17 Underrated Queen Songs: Rediscovering Queen

Hey music aficionados, it’s TBone here from Level Tunes! 🎧 As a DJ and an avid music junkie, I’ve always had a soft spot for timeless classics and hidden gems.

While Queen needs no introduction, with their anthems “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” echoing through every stadium, I felt it was high time to shine a spotlight on some of their lesser-known masterpieces.

These 17 underrated tracks showcase the breadth and depth of Queen’s musical genius. They’ve been my secret weapons during gigs, and now, I want to share them with you.

Ready to dive deep into Queen’s hidden treasures? Let’s rock on!

Here are the underrated Queen songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Queen Songs

Underrated Queen songs in a list format:

Stone Cold Crazy

From the 1974 album “Sheer Heart Attack” under the EMI and Elektra record labels, “Stone Cold Crazy” is a pulsating early example of speed metal. Written by all four members, this song showcases Freddie Mercury’s rapid-fire vocals and Brian May’s searing guitar solos. It’s often overshadowed by other hits from the album, but its frenetic pace sets it apart.

The Prophet’s Song

Found on the 1975 “A Night at the Opera” album released under EMI and Elektra, “The Prophet’s Song” was penned by Brian May. At over 8 minutes long, it’s an epic track that showcases Queen’s knack for melding rock with opera-like theatrics. Brian May’s stunning guitar work is complemented by Mercury’s echoing vocal interlude, which makes this track a sonic journey.

’39

Also from “A Night at the Opera,” this folk-rock track written by Brian May tells a sci-fi tale of space travelers returning home to find a century has passed. It’s a beautiful blend of acoustic guitar, harmonies, and Brian’s gentle lead vocals. It’s a timeless track that bridges folk and rock seamlessly.

In the Lap of the Gods

Appearing on “Sheer Heart Attack” (1974), this track, penned by Freddie Mercury, showcases the band’s theatrical flair. With its layered harmonies and falsetto cries, it’s a precursor to the more famous “Bohemian Rhapsody”. This song deserves more recognition for its ambitious composition and emotive delivery.

Spread Your Wings

From the 1977 “News of the World” album under EMI and Elektra, this John Deacon written gem tells a story of personal ambition and the desire to break free. Featuring Freddie’s poignant vocals, it’s a heartfelt anthem that resonates with anyone feeling trapped in their circumstances.

All Dead, All Dead

Written by Brian May for the “News of the World” album, this melancholic song features Brian on lead vocals, musing on the transience of life. With haunting piano and heartfelt lyrics, it showcases Queen’s versatility.

Dragon Attack

A deep cut from 1980’s “The Game” under EMI and Elektra, this Brian May-penned track is a funky groover that’s perfect for the dance floor. John Deacon’s bass line is infectious, and it’s a testament to Queen’s ability to delve into different genres with ease.

Long Away

From the 1976 “A Day at the Races” album released under EMI and Elektra, this Brian May written track features him on lead vocals. It’s a gentle rock ballad that showcases Queen’s softer side, with poignant lyrics and beautiful harmonies.

Dreamer’s Ball

Also from “A Day at the Races,” this jazzy Brian May track pays homage to the traditional jazz and blues that influenced the early rock ‘n’ roll scene. It’s a delightful deviation from Queen’s typical rock sound.

Sail Away Sweet Sister

A deep cut from 1980’s “The Game”, written by Brian May, this song is a tender ballad to a younger sister, offering both advice and empathy. Featuring Brian on lead vocals, it’s an emotional journey that’s often overlooked.

It’s Late

From the “News of the World” album, this Brian May track is a raw rocker about love and regret. Clocking in at over 6 minutes, it’s an epic that showcases Queen’s ability to weave intricate stories through their music.

Put Out The Fire

This hard-hitting track from 1982’s “Hot Space” album (EMI and Elektra) penned by Brian May addresses gun violence. With its catchy chorus and poignant message, it’s a song that remains relevant today.

White Queen (As It Began)

From the “Queen II” album in 1974, Brian May’s “White Queen” is a haunting ballad full of emotion and mystique. The evocative guitar work paired with Freddie’s delicate vocals makes it a standout track that’s often overshadowed.

Innuendo

The title track from their 1991 album under Parlophone and Hollywood Records, “Innuendo” showcases Queen’s progressive rock side. Written by Taylor and Mercury, its flamenco breakdown and philosophical lyrics make it one of Queen’s most profound tracks.

The March of the Black Queen

A deep cut from “Queen II,” this Freddie Mercury track is a mini rock opera in itself. With multiple tempo changes and a myriad of instruments, it’s Queen at their experimental best.

Drowse

Roger Taylor takes lead vocals on this dreamy track from 1976’s “A Day at the Races.” It’s a reflection on life and fame, filled with 70’s rock nostalgia.

Bijou

From the 1991 “Innuendo” album, this Mercury/May collaboration is a touching ballad. It begins with a hauntingly beautiful guitar solo from Brian May, leading into Freddie’s poignant vocals. A short yet powerful track, it’s a testament to Queen’s emotive prowess.

Fun Facts: Underrated Queen Songs

Stone Cold Crazy

• Trivia Time: Metallica covered “Stone Cold Crazy” as a tribute to Queen and even won a Grammy Award for it in 1991 for Best Metal Performance.

The Prophet’s Song

• Did You Know?: The middle section of “The Prophet’s Song” is known for its pioneering use of delay effect. Freddie’s voice echoes back and forth between the stereo channels, making it a headphones’ delight!

’39

• Spacey Fact: Brian May, who has a PhD in astrophysics, wrote this folk-rock ditty. It tells a story about astronauts returning to Earth after 100 years, inspired by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

In the Lap of the Gods

• High Notes Alert: The piercing falsetto cries in this track are not Freddie’s. They’re actually Roger Taylor’s, who was known for his impressively high vocal range.

Spread Your Wings

• Setting The Scene: The music video for this song was filmed in the garden of Roger Taylor’s mansion. It was winter, and you can actually see the breath of the band members due to the cold!

Dragon Attack

• Bass Genius: John Deacon’s catchy bass groove in this song was improvised during recording sessions. Many fans and critics regard it as one of the best bass lines in rock music.

Long Away

• Triple Duty: Brian May not only wrote and sang “Long Away”, but he also played the Red Special guitar, bass guitar, and the harmonium for this track.

Dreamer’s Ball

• Live Twist: In live performances, Queen often transformed “Dreamer’s Ball” into a more elaborate jazz rendition, complete with Brian May playing a unique ukulele-banjo.

Put Out The Fire

• Guitar Talk: For this track, Brian May used a homemade sixpence coin as a guitar pick, which gave his guitar that distinctive scraping sound.

Innuendo

• Special Guest: The flamenco guitar interlude in “Innuendo” was performed by renowned session musician Yes guitarist Steve Howe, who happened to be recording in a neighboring studio.

The March of the Black Queen

• Seamless Connection: If you listen closely, this song has no chorus. Moreover, it connects directly to the following track “Funny How Love Is” on the “Queen II” album, making for a seamless transition.

Drowse

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Influence: Roger Taylor, who penned and sang “Drowse”, admitted the track was heavily influenced by George Harrison’s slide guitar work and the general sound of The Rolling Stones from the early ’70s.

Bijou

• Inverted Creativity: “Bijou” has a unique structure. Instead of the usual vocals followed by a guitar solo, this song begins with Brian May’s long guitar “verse”, followed by a short vocal “solo” by Freddie.

Unearthing these lesser-known Queen tracks and fun facts has been a sonic adventure! Music isn’t just about the hits – it’s about the journey through each note and lyric. Dive deep, rock on, and let Queen’s timeless magic enthrall you once again.

Thanks for reading.

TBone