The air crackles with anticipation. A thousand fists pump the air in unison. A spotlight ignites, revealing a figure silhouetted against a wall of sound. This is Queen, a band that needs no introduction.
Their music, a potent cocktail of rock energy and operatic theatricality, has captivated audiences for decades. ut beneath the flamboyant costumes and Freddie Mercury’s unforgettable vocals lies another crucial ingredient: the songwriting brilliance of Brian May.
Often the quiet force behind the band’s biggest hits, May’s talent transcended his guitar hero status. Today, we dig into five incredible Queen songs that wouldn’t exist without the mastermind himself, Brian May.
1. “The Prophet’s Song” (A Night At The Opera, 1975)
A Night at the Opera, Queen’s iconic 1975 album, boasts a treasure trove of incredible songs. One such gem is “The Prophet’s Song”, a track born from a rather unexpected place: Brian May’s battle with hepatitis. While recovering from the illness, May experienced vivid dreams that fueled the song’s creation.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of prophecy, fate, and the search for meaning. May’s distinctive guitar work weaves through the track, adding a layer of rock energy that perfectly complements the song’s otherworldly atmosphere.
2. “Dead On Time” (Jazz, 1978)
“Dead On Time”, a Brian May masterpiece from Queen’s 1979 album Jazz, remains a hidden gem in their vast discography. This high-octane track showcases both May’s songwriting prowess and Freddie Mercury’s exceptional vocal range. Despite its undeniable energy and expert execution, the song surprisingly never made it to the live stage.
However, fans were treated to glimpses of its brilliance as May occasionally incorporated parts of it into his guitar solos during the Jazz Tour. Adding a touch of theatricality to the song’s explosive ending, a real thunderbolt recorded by May himself during a thunderstorm punctuates the final moments. Mercury’s powerful scream of “You’re dead!” leaves a lasting impression, further solidifying “Dead On Time” as a unique and underrated Queen track.
3. “39” (A Night at the Opera, 1975)
“39” is another captivating track from A Night at the Opera. It takes listeners on a poignant science fiction journey written and sung (on a rare occasion) by Brian himself. The song uses a unique blend of theatricality and heartfelt storytelling, further solidifying the album’s multifaceted nature.
Inspired by the theory of relativity, “39” explores the story of a group of space pioneers who embark on a year-long voyage seeking a new home planet. However, due to the effects of time dilation, they return to an Earth vastly different from the one they left behind. Much like great science fiction writers, May weaves themes of lost love and loneliness into the narrative, crafting a song that resonates on a deeply emotional level.
4. “The Show Must Go On” (Innuendo, 1991)
“The Show Must Go On”, a powerhouse ballad from Queen’s 1991 album Innuendo, holds a poignant weight within the band’s legacy. While never explicitly confirmed, the song is widely seen as Freddie Mercury’s final farewell. The lyrics, brimming with defiance and a performer’s commitment to their craft, resonate deeply with the knowledge of Mercury’s struggle with HIV/AIDS.
Brian May’s guitar work on the track is nothing short of phenomenal. Legend has it that May himself doubted Mercury’s ability to deliver the demanding vocals due to his illness. Mercury’s iconic reply, “I’ll fucking do it, darling,” perfectly embodies the unwavering spirit the song captures.
“Now I’m Here” (Sheer Heart Attack, 1974)
Much like “The Prophet’s Song”, Brian wrote “Now I’m Here” while battling hepatitis in 1974. This explosive track became Queen’s powerful declaration to the world that they were a force to be reckoned with. The song’s anthemic nature and sheer energy solidified Queen’s place as one of rock’s greatest bands.
Recorded during the final days of the Sheer Heart Attack sessions, “Now I’m Here” showcased Brian May’s versatility. May took on piano duties for the song, while Freddie Mercury delivered the electrifying vocals that perfectly complemented the track’s intensity. The song’s lyrics hinted at the band’s early experiences touring with Mott the Hoople, adding a layer of personal history to the explosive rock anthem.