Top 10 Queen Songs
#10 – “I Want to Break Free” (1984)
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Penned by bassist John Deacon, this rousing single off The Works brought many people around the world together thanks to its strong message about freedom and liberty. It’s particularly notable for its synthesizer and guitar solos and for being a top five hit in the UK. Though it was well received in many other countries, its music video featuring Queen members dressed-in-drag was less well-received and actually banned by MTV.
#9 – “Innuendo” (1991)
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As the Brits’ longest single, “Innuendo” incorporated hard rock with pop rock and Queen’s trademark touch of opera to become a UK chart-topper. Starting with an epic military-sounding drumbeat, it marches along to Brian May’s electric and classic guitars but is given a decidedly Spanish flair thanks to Yes guitarist Steve Howe’s flamenco solo. Its introspective lyrics are especially poignant considering Freddie Mercury had AIDS at the time.
#8 – “Too Much Love Will Kill You” (1996)
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Audiences first heard this song in 1992 when May took over vocal duties and instrument playing for his solo album Back to the Light. Four years later, Queen released their original 1980s recording with Mercury singing. Extensively featuring May’s lead guitar as well as David Richards’ keyboard playing, the Made in Heaven power ballad reached the top 20 in the UK.
#7 – “Killer Queen” (1974)
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Guitarist Brian May wasn’t the only one displaying his musical abilities on this tune: thanks to four-part harmonies with all Queen members providing backing vocals as well as the use of piano, triangle, and chimes, “Killer Queen” was a truly an all-band affair. By becoming a top twenty hit in the UK and the U.S., the Sheer Heart Attack track also paved the way for Queen’s mainstream success.
#6 – “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980) Though The Game also spawned the rockabilly smash “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” it’s the funky flavors of “Another One Bites the Dust” that makes our list. With its fat bass line and a beat you can’t help but clap your hands to, this John Deacon-penned number went to number one in the U.S. and charted within the top 10 in multiple countries worldwide. It’s also one of Queen’s best-selling singles ever.
#5 – “Somebody to Love” (1976)
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Think that rock and gospel music don’t mix? Think again! With “Somebody to Love,” Queen proved otherwise and earned themselves a number-two single in the UK and a top 20 smash in the U.S. But it’s the perfect blend of the band members’ vocals, in addition to Mercury’s falsetto, May’s complex guitar work and some existential lyrics, that really make this song from A Day at the Races stand out.
#4 – “Radio Gaga” (1984)
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It may not have reached number one in the U.S. or the UK, but it topped the charts in 19 other countries. Perhaps it’s because “Radio Gaga” was criticizing the quality of the music being played by radio stations and the impending takeover of the medium by television, and in particular MTV. Regardless, The Works single quickly became a live staple, most notably captivating over 70,000 Live Aid concertgoers.
#3 – “The Show Must Go On” (1991)
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Despite his worsening illness, Mercury knew “the show must go on.” That’s why he went into the studio and recorded the killer vocals for this killer Queen number about finding the will to keep making music. Mostly written by May, the Innuendo single made the UK charts’ top twenty in 1991 and charted again following Mercury’s death.
#2 – “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions” (1977)
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Since these two News of the World tunes were issued together as a single in 1977, they’re often played one after the other on the radio and in concert. As two of Queen’s most identifiable and most popular tracks, they’re also tied for second spot: whether you’re into “We Will Rock You”’s simple but powerful stomping and clapping beat or “We are the Champions”’s hard rock power balladry, these anthems undoubtedly showcase Queen in all their glory.
#1 – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)
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Who woulda thought a 6-minute, chorus-less tune featuring elements of hard rock, balladry and opera could top charts worldwide and become one of history’s best-selling singles? But thanks to Mercury’s theatrical vocals, May’s virtuoso guitar abilities and a melodic but unconventional style, “Bohemian Rhapsody” did just that. Aside from an innovative music video, the song off A Night at the Opera also cemented its status as a pop culture icon after appearing in “Wayne’s World.” Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Queen song? Be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com for more entertaining top 10s.
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