Growing up, my father instilled an early love of classic rock and one band in particular — Queen. At 22 years old, that love has not diminished.
After I learned they were making a biopic centering on the British rock band, I knew I had to see it — and when I did, I wasn’t disappointed.
Olivia Heersink | Argonaut
Starring Rami Malek, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy and Joe Mazzello, “Bohemian Rhapsody” tells the group’s origin story, paying close attention to front man Freddie Mercury, who Malek plays.
The audience follows the lives of Mercury and his bandmates — guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon — from 1970 to 1985, concluding with Queen’s iconic Live Aid performance.
Malek’s Mercury is not only impressive, it’s award-worthy. He commands the stage, leaving people wondering if they’re in 2018 or 1980.
In an interview with the Press Association, the real-life Brian May, who served as a consultant on the film, commended Malek, saying ‘He’s incredible. … He inhabited Freddie to the point where we even started to think of him as Freddie. Really remarkable.”
His costars — Lee (May), Hardy (Taylor) and Mazzello (Deacon) — don’t disappoint either. Each gives a compelling performance that leaves audiences wanting a time machine or, at the least, a longer film than the already two-hour production.
Coming into the film, it doesn’t matter whether you love Queen or their music because by the end, you will.
If you’ve seen the film or not, here are eight Queen songs to prepare you beforehand or allow you to reminisce after the fact.
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” 1975
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is probably Queen’s most iconic song, and for good reason. No other song comes close to the masterful sound of this 6-minute operatic ballad.
“Killer Queen,” 1974
Written and sung by Mercury, “Killer Queen” is an upbeat, experimental song with plenty of historical and pop-culture references. It’s no wonder this was the band’s first international hit — you can help by tap your foot along decades later.
“I Want to Break Free,” 1984
Paired with a then controversial music video of Queen dressed in drag — which the United States wouldn’t air — “I Want to Break Free” is the band at its best with the song telling a story rather than just spewing words at the listener.
“We Will Rock You,” 1977
“We Will Rock You” is one of those songs the listener immediately knows as soon as it begins — no matter their familiarity with the band. “We Will Rock You” allows audiences to perform along with the band, creating a deeper bond between the two.
“Somebody to Love,” 1976
Another classic ballad written and sung by Mercury, “Somebody to Love” is slightly similar to “Bohemian Rhapsody” with its complex harmonies and guitar solos. But the song is also entirely its own thing — like most of Queen’s music.
“Under Pressure,” 1981
Paired with David Bowie’s deep voice, “Under Pressure” combines two artists — Bowie and Mercury — who you wouldn’t necessary envision together, but it works masterfully.
“We are the Champions,” 1977
Played in sports stadiums across the world, “We are the Champions” is almost as memorable as the band, itself. The song is another one of Queen’s best, which listeners can recognize almost instantly.
“Another One Bites the Dust,” 1980
“Another One Bites the Dust” is just another worldwide hit for the band. Written by Deacon, the song incorporates a unique bass line backed by Mercury’s voice, combining to create one of their best songs.
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia