Queen is my third favorite musical act after The Beatles and Elton John. However, in my opinion, no singer can match Freddie Mercury’s voice. Although he died too soon, his music lives on. Here are my 10 favorite Queen songs in order of preference.

I want it all (1989; Brian May; The Miracle)

Taken from Queen’s penultimate album while Mercury was still coming, I Want It All is a heavy rocker reminiscent of Brian May’s compositions. The song is about the rebellion and talks about the future of the protagonist and the dreams of youth. This was ironic considering that singer Freddie Mercury had been suffering from AIDS for two years. The song is the first instance of Roger Taylor using a kick drum. The music video is also one of my favorites where the band is seen performing the songs. There are two versions of the song. I like the shorter version that begins with the band singing the a cappella chorus. All in all, it’s the best song on The Miracle and one of the heaviest songs on Queen.

Liar (1973; Freddie Mercury; Queen)

Liar is also a heavy rocker, but has various style changes throughout. It is an early testament to Mercury’s songwriting capabilities, fusing various musical styles and unusual time frames. This is one of the best Queen songs from their early years (possibly except Seven Seas of Rhye). He has an excellent vocal performance from Mercury with good support from May and Taylor.

Don’t Stop Me Now (1978; Freddie Mercury; Jazz)

Don’t Stop Me Now is one of Freddie’s best compositions. The song is based on his piano and voice, and the band simply provides support. It is one of the fastest songs on Queen and is considered one of the best songs to listen to while driving. Mercury’s vocal performance is one of the best in the entire Queen catalog.

Back Chat (1982; John Deacon; Hot Space)

Readers would probably be slightly surprised by the presence of this song on this list. It’s the only song I like on the band’s much-ridiculed Hot Space album. The album is a great example of Deacon’s funky songwriting. It was really underrated and should have composed more material.

Radio Ga Ga (1984; Roger Taylor; The Works)

Easily Roger Taylor’s best and most famous composition, Radio Ga Ga is a gem of a song. In fact, he did the song a favor by not taking on lead vocals on it, as he did with his compositions. Freddie does a stellar job singing this song, although it doesn’t cover a wide range, his voice is powerful.

Fat Girls / Bike Race (1978; Brian May / Freddie Mercury; Jazz)

In my opinion, this is the best single from Queen. The two songs complement each other very well. FBG is Brian’s rocker with suggestive lyrics and a catchy chorus. Check out Roger’s best drum fill at 2:52 am. BR is the typical Mercury, a simple composition that ventures into strange territories. With something as simple as a bicycle, Freddie sings lyrics that include the President of the United States, Watergate, Fat-Bottomed Girls, and other things. A brilliant combo!

I want to break free (1984; John Deacon; The Works)

I Want To Break Free is one of my favorite songs of all time. At first glance, it looks like Freddie wrote it, but you’ll be surprised that good old John wrote this one. A Freddie vocal masterclass from start to finish, IWTBF has one of the band’s best and most controversial videos.

Killer Queen (1974; Freddie Mercury; Pure Heart Attack)

Queen’s first big hit, Killer Queen is a vaudeville-like number. It’s the kind of song you don’t expect to hear from Queen, but then Freddie let his imagination run wild while writing songs. It’s a brilliant song with well thought out lyrics.

These are the days of our lives (1991; Roger Taylor; Innuendo)

The last Queen video ever shot, TATDOOL is too simple to be Queen. Composed mainly by Roger but attributed to all four, the song is a melancholic version of life. Freddie’s latest line, ‘I Still Love You’, remains one of the most famous video moments in music history.

Someone to Love (1976; Freddie Mercury; A Day at the Races)

A song that only Freddie Mercury could have written and sung, Somebody To Love is my favorite Queen number. He has a singing appeal, though no one can match Mercury’s brilliance. The lyrics express his search for love, which perhaps he never found.

I have omitted Bohemian Rhapsody, Innuendo, and The Show Must Go On on purpose. Those songs are great anyway! These are my 10 favorite Queen songs. Hope you enjoy it too.

More to follow in my series of articles on Queen!