17 Best Queen Songs for Drums: Drummer’s Paradise

March into the royal realms of rhythm with the “17 Best Queen Songs for Drums”.

We’re unveiling an ultimate playlist that’ll have your sticks twirling and crossfaders moving.

Whether you’re a drummer or a DJ, these beats are a crowning glory to any set.

Stay tuned!

Here are the best Queen songs for drums that you can check out:

List Of Best Queen Songs for Drums

Best Queen songs for drums in a list format:

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” (A Night at the Opera, 1975, EMI Records)

Epic and operatic, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a masterpiece from Queen, and the drummer Roger Taylor’s contribution is significant. The song is a combination of ballad, operatic interlude, hard rock, and reflective coda, with Taylor’s drumming supporting each transition seamlessly.

2. “We Will Rock You” (News of the World, 1977, EMI Records)

Who can forget the iconic stomp-stomp-clap rhythm of this anthem? Roger Taylor crafted a simple yet infectious beat that has reverberated through stadiums worldwide.

3. “Under Pressure” (Hot Space, 1982, EMI Records)

The collaboration with David Bowie gave birth to “Under Pressure”, where the dynamic drumming emphasizes the mounting tension expressed in the song.

4. “Another One Bites The Dust” (The Game, 1980, EMI Records)

Not traditionally drum-focused, but Roger Taylor’s tight, sharp grooves provide the perfect backbone to John Deacon’s iconic bass

line.

5. “Killer Queen” (Sheer Heart Attack, 1974, EMI Records)

From the album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’, this song is a prime example of Taylor’s ability to interweave intricate drum parts that complement the melody.

6. “Innuendo” (Innuendo, 1991, Parlophone Records)

“Innuendo” is the band’s longest song and contains a flamenco guitar section and an explosive percussion part, with Taylor’s heavy use of the timpani drums.

7. “Radio Ga Ga” (The Works, 1984, EMI Records)

Taylor’s dynamic and precise drumming in “Radio Ga Ga” drives the song, particularly during the anthemic choruses and synth-heavy breakdowns.

8. “Stone Cold Crazy” (Sheer Heart Attack, 1974, EMI Records)

An early example of thrash metal, “Stone Cold Crazy” has a blistering pace that showcases Taylor’s technical proficiency.

9. “I’m in Love with My Car” (A Night at the Opera, 1975, EMI Records)

Roger Taylor not only drummed but also wrote and sang lead on this track, creating a solid, motor-revving beat.

10. “Seven Seas of Rhye” (Queen II, 1974, EMI Records)

With its exciting tempo changes, “Seven Seas of Rhye” shows Taylor’s ability to maintain control while keeping things interesting.

11. “Sheer Heart Attack” (News of the World, 1977, EMI Records)

“Sheer Heart Attack” is an explosion of energy, featuring some of Taylor’s most raw and aggressive drumming.

12. “The Show Must Go On” (Innuendo, 1991, Parlophone Records)

The intensity and emotion of “The Show Must Go On” are echoed by Taylor’s commanding and passionate drumming.

13. “Brighton Rock” (Sheer Heart Attack, 1974, EMI Records)

“Brighton Rock” exhibits Taylor’s ability to support May’s complex guitar solos with equal creativity and agility on the drums.

14. “I Want It All” (The Miracle, 1989, Parlophone Records)

This anthem of ambition is driven forward by Taylor’s relentless pounding and the band’s soaring harmonies.

15. “Don’t Stop Me Now” (Jazz, 1978, EMI Records)

A sheer energy blast! Taylor’s upbeat drumming is one of the key elements that make this song so joyful and invigorating.

16. “Headlong” (Innuendo, 1991, Parlophone Records)

This high-octane rock song features some of Taylor’s most impressive fills and showcases his adept handling of tempo changes.

17. “It’s a Hard Life” (The Works, 1984, EMI Records)

With its rich melody and vibrant beat, “It’s a Hard Life” showcases the broad spectrum of emotions Taylor could convey through his drumming.

Fun Facts: Top Queen Tunes for Drums

1. Bohemian Rhapsody

• Operatic Section Recorded in a Flash: The operatic section that seems so complex was reportedly done in about three hours. They overdubbed their voices to create a 180-voice choir!
• Chart-Topper Twice: After Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, “Bohemian Rhapsody” returned to the UK charts and hit No.1 again, making it the only single to be Christmas number one twice with the same version.

2. We Will Rock You

• Audience Participation Inspired: After a concert where the audience sang and clapped to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, Brian May wanted to create a song that the audience could participate in. Thus, the stomp-stomp-clap was born.
• Made with No Instruments: Originally, the recording used no traditional instruments. The stomping and clapping are actually the band members’ feet and hands!

3. Under Pressure

• Impromptu Collaboration: This song was a result of an impromptu jam session with David Bowie. Initially, he was to sing backing vocals on a different song, but they ended up creating “Under Pressure”.
• Iconic Bassline: John Deacon’s bassline is one of the most famous in rock history. However, it’s often mistakenly associated with Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”, which sampled it.

4. Another One Bites The Dust

• Inspired by Chic: John Deacon, who wrote this song, was inspired by the funk band Chic, and particularly their song “Good Times”.
• Not Meant as a Single: Brian May revealed that it was Michael Jackson who suggested they release “Another One Bites The Dust” as a single, after hearing it at a playback session.

7. Radio Ga Ga

• Written by Roger Taylor: Drummer Roger Taylor wrote this song after watching MTV. He felt that radio was being overshadowed by TV and wanted to pay tribute to the radio.
• Inspired a Lady Gaga Name: The song’s title and catchy “Radio Ga Ga” chorus reportedly inspired Stefani Germanotta to adopt her stage name, Lady Gaga.

9. I’m in Love with My Car

• B-side Success: Initially released as the B-side to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the song became a cult classic among Queen fans.
• Car Engine Sounds: The revving sounds at the conclusion of the song are actually from Roger Taylor’s car.

15. Don’t Stop Me Now

• Scientifically Uplifting: A 2011 study by neuroscientists declared “Don’t Stop Me Now” to be the most feel-good song of the past 50 years based on its tempo, lyrics, and a key in which it’s written.

That’s the royal drum roll, folks! From thundering beats to epic anthems, Queen’s rhythms keep us mesmerized.

Drum on and let the beat of legends guide your sticks.

Thanks for reading.

TBone