"Greatest Hits" is the compilation album by the British rock group Queen. When released in November 1981, the album consisted of Queen's best-selling singles since their first chart appearance in 1974 with "Seven Seas of Rhye", up to their 1980 hit "Flash" (though in some countries "Under Pressure", the band's 1981 chart-topper with David Bowie, was included). There was no universal track listing or cover art for the album, and each territory's tracks were dependent on what singles had been released there and which were successful.
In the grand circus of rock 'n' roll, where spectacle and excess often overshadow substance, Queen always stood out. They were the flamboyant outsiders who dared to push boundaries, embrace theatricality, and craft a sound that was both bombastic and intricate. Their 1981 compilation, "Greatest Hits," is not merely a collection of chart-topping singles but a testament to their relentless pursuit of musical exploration.
Released at a time when the music scene was fragmenting, with new wave and punk vying for attention, Queen's "Greatest Hits" was a bold statement of defiance. It was a reminder that rock music could be both accessible and ambitious, a sonic kaleidoscope that encompassed everything from operatic ballads to stadium-shaking anthems.
At its core, Queen's music defies easy categorization. They seamlessly blended elements of hard rock, glam, progressive rock, and even a touch of vaudeville. Their fearless approach to songwriting resulted in a catalog of songs that were both timeless and audacious.
"Greatest Hits" kicks off with the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," a song that shattered conventions and became an instant classic. Its operatic grandeur, multi-layered vocals, and sheer audacity cemented Queen's reputation as musical innovators. From the infectious energy of "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" to the bittersweet melancholy of "Love of My Life," the album showcases the band's versatility and emotional range.
Behind the scenes, Queen's creative process was a collaborative effort. The band members, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, were all accomplished musicians and songwriters. Their shared vision, combined with the production expertise of Roy Thomas Baker and Mike Stone, resulted in a polished and powerful sound.
Recorded at various studios, including Trident Studios, Rockfield Studios, and Musicland Studios, "Greatest Hits" captures the band's energy and charisma. From the soaring vocals of Freddie Mercury to the intricate guitar solos of Brian May, each performance is a testament to their musical prowess.
Queen's "Greatest Hits" is not without its controversies. Some critics dismissed their music as overblown and theatrical, while others questioned their flamboyant image. But Queen never cared about fitting in. They embraced their eccentricities and challenged the status quo, creating a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Music Genre: 70s 80s Pop-Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "QUEEN Greatest Hits" was produced by: Queen, Roy Thomas Baker, Mike Stone, Mack Mike Stone (Full-name: Michael Richard Seth Stone, 1951-2002) an American record producer and engineer who has worked with a wide range of rock and metal bands. He was born on 21 December 1951, in New York City. Stone began his career as an engineer at Record Plant Studios in New York, where he worked on albums by artists such as KISS, Blue Öyster Cult, and Aerosmith. He later moved to Los Angeles and worked at Cherokee Studios, where he became known for his work with bands such as Queen, Van Halen, and Journey. He has produced all of Demon's records since 1981, many of Discharge's albums as well as producing several other bands. Stone is perhaps best known for his work with Queen on their albums "News of the World" and "The Game," which included hits such as "We Will Rock You," "We Are the Champions," and "Another One Bites the Dust." He also worked with Journey on their album "Escape," which included the hit singles "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Stone has also served as a mixer, remixer, and mastering engineer on numerous albums. He has received several Grammy nominations for his work and has been recognized for his contributions to the field of audio engineering. Reinhold Mack nicknamed "Mack" and also known as "Wolfgang Mack" a German music producer and Sound Engineer and is best known for his work with bands like "Electric Light Orchestra", Queen, "Deep Purple", Rainbow and others.
Album cover design: Kochlowski GMBH |
Record Label & Catalognr: EMI 1C 088 -78 044 |
Album Packaging:This album "QUEEN Greatest Hits" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Made in Germany |
Complete Track-listing of the album "QUEEN Greatest Hits" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "QUEEN Greatest Hits" is:
|
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Greatest Hits" Record Label Details: EMI 1C 088 -78 044 ℗ 1981 by EMI Records Ltd Sound Copyright
By 1979, Queen had already established themselves as one of the most innovative and flamboyant rock bands in the world. Their albums were a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from hard rock and heavy metal to progressive rock and opera. But with "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," they took a sharp left turn,
Crazy Little Thing Called Love b/w We Will Rock You 7" Vinyl Single e"A Day at the Races" marked a turning point for Queen. Following the success of "A Night at the Opera," the band took the reins for production, a first for them. This newfound creative control is evident in the album's diverse soundscapes, ranging from the operatic flair of "Somebody to Love"
QUEEN - Day At the Races Gatefold (1976, France) QUEEN - Day At The Races (1976, Gt Britain) QUEEN - Day At The Races (1976, Italy)Released at a time when the music scene was fragmenting, with new wave and punk vying for attention, Queen's "Greatest Hits" was a bold statement of defiance. It was a reminder that rock music could be both accessible and ambitious, a sonic kaleidoscope that encompassed everything from operatic ballads to...
Greatest Hits 12" Vinyl LP"Hot Space" stands out in Queen's discography for its departure from their signature rock sound. The album saw the band experiment with different musical styles, incorporating synthesizers, drum machines, and funk-inspired bass lines. This stylistic shift was met with mixed reactions at the time,
Hot Space 12" Vinyl LPIn the twilight of Freddie Mercury's life, Queen unleashed "Innuendo," a single that crackled with both defiance and melancholic beauty. Released in 1991, just months before Mercury's untimely death, the song served as a powerful reminder of the band's enduring spirit and their refusal to surrender to despair.
Innuendo 7" Vinyl SingleFrom the opening strains of "Mustapha," with its Middle Eastern-flavored chant, it was clear that Queen was not content to rest on their laurels. "Jazz" was a deliberate exploration of musical genres, a sonic kaleidoscope that defied easy categorization. The album careened from the rockabilly swagger of ....
Queen - Jazz (1978, France) QUEEN - Jazz (1978, Germany)Released in 1986, "A Kind of Magic" stands as a testament to Queen's ability to craft captivating anthems and unforgettable melodies. The album was produced by Queen, along with the talented duo of Mack and David Richards. Together, they created a sonic landscape that embraced various musical styles
Kind of Magic 12" Vinyl LP"A Ladder to the Stars" is a testament to Queen's restless spirit and their unwavering commitment to musical exploration. From the anthemic opener "We Will Rock You" to the operatic grandeur of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the album showcases the band's versatility and their willingness to take risks.
Ladder To The Stars 12" Vinyl LPA band as bombastic, theatrical, and undeniably talented as Queen was always going to produce a live album that was either a glorious triumph or a spectacular flameout. "Live Killers" manages to be both, a testament to the band's ability to command a stage and a reminder that capturing lightning
Live Killers 12" Vinyl LPRecorded during Queen's legendary 'Magic Tour' in 1986, 'Live Magic' is a raw, unfiltered document of a band at the height of its powers. The album opens with the anthemic 'One Vision', Mercury's voice soaring over a wall of guitars, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Live Magic 12" Vinyl LPThe album opens with the energetic and upbeat track "Party", which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song features Brian May's signature guitar riffs and Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals. The next track, "Khashoggi's Ship", is a commentary on the arms trade
The Miracle 12" Vinyl LP"News of the World" marked a crucial turning point in Queen's career. Released on 28 October 1977, the album represented a departure from their earlier progressive rock sound towards a more radio-friendly and anthemic style. It featured some of the band's most iconic tracks
French Release of "News of the World" Italian Release of "News of the World"In the swirling chaos of 1975, when glam rock was still stomping its platform boots on the stage and prog rock was indulging in its own labyrinthine complexities, Queen dropped "A Night at the Opera" like a velvet-draped anvil. This wasn't just another album, it was a statement of intent
Night at the Opera 12" Vinyl LP"Play the Game," the A-side, arrived like a bolt from the blue. Gone were the operatic bombast and multi-tracked harmonies of yore. In their place, a leaner, synth-driven sound emerged, courtesy of producer Reinhold Mack and the state-of-the-art Musicland Studios in Munich.
Play The Game b/w Human Body 7" Vinyl Single“Queen” is the debut album by English rock group Queen, released in July 1973. It was recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Music Centre, London, with production by Roy Thomas Baker (as Roy Baker), John Anthony, and Queen.
QUEEN - Self-Titled Debut Album 12" Vinyl LP"Queen II" is a journey through diverse soundscapes. Brian May's songwriting talents shine on the opening tracks, with the instrumental "Procession" leading into the hard-hitting "Father to Son" and the catchy rock anthem "White Queen (As It Began)." "Some Day One Day" showcases May's melodic sensibilities.
Queen II 12" Vinyl LP'Sheer Heart Attack' isn't just about bombast. It's also a record that revels in its own eccentricities. Roger Taylor's 'Tenement Funster' is a glam rock anthem with a punk sneer, a hint of the raw energy that would soon explode onto the scene. 'Flick of the Wrist' is a twisted cabaret number that drips with menace
Sheer Heart Attack 12" Vinyl LP'The Works' was Queen's attempt to reclaim their rock 'n' roll crown, while still flirting with the shiny new toys of the 80s, like synthesizers and drum machines. A risky balancing act, for sure, and one that left some folks crying "sell-out!" louder than a televangelist at a revival meeting.
The Works 12" Vinyl LPIn the summer of 1981, two music titans crossed paths unexpectedly in Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland. Queen, the British rock band known for their flamboyant style and theatrical performances, was recording their album "Hot Space." David Bowie, the enigmatic chameleon of rock
Under Pressure 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single1977 was a year of upheaval in the music world. Punk's stripped-down sound and anti-establishment ethos were in direct opposition to the elaborate stage shows and complex arrangements favored by many established rock bands. Queen, with their flamboyant costumes and operatic vocals, seemed like prime targets
We Will Rock You b/w We Are THe Champions 7" Vinyl Single