Queen Album: “Classic Queen”

This is one of the better album's I've bought in a while. Before getting this, I borrowed "Greatest Hits" from a friend, and looked at Classic Queen." Later I saw Queen on VH1 Legends, and it was then I knew I had to get it. Once I did, I became hooked. There are so many great songs on this. I get withdrawal when I dont hear "Bohemian Rhapsody" for some time. I also love "Radio Gaga," "I'm Going Slightly Mad," "These Are the Days of Our Lives," "Headlong," and "Under Pressure," to name some. There is not one song on this album that I don't LOVE! One of the songs that really does it for me is "The Show Must Go On," the last song on Queen's swansong album, "Innuendo." It is exactly what Freddie was feeling inside during that era, in great pain, and forced himself to make music, and he pushed so hard that some of the songs on that album are some of the best vocal work I've ever heard. The end of the song also sends a chill down the spine, as the words "go on, go on" echo and fade out, almost as if Freddie died while recording this. Freddie had nothing to worry about, Queen's show will forever go on.

In my opinion, there is none higher than Freddie Mercury....no voice has matched his nor come close..... Not only do you get to listen to the rock virtuoso himself, but you can hear Brian May's awesome guitar licks....the great bass sounds of John Deacon....and Roger Taylor's impeccible drumming. I'm sure all hard-core fans own this, but even if you've never listened to much of Queen before and are beginning to explore their sound, I would suggest making this your first "core" purchase..it will take you from the classics they created in the 70's (who out there can ever forget "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the cranking "Tie Your Mother Down") up through the 80's (including "Radio GaGa" and the Queen/David Bowie classic "Under Pressure") and the 90's (including the poignant "These are the Days of Our Lives"...if you have a chance to view the video for this song, please do..it was Freddie's last performance on film and so very touching)...The great thing about their music is that it still sounds fresh today as it did back then....Even though Freddie tragically passed away in 1991, his (and Queen's) music will live on forever....I highly recommend this CD! Enjoy it!

Freddie Mercury has one of the most identifiable voices in rock. A wonderful singer and showman, he is sorely missed. This album puts together some of Queens best work, albeit not necessarily their greatest hits. This is, as the album title says, Classic Queen. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' surely has to be one of, if not 'the' greatest songs of all time. The epic scope of it, is pure magic. I haven't met anyone who can honestly say they don't like it. The 24 page booklet that comes with this album is a nice bonus. Filled with tons of colour photos and track-by-track information make it an interesting read. A must for any fan of Queen.

Queen were one of the most unique, original and talented bands to ever grace the music industry, and their command and mastery of multiple styles in the music world was really something that shouldn't have been taken lightly.

This second (of a three-part) volume of greatest hits is a perfect sampler for the newbie to Queen. It should be noted that there is a boxed set where you can get this, along with the other two volumes for a cheaper price than you would if you were to buy all three separately. But, the catch is, there are some slight differences in song selection. To be more specific, this second volume, appropriately, and for the most part, covers the second decade of Queen's music, which was, the 80s and early 90s phase, while there are a few songs from the 70s thrown in (long story behind the reason for this.)

Indeed, these Queen compilations are good introductions to one of the most brilliant bands in rock history. However, these compilations do not cover *all* of Queen's musical territory, as you'd really have to buy many of Queen's studio albums to get a more accurate picture as to what this band were about; they were more of an album-based band, than a singles band, contrary to the popular belief of the latter. These hit singles are only part of the story, and don't give you as complete an overview as many would lead you to believe. This compilation -- and any other compilation concerning Queen -- only scratches the surface as to what this multi-dimensional, creative, versatile, and overwhelmingly talented band had to offer.

Freddie Mercury had one of the most beutiful and versatile voices in all of Rock history. From Opera to balls-to-the-wall Heavy Metal to syrupy ballads, Freddie could sing them all with seemingly boundless energy and gusto. He was a brilliant live performer (who literally stole the show at a little thing called Live Aid} and all around showman, sort of like Mick Jagger crossed with Liberace. The thing I really like about this album is that it spotlights their underrated 80's period. They were never favorites of rock music critics but they were really getting unfairly trashed for this very material at the time. In America, their career started to slide around '85 or '86, although their international popularity was at an all time high. A few 70's classics are peppered in here for flavoring, but the album belongs to the 80's and their final recordings in the early 90's.

Some of these songs are heartbreaking as Freddie must have known he was running out of time here on earth as he sang them. "Who Wants To Live Forevor", "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" and finally "The Show Must Go On" are written by a man in touch with the fragility of his own mortality and are emotionally heightened by Freddie's otherworldly vocals and the band's always on point playing. Songs like "Hammer to Fall", "Headlong" and "One Vision" are overlooked hard rock masterpieces. Rest in peace Freddie. We will not see the likes of you ever again. Thanks for all the great music and all the great live shows. You were a giant among pygmies.