Though the music of the ’70s and ’80s may be lost on some, I am certainly not one of those people. When I’m seeking inspiration, passion and real emotion behind the music, Queen is my go-to band. While Queen was (and still is) a worldwide phenomenon, people often forget the real influence Freddie Mercury had on the culture of music. He was authentically himself in a time where his image could have quickly taken down his career. So, in honor of the fabulous Mr. Mercury, here are my top five Queen songs that make me feel like a queen.
- “Killer Queen”
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My first pick is ironically named “Killer Queen.” Queen originally released the song in 1974, and it went on to become one of the band’s first songs to hit the charts. It’s understandable why the song did so well; lyrically, it’s fun to sing and easy to follow. With an upbeat sound that is more pop than rock, this song is guaranteed to make every queen feel killer.
- “Don’t Stop Me Now”
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“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a true Queen classic and should be appreciated in all its glory. To this day, it is one of Queen’s most successful songs and for a good reason. This upbeat jam is truly a blessing for any girl getting ready for a night out. It’s best played loudly, and in my case, over and over again. With Freddie’s melodious voice belting out the lyrics, this song makes me feel like there isn’t anything I can’t do. In other words, it will undoubtedly make you feel like a supersonic woman.
- “You’re My Best Friend”
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Ah yes, here we are, at the inevitable love song. Freddie’s bandmate John Deacon wrote “You’re My Best Friend” for his wife, but the power behind Freddie’s voice shows true passion. It’s a classic love song that has stood the test of time and can still be heard in movies soundtracks today. If you’re looking for a song to serenade your lover with, look no further.
- “Love of My Life”
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Don’t let the title confuse you. Although “Love of my Life” is a love song, it’s centered around a break-up. I picked this song for my list because it tells the story of genuine heartbreak. Almost everyone has been in a situation of missing someone you love and wanting them to come back to you. In “Love of my Life,” Queen perfectly captures the emotion of longing for the person you love. Warning: this is a song that’s best played during sad girl hours.
- “I Want to Break Free”
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While it’s technically a song about love, it’s most often assumed that John Deacon wrote “I Want to Break Free” about the women’s liberation movement from the male perspective. Many think the song is about breaking free from sexuality and gender norms. In the song’s music video, the entire band dressed as women—full makeup and all. At the time of its release, the video was banned from MTV due to obscenity laws in the United States. I am begging you to take the time to watch this iconic video. After that, you can decide whether it’s about a break-up, female liberation or an LGBTQ+ anthem. It could be all three, but I’ll leave that up to you.
Even though this is where my list ends, there are an abundance of Queen songs not mentioned here that are iconic in their own right. “Bohemian Rhapsody” alone changed the course of music not only lyrically but production-wise as well. From the flashy outfits, to the unusual operatic sound, Queen encompasses the very meaning of the word unique. Take some time today to listen to a few Queen classics. Hopefully, they’ll make you feel like a Queen too!