Waltz apart is the way it gracefully merges multiple genres – taking notes from classical music, hard rock and pop music- displaying Queen’s exceptional craftsmanship as musicians. The song effortlessly switches between time signatures and follows complex song structures without ever losing its coherence.
If you haven't had the chance to listen to this masterpiece from Queen yet, then you’re missing out on something truly special. Give it a listen and experience why The Millionaire Waltz is considered as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Magic is in the air with this Queen classic, but let's be real, it's not the kind of magic you can learn at Hogwarts.
10. A Kind Of Magic
This particular Queen song has an otherworldly quality that sets it apart from their other hits. Its lyrics – dealing with the hypothetical existence of magic – are accompanied by a driving, multi-layered guitar riff that creates a hypnotic effect. The band's famed harmonies also come into play here, adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the track.
In addition to its sonic qualities, "A Kind of Magic" holds a special place in Queen's history as its title track was used for the soundtrack of Highlander, arguably one of the most iconic sci-fi films ever made. As a result, it became synonymous with all things fantastical and has since cemented its place as one of Queen's greatest hits.
It is worth noting that "A Kind of Magic" continued to evolve throughout its life, eventually becoming an integral part of Queen's live performances. For example, they would often extend the song's extended opening section beyond what was heard on the studio version. This resulted in some truly spectacular live versions that showcase just how epic this song truly is.
Overall, "A Kind of Magic" stands out amongst Queen's already incredible catalog as an unforgettable masterpiece that encapsulates everything great about this legendary band: soaring vocals, lush harmonies, blistering guitar work and spellbinding lyrics.
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.
