Queen Greatest Hits

It's doubtful you haven't heard the majority of Queen's greatest hits. Before the rise of the glam bands, the marvelously outlandish group of dramatists' distinctive sound rose to prominence in the mid-70's, no doubt laying the paths the shiny and tight suited lipstick masculines of the world would later walk. Film soundtracks teem with the highly thematic, psychedelic harmonies of the late Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara) and his merry band of similarly androgynous cohorts. They're among Britain's most prominent and touted to be the most successful group hailing from the United Kingdom to date.

1. “We Are the Champions.” Hollywood constantly employs this soundtrack for the scenes where characters finally rise with determination to triumph over their respective Goliaths. A survivor's anthem if ever there was, it effectively raises morale in most situations.
2. “Another One Bites the Dust.” More of a disco-esque offering, this bass-heavy track earned them serious prominence in R&B circles. It was the crown jewel of their venture into disco-curious singles (many of which did a small bit to damage their position as musical giants during their experimentation with it).
3. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is similar in some ways but unique to the mutably tempoed ethers of “My Fairy King” and the more somber and almost cinematic “March of the Black Queen”, easily earning its place among the greatest songs ever written. It's an unparalleled rock-operatic masterpiece. The dark theme might lend to its intensity, but it's the mixture of despair and ferocity in Freddie Mercury's forceful vocals coupled with an almost literally weeping guitar solo (masterfully played), that grabs you viscerally and pulls emotional response from you.
4. “Ogre Battle” is fit for battle-scenes of epic proportions. Queen displayed a fiercer aspect of their etheric signature here. Thumping, falling domino drumbeats and mildly aroused titan guitars stroke the adrenals in a way that makes the spine straighten and rise to attention. The title might be off-putting for newly born appreciators of Queen, but the music will inspire replays, especially as a prelude to any forthcoming brawls.
5. “We Will Rock You” is best known for the hypnotic performance that put a powerful sway upon the crowd at Wembley Stadium during the legendary 1985 Live Aid concert fest. It's among the most notable of their anthems. This is the track the school nerd puts on before resolving to properly serve the local mean mug.