Released on November 2nd, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a terrific biopic telling the epic story of Freddie Mercury and Queen and how they became one of the greatest bands of all-time.
The film not only dived into the formation of the group and their highs and lows through the 70s and 80s but also looked into the origins of some of their most iconic tracks.
"Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Will Rock You", "Another One Bites The Dust" and "Love of My Life" all had their origins explained, but there were some lesser-known Queen tracks not played in the movie that might be just as good.
Obviously, there isn't enough time in a two-hour movie to play all the hits, but if this movie made you a fan or bigger fan of Queen, then here are some underrated gems from their epic catalog.
1. "Bicycle Race" (Video NSFW somehow for a song about bicycles)
The world is cruel.
The world is wicked.
You have your burden to carry and the burdens of others.
Sometimes all you want to is just shut everything off and ride your bicycle!
2. "Flash Gordon"
Considering that they branded themselves as non-conventional revolutionaries of the music industry, it's surprising that they would do a soundtrack for a major motion picture. But it's a good thing they did, because the title track of the 80s cult classic "Flash Gordon" sets up a science fiction that's probably better than the movie itself.
3. "Tie Your Mother Down"
What are they implying by the title of this song?
I don't know, but it makes for a catchy chorus.
4. "Innuendo"
The title track of Queen's final album completed in Mercury's lifetime, "Innuendo's" music and lyrics are nearly as powerful and experimental as "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Freddie sings his heart out in his beautiful swan song that covers a lot of music genres and inspirational philosophical lyrics about society, politics, race, religion, and the world we live in that still resonates today.
If there is any song from this list that you should focus on the most it's this one.
5. "A Kind Of Magic"
You may be cool, but never as cool as Freddie Mercury dressed like Charlie Chaplin and singing with cartoons like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"
6. "Play The Game"
Judging by the graphic effects going on in the background, you can tell that Queen was apart of the dawn of the MTV era.
Ahhh MTV in the 80s.
Simpler times.
7. "Stone Cold Crazy"
As theatrical and suave as they could be, Queen could also rock hard like a metal band. And "Stone Cold Crazy" is a great example of how gritty they could be.
8. "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon"
BANGING MY HEAD TO THIS JAM!
9. "Seaside Rendezvous"
In this documentary of the making of their iconic "A Night At The Opera" album, interviews of friends of Queen, surviving members, and an old one of Freddie himself go into the unusually beautiful hit "Seaside Rendezvous" that sounds like a song straight outta the Roaring 20s (which should come back in 2 years.)
10. "The Prophet's Song"
At this point just listen to the entire "A Night at The Opera" album because all of the songs are great. This song is longer than "Bohemian Rhapsody", and it's as if Freddie is singing an epic fantasy poem like "Rime of The Ancient Mariner" or "Beowulf."
"The Prophet's Song" is so layered and well done they make the band Rush look like amateurs.
11. BONUS: Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe - Barcelona
If there is any rock star in history who could try to sing opera and not sound horrible, it's Freddie Mercury.
In a 1987 duet with professional opera singer Montserrat Caballe, Freddie boldly dipped his toes in the opera industry with this 80s pop-opera hit single.
It may not be your cup of tea, but I think it's worth checking out.
