Queen, the legendary British rock band, released a total of 15 studio albums throughout their career, beginning with their self-titled debut in 1973 and ending with “Made in Heaven” in 1995.
Queen’s combination of musical excellence, Freddie Mercury’s unmatched vocals, and their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level have earned them a place among the most influential acts in the world of music.
Since their formation in 1970, Queen has established themselves as an extraordinary band, boasting immense talent within its four members: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor.
Their discography is adorned with timeless classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You,” ensuring their permanent place in the music scene. With over 300 million units sold worldwide, Queen’s influence continues to resonate across generations, making them one of the greatest and most beloved bands in history.
Contents
Chronological List of Queen Albums
Diving into the fascinating world of Queen’s discography, let’s take a look at the chronological order of their 15 studio albums, complete with their respective release dates:
- “Queen” (1973)
- “Queen II” (1974)
- “Sheer Heart Attack” (1974)
- “A Night at the Opera” (1975)
- “A Day at the Races” (1976)
- “News of the World” (1977)
- “Jazz” (1978)
- “The Game” (1980)
- “Flash Gordon” (1980)
- “Hot Space” (1982)
- “The Works” (1984)
- “A Kind of Magic” (1986)
- “The Miracle” (1989)
- “Innuendo” (1991)
- “Made in Heaven” (1995)
Top 10 Queen Albums
Here are the top 10 most popular and critically acclaimed Queen albums, with a brief explanation of what sets them apart:
- “A Night at the Opera” (1975): Often cited as Queen’s magnum opus, this album features the band’s most famous song, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and showcases their diverse musical styles. The album is certified three times platinum in the US and also performed extremely well globally.
- “Sheer Heart Attack” (1974): With its eclectic mix of styles, the album encompasses both hard rock and glam rock elements, producing hits like “Killer Queen” and “Now I’m Here.”
- “News of the World” (1977): Home to anthems “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions,” this album remains a testament to Queen’s wide-ranging appeal.
- “A Day at the Races” (1976): Often considered a companion album to “A Night at the Opera,” it produced melodious hits like “Somebody to Love” and “Good Old-fashioned Lover Boy.”
- “The Game” (1980): Showcasing a more contemporary sound, this album includes famous tracks like “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
- “Queen II” (1974): This album features characteristic harmonies and majestic grandiosity, with standout tracks like “Seven Seas of Rhye” and “The March of the Black Queen.”
- “Innuendo” (1991): Released during Freddie Mercury’s final days, the album captured an introspective mood, highlighted by songs like “The Show Must Go On” and “These Are the Days of Our Lives.”
- “Jazz” (1978): With an experimental spirit, “Jazz” features unforgettable songs such as “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Bicycle Race.”
- “The Works” (1984): A blend of rock and pop elements, this album houses the memorable tunes “Radio Ga Ga” and “I Want to Break Free.”
- “The Miracle” (1989): Reflecting the band’s resilience amidst adversity, “The Miracle” showcases powerful tracks including “I Want It All” and “Breakthru.”
Queen’s Collaborations and Live Albums
Queen’s legacy extends beyond their studio albums, with exceptional live performances and collaborations playing a huge role in their popularity. Some of the most notable collaborations and live albums include:
- “Under Pressure” (1981) – A groundbreaking collaboration with David Bowie, this iconic song features a pulsating bassline, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics, creating a timeless anthem that explores the pressures of life.
- “Return of the Champions” (2005) – A live album with Brian May and Roger Taylor joined forces with former Free and Bad Company vocalist Paul Rodgers, touring as Queen + Paul Rodgers. They also released a studio album “The Cosmos Rocks” (2008).
- “Live Around the World” (2020): Queen has been collaborating with American singer Adam Lambert since 2011, initially as Queen + Adam Lambert. Their electrifying performances reinvigorated the band leading to multiple world tours and the live album “Live Around the World.”
Queen’s live albums serve as a big chapter in their musical history:
- “Live Killers” (1979): The band’s first live album, capturing their energetic performances with classics like “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
- “Queen Rock Montreal” (2007): Recorded at the Montreal Forum, this live album showcases Queen at the peak of their powers.
- “Live at Wembley ’86” (1992): Originally released as “Live at Wembley Stadium,” this iconic performance features Freddie Mercury’s final live appearance with the band.
Conclusion
Queen’s illustrious career encompasses an extensive discography, including 15 remarkable studio albums with unforgettable hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” A glimpse at their top 10 albums showcases the band’s ability to maintain their charm and musical excellence over the years.
Their larger-than-life sound, theatrical performances, and Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary vocals have solidified their place as an unrivaled force in the history of rock music.