You know Freddie Mercury was a legend. But did you know he wrote some of Queen's biggest songs in minutes, or that he used actual bicycle bells in a track? It's true. Beyond the iconic voice and stage presence, Mercury was a songwriting machine, crafting everything from rock anthems to deep ballads.
Here are some of the Queen tracks you might not have realized came straight from Freddie's brilliant mind.
The Unexpected Hits
Take "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy," for example. He penned this light, ragtime-style tune in 1976 for the A Day at the Races album. It's all about sweet gestures, dimming lights, and dancing. Mercury even said he wanted to write a ragtime song for every album, and this one fit the bill perfectly.
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Start Your News DetoxThen there's "Bicycle Race" from the 1978 album Jazz. This song is wild, literally taking you on a bike race with movie references like Jaws and Star Wars. And get this: they used real bicycle bells in the recording. Seriously cool.
"Don't Stop Me Now" is another one. From the same Jazz album, this hit single from 1979 is all about feeling unstoppable. Brian May’s guitar solo here? Pure fire.
Early Gems and Chart Toppers
"Seven Seas of Rhye" was Queen's first UK single back in 1973. It starts with a piano solo and just builds, using clever sound tricks to pull you into its world. It's from their second album, Queen II.
"Somebody to Love" became a massive hit in 1976, soaring to number two in the UK. It's a powerful song about searching for love, and it really shows off Mercury's incredible vocal range. Plus, all the band members sing harmonies, making it sound huge.
And talk about fast work: Mercury wrote "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" in just 10 minutes while taking a bath in Germany. This rockabilly-style track shot to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. That's pretty nuts for a bath time tune!
"Love of My Life" is a beautiful, romantic ballad from 1975's A Night at the Opera. It became a huge live favorite and is all about holding onto a love that's slipped away. It’s got violin, piano, and harp, making it sound extra dreamy.
"Killer Queen" from 1974's Sheer Heart Attack was Queen's first big international hit. It's a mysterious track about a sophisticated, luxurious "Killer Queen" that fans still debate the meaning of today. It hit number two in the UK and got them on the U.S. charts for the first time.
Of course, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the big one. This six-minute masterpiece, with its wild chord changes and operatic sections, came out in 1975. Mercury’s genius as a lyricist and composer shines through, making it a song people still belt out generations later.
And finally, "We Are The Champions." Released a few years after "Bohemian Rhapsody," this anthem of victory hit number two in the UK. It was inspired by the electric energy of their audience at a 1977 concert. It’s still the ultimate song for celebrating any win, big or small.
