QUEEN - NIGHT AT THE OPERA 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Gatefold Album Cover

"A Night at the Opera", the iconic 1975 studio album by Queen, is a timeless classic. Its gatefold cover design and inner pages adorned with artwork, photos, and song lyrics make it a visual and auditory delight. This album encapsulates Queen's musical genius and innovation. A collector's dream, it includes the original custom inner sleeve, providing a complete package of album details, lyrics, and captivating visuals.

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

QUEEN: Night at the Opera - A Bang-Up Job in the Midst of Glam Rock's Glittering Excess
Album Description:

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 - a grandiose, multi-layered, and utterly fearless declaration that Queen was here to stay, and they were going to do it their way.

Historically, this album landed smack-dab in the middle of a musical tug-of-war. Punk was starting to rear its snarling head, railing against the perceived excess and artifice of the prevailing rock scene. But Queen, bless their bombastic souls, never gave a damn about fitting in. They gleefully straddled genres, tossing together opera, hard rock, vaudeville, and even a touch of music hall, all wrapped up in a production so lavish it made Phil Spector blush.

"A Night at the Opera" was a sonic orgy of excess, and it was glorious. From the operatic bombast of "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the stomping rock of "Death on Two Legs" and the tender balladry of "Love of My Life," Queen covered more musical ground than most bands manage in a career. They weren't afraid to get weird, to experiment, to push the boundaries of what a rock band could be.

And let's talk about those controversies. "Bohemian Rhapsody" alone was enough to send the music industry into a tizzy. Six minutes long, with multiple movements and a narrative that defied easy categorization, it was deemed too long, too complex, too *out there* for radio play. But Queen, ever the mavericks, stuck to their guns, and the song went on to become one of the most iconic and enduring anthems of all time.

The album was a labor of love, recorded over several months at various studios, including the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales. Queen, notorious perfectionists, were meticulous in their approach, layering harmonies upon harmonies, crafting guitar orchestrations that would make Brian May a legend, and pushing Freddie Mercury's vocals to their absolute limit.

The production team, led by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen themselves, deserve a standing ovation. They captured the band's energy and ambition with stunning clarity, creating a soundscape that was both massive and intimate, raw and polished. This wasn't just an album, it was a sonic masterpiece.

Music Genre:

Prog Rock 
Album Production Information:

The album: "A Night at the Opera" was produced by: Roy Thomas Baker and Queen

This album was recorded at: August-November 1975 at Lansdowne Studios, Olympic Studios, SARM Studios, Scorpion Studios, Rockfield Studios, The Roundhouse, Wessex Studios

Record Label & Catalognr:

EMI 5C 062-97176 

Album Packaging:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages. This album "A Night at the Opera" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 270 gram 

Year & Country:

1975 Made in Holland 
Band Members and Musicians on: Queen A Night at the Opera
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Freddie Mercury: Vocals, Piano
  • Brian May: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Harp, Ukulele-Banjo, Vocals
  • Roger Taylor: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • John Deacon: Bass Guitar, Double Bass , Electric Piano
Complete Track Listing of: "A Night at the Opera"

The Songs/tracks on "A Night at the Opera" are

  1. Death on Two Legs (Dedicated To...) (Freddie Mercury) - 3:43
  2. Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon (Mercury) - 1:07
  3. I'm in Love with My Car (Roger Taylor) - 3:04
  4. You're My Best Friend (John Deacon) - 2:52
  5. '39 (Brian May) - 3:30
  6. Sweet Lady (May) - 4:03
  7. Seaside Rendezvous (Mercury) - 2:14
  8. The Prophet's Song (May) - 8:20
  9. Love of My Life (Mercury) - 3:38
  10. Good Company (May) - 3:23
  11. Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury) - 5:54
  12. God Save the Queen (trad.; Arr. May) - 1:13

 

Front Cover Photo Of QUEEN - Night At The Oper QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl a Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

 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 ).

Photo Of The Back Cover QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album inner gatefold cover

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album inner gatefold cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Close up of Side One record's label QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Night At The Opera" Record Label Details: EMI 5C 062-97176

Close up of Side One record's label QUEEN - Night At The Opera Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album
 

Queen's Vinyl Discography: A Comprehensive Collection

QUEEN - Crazy Little Thing Called Love b/w We Will Rock You
QUEEN - Crazy Little Thing Called Love b/w We Will Rock You album front cover vinyl record

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
QUEEN - Day At the Races (British, French and Italian Releases)
QUEEN - Day At the Races  (British, French and Italian Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

"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"

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QUEEN - Greatest Hits
QUEEN - Greatest Hits album front cover vinyl record

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
QUEEN - Hot Space
QUEEN - Hot Space album front cover vinyl record

"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 LP
QUEEN - Innuendo
QUEEN - Innuendo  album front cover vinyl record

In 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 Single
QUEEN - Jazz (French and German Releases)
QUEEN - Jazz (French and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

From 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)
QUEEN - Kind of Magic
QUEEN - A Kind of Magic album front cover vinyl record

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
QUEEN - Ladder To The Stars
QUEEN - A Ladder To The Stars album front cover vinyl record

"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 LP
QUEEN - Live Killers
QUEEN - Live Killers album front cover vinyl record

A 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 LP
QUEEN - Live Magic
QUEEN - Live Magic album front cover vinyl record

Recorded 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 LP
QUEEN - The Miracle
QUEEN - The Miracle album front cover vinyl record

The 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
QUEEN - News of the World (French and Italian Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
QUEEN - News of the World (French and Italian Releases) album front cover vinyl record

"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"
QUEEN - Night at the Opera
QUEEN - A Night at the Opera  album front cover vinyl record

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
QUEEN - Play The Game b/w Human Body
QUEEN - Play The Game b/w Human Body album front cover vinyl record

"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 - Self-Titled Debut Album
QUEEN - Self-Titled Debut Album album front cover vinyl record

  “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 - Queen II
QUEEN - Queen II album front cover vinyl record

"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
QUEEN - Sheer Heart Attack
QUEEN - Sheer Heart Attack  album front cover vinyl record

'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
QUEEN - The Works
QUEEN - The Works  album front cover vinyl record

'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 LP
QUEEN And DAVID BOWIE - Under Pressure
QUEEN And DAVID BOWIE - Under Pressure album front cover vinyl record

In 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

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QUEEN - We Will Rock You b/w We Are THe Champions
 QUEEN - We Will Rock You b/w We Are THe Champions album front cover vinyl record

1977 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

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