Let's get hyped with Queen! From classic hits to recommended rock numbers
When it comes to the most enduringly beloved foreign band in Japan, it has to be Queen.
They enjoyed overwhelming popularity in Japan from their early debut, and even after they disbanded, a greatest hits album became a massive hit in the 2000s thanks in part to being used as TV drama theme songs.
Then in 2018, the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody sparked a phenomenon where Queen’s name once again spread among younger generations.
It all comes down to the irresistible appeal of their music that continues to capture Japanese hearts.
In this article, we’ve researched “hype/rousing tracks” among Queen’s many illustrious classics.
Alongside the standard mega-hits, we’ve also selected a good number of harder, rock-leaning songs!
Let's get hyped with Queen! From classic hits to recommended rock numbers (1–10)
Another One Bites The DustQueen
A rarity for Queen, whose trademark sound features guitar orchestration, this track carries a distinct Black music vibe.
Included on their eighth album, The Game, it was released as a single after being highly praised by Michael Jackson, the so-called King of Pop.
Its simple arrangement—layering a funky guitar riff over the memorable bassline that runs from the intro—perfectly evokes the disco sound of the time.
The dynamics conveyed purely through the melody also attest to Freddie Mercury’s overwhelming expressiveness.
This is Queen’s biggest hit in the American market.
Bohemian RhapsodyQueen
A number synonymous with Queen that also became the title of the biographical film that moved the world in 2018.
Included on their fourth album, A Night at the Opera, it is a masterpiece of rock opera often hailed as the greatest in rock history.
Beginning with ethereal choral work, its dramatic arrangement progresses from a lyrical rock ballad into operatic passages, achieving a level of perfection that no artist has surpassed since.
It’s a monumental song that captivates every listener, and in the final section, a shuffle-beat rock part breaks free from the preceding dark atmosphere, lifting the audience—an all-time classic in every respect.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
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.
Now I’m HereQueen
An energetic hard rock number with an unforgettable guitar riff that became a live staple in Queen’s early years.
Featured on their third album, Sheer Heart Attack, it builds anticipation with vocals riding over palm-muted guitar.
The contrast between Queen’s trademark, richly layered choral harmonies and the hard rock flavor undoubtedly sent audience energy soaring.
It’s an aggressive yet beautiful rock tune, crowned by a superb, sing-along-worthy melody line.
I Was Born To Love YouQueen
A song that was reappraised in Japan after being used as the theme for the TV drama “Pride.” It was originally released as a solo track by vocalist Freddie Mercury, but a version arranged by the members of Queen was included on the posthumous album “Made in Heaven.” The original’s refreshing arrangement is cool, but the band-arranged version is a high-energy track bursting with Queen’s signature style.
Starting from the chorus, it instantly ramps up the listener’s excitement to top speed—a number that makes you wish you could have seen it live.
Stone Cold CrazyQueen
An aggressive rock tune whose driving energy across all parts—including the vocals—cranks up the excitement.
Originally a song from Freddie Mercury’s pre-Queen days with his band Ibex/Wreckage, it was performed from Queen’s early period.
As each member added their own arrangements in live performances, the track was eventually completed in that evolving form, resulting in a shared credit for all members—an anecdote that’s very Queen, where each member was a hit-making composer in their own right.
In 1991 it was covered by Metallica, the globally renowned American metal band, and is regarded as a hidden gem that went on to influence the later metal scene.
Keep Yourself AliveQueen
Their first single and the opening track of their debut album “Queen,” this is the number that first introduced the band Queen to the world.
It was also the first song performed by Queen in the 2018 biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” so many of you may remember it vividly.
Driven by relentless vocals and a chorus section that pulls the audience in, the song’s structure is guaranteed to get your energy up.
With an emotional guitar solo as another highlight, this rock tune marks the beginning of their legend.