[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] Queen’s iconic songs: must-hear signature tracks chosen by fans

Modern Times Rock’n’RollQueen

Queen – Modern Times Rock ‘n’ Roll (Official Lyric Video Remastered)

It’s a song written and composed by Roger, included on their debut album “Queen.” With a driving feel, it’s a quintessential Roger track.

On the studio version Roger handles the vocals, but in live performances Freddie often sang this one.

Even when he wasn’t on lead, Roger’s husky voice in the backing vocals left a strong impression.

Too Much Lives Will Kill YouQueen

Too Much Love Will Kill You

With its profound title, “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” this song is a deeply heartrending ballad.

Moreover, it was included on an album released after Freddie’s passing.

Indeed, did Freddie’s decision—spurred by fans’ expectations—to push his ailing body and continue performing live ultimately hasten his death?

Princes Of The UniverseQueen

Queen – Princes Of The Universe (Official Video)

The song that closes out their 12th album, A Kind of Magic, is Princes of the Universe.

It became the theme song for the television drama Highlander, a co-production by the United States, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan.

The track is memorable for its intro, which opens with a grand, spacious choral arrangement and then moves into an ear-catching guitar solo.

True to Freddie Mercury’s style, the melody is intricate, but because there aren’t many fast passages, it’s a rewarding piece to tackle.

However, be careful not to get left behind—the rhythm shifts rapidly throughout.

Thank God It’s ChristmasQueen

Queen – Thank God It’s Christmas (Official Animated Video)

The Christmas song released by the British rock band Queen in November 1984 is a heartwarming ballad that portrays year-end gratitude and relief.

Freddie Mercury’s emotive yet restrained vocals beautifully capture the sense of comfort after overcoming the year’s hardships.

While rooted in rock, the calm sound evokes the seasonal spirit of Christmas and Queen’s characteristic depth.

Listening to this song brings to mind warm moments spent with family and friends on cold winter nights.

It’s a number you’ll want to share with someone special on a quiet Christmas evening.

Let Me In Your Heart AgainQueen

Queen – Let Me In Your Heart Again (Album Version)

Isn’t Queen the band that left the world with a mountain of the greatest rock ballads? This particular song by Queen tenderly sings of a steadfast love for a woman who has gone away.

Being able to love someone this much is so cool—it makes you admire them.

With its memorable chorus and a quintessential rock-band guitar solo, it’s a can’t-miss love song packed with highlights.

Don't Stop Me NowQueen

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

This is one of Queen’s many hit numbers, a band whose popularity exploded back into the spotlight with the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody! The late Hideki Saijo also covered this song! He actually had a fondness for Japan, and he even released songs sung in Japanese.

Be sure to check those out too! Sadly, Freddie Mercury passed away at the young age of 45, but the masterpieces he created continue to lift the spirits of many people today.

Don’t Stop Me Now, in particular, is the kind of track that makes you want to blast it through your car stereo and go for a drive!

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

A rock tune whose driving arrangement, featuring piano sounds, evokes the title.

It’s a track from the 7th album “Jazz,” and the arrangement is dramatic as it moves from a lyrical opening into a refreshing rock sound.

The overall tension stays high, making it an arrangement that keeps the excitement going, but since the guitar doesn’t appear at all until the solo, you could also say the guitar solo section is a major highlight.

The 2011 reissue of “Jazz” includes an alternate take as a bonus track that contains the guitar parts that were cut, so if you want to enjoy the guitar sound, you might want to check that out as well.