Reviews (page 9 of 14)
cool album bro march of the black queen is v cool, hadn't heard before. but i think it has all the elements i expect from queen cant go wrong w seven seas of rhye (all i think of is bohemian rhapsody (2018) )
If you took a peek into my bright blue sticker-covered CD player on any given day in 2006, there was a good chance you’d find this spinning inside. Early on, The Loser In The End quickly became a favorite. I loved the sound, the drum intro so sticky in my brain. But I also loved the lyrics. I remember feeling that it was a serious, emotional song but not at all knowing why or what it was actually about. But the label "loser in the end" stuck with me. My sister, who is six years older (an unimaginably vast gap at the time, now meaningless) and I used to fight all the time but as sisters do it was always with our words. The winner always being the one with the bigger vocabulary (never me). Being the younger sibling, my comebacks never seemed to land quite like hers did. I decided I’d use this new phrase as a comeback in our next fight, picturing myself conceding, admitting to being the loser now but playing the long game, getting the last laugh... eventually, whatever that meant. When I finally threw it out there, my sister just looked confused and asked, "What does that even mean?". An attempt to make the joke-teller explain their joke, losing all the punch in the process. But in my mind, I’d won, because she hadn’t grasped this “profoundly deep” statement. We grew up. She went off to college, I missed her horribly for the first time ever, and we haven’t fought since, no losers in the end. Today, I realize the actual subject matter of this song and it feels even heavier and more relevant than it ever was. The ultimate commitment and investment of motherhood, perhaps the only example of unconditional love in a lifetime, etc etc etc. I could go on and on about the subject of this song. The second album on this list that makes me want to call my mom to reminisce and thank her, want to come back in my next life as her mother just to return the favor. My favorite re-listen so far, my first 5-star rating. It’s still my favorite Queen album, partly because these tracks rarely pop up in pop culture, making a full re-listen feel like the first time all over again.
You can see what they're building up to here. They still sound like an all-parts-equal band, but the songs are more dramatic and thematic than Queen I.
Like the rough draft of Bohemian Rhapsody! I thought I knew every Queen song but this album was all new to me! It had a cool rock opera feel to it, which I really enjoy. I could see owning this on vinyl and listening to it again on a proper stereo system. Ogre battle was cool -- in fact the whole B side was really good.
I find myself conflicted by this album. On one hand I love me some Queen and recognize the talent and mastery of this album. Songs like Father to Song and White Queen add to the tapestry that makes this beautiful rock opera. By the other respect I think being raised on Greatest Hits has spoiled me to their more radio friendly songs. I admire the prog-rock nature of this album, but it might be too much prog for me to return to. This is a headphones and solitude album, not a up-and-out album.
Random thoughts review: - What if you took Zeppelin and leaned into fantasy even more, added some Broadway flair, and mix in some glam rock? You'd have Queen II. - I always thought that this album had Bohemian Rhapsody based on the cover art. Apparently, they just used that cover art at the end of the Bohemian Rhapsody video in the early 90s. - I never really noticed the glam influence in Queen until hearing this album. You can clearly hear the connection to T Rex. - What is this story about? Did the White Queen destroy the Black Queen? Did the ogre's win the battle? I couldn't quite follow - Surprised there are no proper Queen hits on this album. - I see what you did there 1001 Album Generator. Queen of Soul to Queen. Well played.
I don't know if I've ever listened to any of the songs on this album before, but I enjoyed it
Very prog rock. First time hearing a Queen album and glad it’s this one although i didn't know any of the songs...that includes the only song that was a hit...
Like most of the albums I've been hearing, they start out slow and then get better. This is just kind of standard proggy stuff with a couple of hits of what Queen's hits would sound like. I don't care for it but it's not bad.
I didn’t know any songs on this album but generally like Queen and enjoyed this. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
I remember at Grinnell, there were a couple of DJs who really loved their debut album which came out that fall of 1973. I recall thinking it was ok, nothing special. When this came out the next year I was essentially gone from IA. I was excited to hear this since it had no songs/hits that I recognized. Well, it was pretty bad all around. Lame progressive rock, none of their later flair for melody or production.
Meh album from a meh band
This was good. But if “A Night at the Opera” (their Magnum Opus) is a 5 and I gave “Sheer Heart Attack a 4 then I can only give this a 3.
This is a fantastic prog rock album which shows Queen as the great musical adventurers they were when they first began. Over time, they'd become a bit more mainstream, and have a bit more of an edge at times, but they were always willing to experiment. I consider them to be one of the best bands of my lifetime. I think I have to give this four stars, though, because of the "Bowie problem" i.e. so many of their records are great, you have to reserve five stars for a couple of them, not just give five stars to all the great records, as that would be ridiculous.
This album got a lot of airplay at my apartment years ago. Sounds great - captures a lot of their energy from their live shows. And they kept getting better!
Jeez Queen what the queening-hell is this Queeeen?
The album is divided into two sides: the “White Side,” featuring more emotional and personal songs primarily written by Brian May, and the “Black Side,” which contains fantastical and theatrical compositions mainly penned by Freddie Mercury. It showcases the band’s willingness to experiment with complex arrangements and diverse musical styles. I'm a huge Queen fan, and while I appreciate the talent, and still stand by my opinion that Freddie Mercury has the best singing voice in Rock 'N Roll history, this album didn't have anything that blew me away. To be honest, I'm disappointed I can't rank this higher. Favorite Track: "Ogre Battle".
Insane metal album no clue why they didn’t stay this way
Better than I expected.
A curious choice for a Queen album for this collection, given how many radio hits Queen has had, and yet I don't think *any* of the songs on this album count as one of them. It definitely *sounds* like Queen--almost more princess than queen, as they struggle to emerge from a prog rock orientation--and that's always nice to hear. My favorites were "The loser in the end" (mainly because Taylor's compositions are so very un-Queen-like and yet still rocking) and the proto-Bohemian "The march of the black queen", but the rest is kind of forgettable, sadly, and poor Brian May's side ("White side") is actually painful, although fun to hear May sing lead vocals on "Some day one day". I also really wanted to like "The fairy feller's master-stroke", mainly for the backstory of this weird/sad/ornate painting, but the song wasn't for me. I'm not really sure this particular Queen album is must-hear-before-you-die-worthy, frankly, although I certainly wouldn't go as far as Christgau's eviscerating and hilarious summary of the album as "wimpoid royaloid heavyoid android void." (I also can't agree with Nikki Sixx's evaluation that "Queen II will knock your dick in the dirt every time"....)
Wow, and, no. WTF is going on with those lyrics? I must admit I really enjoyed the guitar on the loser in the end.
classic rock, ballads, opera, ambitious, very diverse, concept, but no hit and not catchy for me. fully convinced this is a masterpiece, but not for me, needed 3 spins and reserache for details.
A good album I've listened to off and on over the years. A few duds in the mix (White Queen, The Loser in the End, Some Day One Day) and some that are a bit too theatrical (The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, Seven Seas of Rhye). But most of the other tracks are good to phenomenal (Father To Son, Ogre, last 2 mins of Black Queen). I may have to listen again before I rate. Listened again and my rating generally went down. But still not bad. 3/5
From the sublime ... Slightly more interesting than packing boxes.
Nonsense.
Sometimes being full-on all the time makes full-on feel less full-on… if you know what I mean. This one was a bit too musical theatre-y for my liking too, and lacked anything that I would call essential Queen listening. Strange, considering it’s one of their most iconic album covers.
I know it’s Queen but I didn’t really enjoy this. It seemed kind of directionless. Forgettable album
pretty damn good. this is what "queen" sounds like, very definitive, very good. nothing stands out but not because it's bland but because each song is equally interesting and good. 7.5/10
Easy 3.5. An amazing album top to bottom. Queen👍
Better than the other one!
Preferred this to the later stuff when it all got a bit too theatrical
A classic
Good vibes.
Got bored part the way through. Not terrible but I think I need to be in a certain mood to listen.
It was super fun!
The previous Queen albums that have been generated have been able to get my appreciation, but this one kinda missed. The music is definitely not bad/unlistenable, but it just didn't keep me enthralled. One of the more poorer showings from Queen.
Queen never fails to be unique and surprising. This isn't my favorite Queen album. The production quality is worse than usual, but still beats the best album by a lot of other bands.
I'm not a huge Queen fan, so I only knew one or two of these tracks before listening to the album. I'm not a bigger Queen fan now, but I enjoyed my time with Queen II.
Was alright; not a big Queen fan
This was a mediocre Queen album. Freddy Mercury is a legend but nothing stood out on this album like others. Still not bad but not memorable.
Great album
Anna - made me realise Queen are less original than I thought although I think if Dan was told it was by pink Floyd he'd like it more Dan - I'd have to listen to it again without prejudice towards queen
Love queen not my favorite album
Not my favourite but cool to see how this influenced Queen's later sound. Really like Nevermore, only wish it was longer. March of the Black Queen reminds me very much of Bohemian Rhapsody, and the transition into Funny How Love Is is nice.
Up and down but some nice guitar work
I like Queen, and I like this album. Sadly, I don't love it.
I LOVE QUEEN II
Classic
Lots of Led Zeppelin sounding stuff in here. Also I can hear the Beatles. That being said Im not a fan of this rock opera style.
I can tell why I've never heard any of these tracks before. Christ.
lets fucking go
4/5 Great.
What can I say, I like this
Listening to early Queen is interesting. This obviously predates their "signature" Queen sound heard later in the 70's, but the artiness is already there. There are hints of The Who and Led Zeppelin in here, but the group was the first to admit this. What set Queen apart during this time were their guitar arrangements (thanks to Brian May), and their desire to be unique, blending hard rock with art rock elements. Their signature uses of multi-layered overdubs and harmonious vocals also appear to debut here. This album has two pretty distinctive sides to it, the first of which ("Side White") being more guitar-focused and a heavier sound. The second side ("Side Black") fully leans into a more fantastical aspect with Freddie Mercury shining here. You've got a kingdom named Rhye and ogre battles galore! Listeners could honestly treat this as two separate short albums as a result. I've been plenty exposed to Queen during my youth, but this album specifically was never one that crossed my path. You can definitely hear the group refining their sounds and finding their feet here. I thought it was a little inconsistent for my tastes, but the best was yet to come of course.
This was cute. This record doesn’t have the hits. But you really can hear their style solidify. It’s not for me, but it’s well made. 3/5
65.45%
Great instumentation, but missing the big hits.
Love the Black side written by Freddie, not so keen on the White side written by May
perfect
Meh
Eh, liked Night at the Opera better
NGL, I've heard enough Queen in my life from classic rock radio. It's not that it's bad, it's that I heard Freddie Mercury's voice daily until 2009, which was when I finally stopped listening to terrestrial radio for good.
Love it. Wel altijd erg dramatisch en vind dat irritant aan Queen. Daarom maar drie sterren. Wel leuk dat Brian May af en toe zong.
To be honest, I didn’t find this album as irritating as I expected, especially considering I’m not a big Queen fan. I’ve never really sat down with any of their albums from start to finish, mainly because my opinion of them is shaped by their overly-played, grating anthem hits. Thankfully, this album didn’t feature any of those overplayed tracks. However, I could definitely sense some early signs of the elements that would eventually evolve into those hits. But for what it is, Queen II came across as a bit better than I initially thought.
Queen's debut album even with solid critical acclaim, could not create a mainstream sensation which did change with this sophomore release. While it still was far away from the hit that Killer Queen became later the same year but Queen II still could gather much more attention from both the people and the critics. It blends the sounds of mainstream Glam Rock with Hard Rock and at a couple of points Prog Rock as well as some Heavy Metal. This wild and eccentric mix of genres is what pretty much makes this earlier side of Queen up until their third album. The album starts with the Art Rock 'Procession' which uses the guitar to create a Funeral March effect as if it was violins playing. Added bells, harpiscord and more create a pretty interesting intro. But it still is just an intro and doesn't have much value of its own. It's alright but pretty basic in what it does for the listeners excitement. It then transitions into 'Father to Son' which wips out the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock guitar playing similar to something you'd maybe hear Black Sabbath do a couple years ago but combined with more complex ideas as well as Freddy's one of a kind theatrical and nearly operatic vocals that sting through the heaviness of the music. It's a well written and vocally great performed song but I think that the mixing is a bit too quiet and the guitar doesn't shine enough. I still think that it's a pretty good song but if the guitar was just a tad bit louder at times, it would help the track much more. 'White Queen (As It Began)' with a more tender approach as it takes away the heavy guitar and replaces it with acoustic Folk ideas together with obvious Hard Rock ideas at some parts. It turns the ideas even more Progressive by having fast changing sonic and rhythmic concepts added throughout. I do think that some of these "breaks" that turn the song back to the Folk after it exploded into Hard Rock do destroy the flow and come a little too early but the ideas are still really great especially the sitar inspired guitar work in the second half and the choral backing vocals. It's a really good song but far away from anything incredible. The Folk aspects are further extended on 'Some Day One Day' which has a fast Psychedelic Folk guitar throughout that adds some Psychedelic Rock elements in a similar fashion too its predecessor but less crazy. I do think that the song has some redeeming qualities especially the vocals which at some points, seem to appear perfectly. The starts feels a little bit rough but it gets to its fleshed out idea later on. It's an okay song that mainly looses impact from a lack of focus. The first half of the album known as 'Side White' ends with 'The Loser in the End' which is a return to heavier territory which adds a lot of Led Zeppelin inspirations in the form of a more Blues Rock sound and the vocal delivery which work perfectly with the song itself. Freddie's vocals just rip apart the entire song. It's energetic, loud and closes this first half really well and is definitely a great song. 'Side Black' starts with 'Ogre Battle' and I might be biased because I loved this song way before listening to any other song on the album but its fantastic. It's Heavy, Progressive and has some Experimental ideas as well in the form of Tape Music throughout which creates this incredible effect that makes the song so great. The songwriting is incredible and the guitar works so perfectly with the way the song builds. The backing vocals, ad libs and general vocal delivery are on point at any time the song plays. While I don't think that it's a perfect track, it's still absolutely incredible and easily one of my favourite tracks on the album. The quirky 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke' follows with some interesting Pop Rock ideas that are performed pretty theatrical and play around with a lot of instruments and ideas. It's a pretty cute song but I don't think that it's anything special or massivly interesting. I don't mind it but I don't exactly like it either. Just pretty average overall. 'Nevermore' feels like a short Piano Rock interlude similar to what they did later in their career but very short and not really fleshed out. It's got some nice moments but the length stops it from really doing anything much more than just an "Oh!". It's okay but with more to it, it would've been better. The albums most eccentric, most progressive, most wildly delivered song is without a doubt 'The March of the Black Queen'. It flows from one part into the next with feeling like it was too fast or like it lingers too long at other points. The songwriting is genuinely impressive as is everyone's playing and even the vocals are diverse like never before on the album. It just works together perfectly. I don't think that I go too far when I say that it's a perfect song and for me personally the only perfect song on the album. Everything about it is interesting, enjoyable and just incredible. After this beast of a track, 'Funny How Love Is' changes sounds by given a Psychedelic Sunshine Pop track that still has some nice Rock elements added. The song is alright and I don't have much to say against it except that I'm not a fan of how the drums were mixed and the lack of diversity in the songwriting but it still is pretty well performed which is why it's just a pretty average track. It overall feels very boring and even basic. I just don't care for it. The album closes with the Hard Rock and Sea Shanty inspired 'Seven Seas of Rhye' which does have some nice energy and the chorus is pretty fun but the whole make up around it feels pretty stale and just not really all that great. But I do think that the highlights are enough to make the track still a good track. favourites: The March of the Black Queen, Ogre Battle, The Loser in the End least favourites: Funny How Love Is, Procession, The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke Rating: light 7 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes
classic queen but -1 star because it's a whole lot of the same thing for an entire album
Charmingly weird with unsurprisingly great guitar
Not a huge Queen person to be quite honest, and this album didn't really change me from my stance. Obviously Freddie is an incredible talent but everything else felt so indistinct. Listened to this album through twice and it was hard for me to determine where certain songs started or ended because they all sounded so similar and washed out. Brian May is just such an overrated guitarist in a band that truly shines as a singles band in my eyes.
Ugh. Queen. most overrated ever. 1.9
Not for me at all
Didn't care for the heavier elements. Felt more cookie-cutter than anything. I'm assuming there's more Queen on the list and I enjoy their vocal style, so I'm hoping to enjoy the other albums more.
Freaking awesome stuff
This album has your typical Queen operatic flow. The songs don’t give you much “thinking room” between songs as they seem to just move from one to another. The 1st noteworthy song is The Loser in the End and that’s not even Freddie singing. This is the 2nd Queen album that has left me with something to be desired. There just isn’t anything special to it. Maybe I was spoiled by cutting my teeth on their greatest hits. Choice cut: The Loser in the End
A very british feeling album, queen have such a distinct sound and style. This album really works best as a straight through listen, each song sort of blends into one another whilst retaining a clear distinct alteration in sound that it avoids becoming dull. The production throughout this entire album is also stellar and probably contributes to the seamless feeling. I dont think there is a stand out song for me here, however as a complete listening experience i certainly have to say not to give this one a miss.
Good
Have on vinyl. This and Sheet Heart attack are tied for their best work for me. Bombastic, interesting and fun
Not bad, not great either. Man, Freddie can sing, but the rest of this feels like early Genesis or Rush.
I think I'm going to need a second listen.
I don't really like Queen and this is an album with almost 0 hits. I do like some songs from later in their discography. This album does not much for me.
Seven Seas Of Rhye is een ongelooflijk top lied. Ogre Battle heeft een coole titel en is op zich niet slecht. De rest is meh. 2.8
An early queen album, definitely before they really nailed down their sound. There are a few flashes of greatness here but overall only decent.
You can hear that they are still discovering their sound. i neither like it or dislike it. bit too traditional rock for me
Classic
Great!
I love queen
Didint expect it so mediocre
Oh yes
Simpelthen en af mine yndlings med Queen, positivt overrasket over at den er med. Hele anden halvdel er så god. Brian Mays guitar lyder som et helt orkester. Eneste misfire er Roger Taylors sang, men sådan er det som regel
Fredagstråd! Altid sjovt at høre gammelt Queen fordi det meste af pladen lyder overraskende "normal". Men generelt godt og et par kæmpe bangers (som også er de mere skøre numre)
Pretty cool with some heavy Queen. Happy i listened to this album!
Pretty good never got into queen but I enjoy prog and you can hear some of that. The classic queen sound came thru at parts.
Classic Queen sound. Bit of a concept album. Sounds a little bit like Lord of the rings. Great sound though.
Big Queen fan in middle school. It was fun to listen to an album that only had one song I knew on it, Seven Seas Of Rhye. Must not have been a very big fan. This album was very operatic, which makes sense. Not many hits/single material, but all very cohesive. I still like Queen.
So viel Hoffnung in dieses Album gelegt, aber das war nun wirklich nicht ihre beste Musik :/ 3/5
nicht mein lieblings queen album, aber trotzdem gute musik
Muss zugeben ich kannte außer den großen Singles wenig von Queen. Guter Rock-Sound, hat mir gefallen. Fehlt aber ne Kleinigkeit für 5 Sterne, kurz davor Nevermore 10/10
Pretty good for an early work, of one of the most iconic bands.
Hey look, I found a Queen album I like! Full of life and character, but never annoying, like so much of Queen's output.
I am a casual fan of Queen. This was alright. It was fun. It wasn’t exciting, or challenging, or experimental. Maybe I’m rating lower because I had higher expectations. Alas, this is my vote
4.5 stars. Queen going for a one-off, grandiose, hard rock/glam rock tour that borders on heavy metal (e.g. "Ogre Battle") and I'm here for it. Can't quite pin down the genre but it makes for a varied listening experience. "Seven Seas of Rhye" closer is the standout. "Father to Son" also good.
It's solid but it feels a little off compared to Queen's following albums.
4.5 rounded up--love queen, and a queen fantasy themed album is right up my alley
Pretty boring nothing particularly stands out
Heavy Queen.
Procession - 8/10 Solid intro. Builds your anticipation for the album Father to Son - 7/10 Vocals surprised me a little bit and then the instrumental during the first chorus was amazing. loved the guitar solo as well. Also was wondering why the song was so long. it's 6 mins long lol. Songs these days could never. so many emotions. I went from crying to jamming to crying again. White Queen (As it Began) - 7.5/10 So far, my first impression is that it's quieter than the last song but I like the drums and lonely guitar. Never mind it's getting louder in a good way! I like this one a little bit more than the last song. It's kind of nostalgic. Some Day One Day - 6/10 why is the intro giving like 2000's phone ringtone lol These songs are giving me Shrek and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp vers.) vibes. Oh, there's the epic guitar riff. I was waiting for that. My score is low because I was expecting more but I like the hippie vibes. The Loser in the End - 7/10 OKAY PURRR loving what I hear from the intro so far. OKAY VOCALS! OMG SHE'S RASPY TODAY! Ogre Battle - 7.5/10 Okay this is giving Curious by UNIS just the first few seconds. Anyway, needed something faster pace so this is good. Love the guitars. I'm a (fake) guitar girly so. love the harms and layers in the vocals. The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke - 7.5/10 brb gonna go twerk to this. loved the instrumental intro. The piano sounds so good here. Again love the vocals here. amazing work. Okay, Piano work. Nevermore - 7.5/10 OKAY TRANSITION! This transition puts all of those Tiktok transitions to shame. Spotify transition who? Okay, it's the vocals that are giving me CITCF vibes lol. The March of the Black Queen - 8/10 I would love it if there were modern groups out there that made music similar to this but modern. Maybe I'm just not into this scene because let's be honest, I don't go here sadly. but this song was making me hype for good music to a karaoke session in the shower. Another amazing guitar moment. Sorry piano, you're doing great too! OOH REALLY VIBING WITH the change of pace. This is the original NMIXX CHANGE UP! Funny How Love Is - 5.5/10 Okayyyyy I love me a good Boho moment. But this was so tame compared to their other songs so it's going to be ranked pretty low. Seven Seas of Rhye - 7.5/10 Intro is a good classic rock song. Good good. Another raspy moment. Good good. okay high note! Love the instrumental (mainly guitar). wait, why do I hear Gegagedigedagedago for a min here... Total: 7.18/10
This album was my first introduction to Queen in 1974. It was powerful then as it still is today.
Should have listened to this album earlier. It's damn good.
# 325 : They've done a pretty decent job, Discovering albums like this are what this project is all about. Somehow never heard any of these songs but liked it. Definitely a more classic hard rock sound than some of their later more famous stuff. I wouldn't spend my hard earned on this, but I'd listen to someone else's copy again ;-) Favourite Tune : Seven Seas Of Rhye
Really good, difficult to dislike queen
Dreadful and stupid. Genuinely grow up and grow a brain you relentless goons.
Not their greatest album but Queen still delivers a solid performance. Songs are theatrical, well produced, well played, but not as ambitious as other later work. I suppose the album felt a bit flat and unremarkable.
äärettömän homo albumi. en kuitenkaan tiedä miksi ei olisi 5, selvästi parasta queen kikkelöintiä tähän mennessä. tyypillistä teatteriikkaa mutta hyväin tuotu vähän muitakin asioita jahas ja niistä asioista ei tykätä.. ovatko homot jotka valittelevat että ei aina mystique fantastical opera dogshit. on se ihme että omaa kansaa heti mollataan kun yrittää vähän olla normaalia niinsanotusti... eiii ku pitää se pinkki paita laittaa päälle vai mitä... vai miten se on että tehdään... pikkurilli pystyssä siellä ruotsalaiset tuomarit vittu aina antaa rangaistuksia vaikka ei mitään vittu tee väärin!!!! ruotsalaiset tuomarit katsoo toiseen suuntaan kun tulee sellaista tuuttia sitten suomalaisia vastaan voi herranenaika mikä farssi mikä farssi tämä on!! veropetos!!! kansanpetos!!! lainminlyäti petos!oikeusmurha!!! loser in the end
Enjoyable listen but nothing jumped out and grabbed me.
Edgier than Night at the Opera
It was fine, standard Queen. Nothing that stood out to me, nothing wrong.
Cover art is cool I geuss
Operatic and lots of fun. No major hits, but q good listen.
As far as Queen albums go, this was less bombastic and over the top than I hoped. Not a bad album, but I expected more. I can see why music historians consider this important, but it doesn't hold a candle to their later albums.
Loved
The hits just keep on coming this week. I loved this album a lot as a Queen fan. This was released before they became an established name in rock. Nearly all of the songs were great. That's all I have to say for now. I'll give "Self Titled II" 5 stars
Good for a reason Lots of ‘AAAAA 👼👼👼👼👼👼’
Queen II is a fun listen and I appreciate all of the sounds they experimented with in the album. 3/5 because I enjoy listening to Queen on occasion, but I don’t think this one will get a lot of relistens.
Classic, but not really my cup of tea. Can appreciate the quality, though.
Oh great, yet another British rock band. Kidding! I really feel bad because I did not come into this list thinking these posts would turn into Anti-British music creation so I must stress that I have nothing against any of these bands as people or as they pursued their dreams of fame. My Ogre Battle is with this list and the Fairy Feller's who thought their Master-Stroke was to limit themselves to such a narrow grouping of music when they should have been scanning the entire Seven Seas (of Rhye) to find music that the world needs to hear. Some Day One Day this list could be edited and transformed, most likely due to all the submissions listeners will add to this list so the Loser in the End will be the people behind this list who can no longer justify the inclusion of some of these as we cry out "Nevermore"! Funny How Love Is sometimes. But back to our Black/White Queens here as they March through their second album. As It Began I immediately noticed this being of their more folksy qualities but you can hear many hints at their hard rock future.
Nice, a great Queen album. I really like some of their earlier stuff like this, even though they really didn't have much identity and were (pretty obviously on this album and their first) imitating Led Zeppelin. Still, some good music came out of it. Very solid album here. Favorite tracks: Father to Son, Ogre Battle, Nevermore, March of the Black Queen, Seven Seas of Rhye. Album art: Cool shadowed band shot, all the gents' faces coming through the void. Was this the first like it? Because it seems like a popular style. Given that this album was a Led Zepp attempt, I'm going to boldly assume that they didn't invent this cover style either. But it's an iconic look. 4/5
no hits ?
Would like their good stuff
Not bad but I had much higher expectations for the Queen
Good stuff. Not their peak though, I think
Expected more of Queen, but still good
This is fine. I love Queen’s hits as much as anyone else, but this album kind of dragged for me. I feel like Queen shines with its structured pop hits. Whereas all the songs in this album kind of glob together.
Majestically
Enjoyable
7/10…Classic Rock / Glam Rock
Good soup
Ok I thought I’d hate this but this was actually so good ??! 😭😭😭 led zep vibes ??? Favs: white queen, loser in the end, ogre battle, the march of the black queen
I really wish I liked Queen, but it never hits the mark for me - 3/5 Every song on this album sounded the same to me, and while it wasn’t anything offensive, it wasn’t particularly riveting either - I think this is because in the UK before you can even talk, you have listened to Queen some way or another. As soon as I hear the vocal harmonies I think of an Iceland Christmas advert or singing in assembly. Reviewed 05/09/2024
Good album, but I didn't quite enjoy it as much as Sheer Heart Attack. Sometimes I forget just how heavy and proggy early Queen is, I love it. But I found that very little of this stuck with me.
Equally odd compared to the last time I listened to this ... it was the late 1980s.
Charismatic!
This one might not be packed with radio hits, but it's still Queen doing what Queen does best. The theatrical flair, the layered harmonies, the ridiculous talent across the board—it’s all here. They weren’t playing it safe, and that’s what makes it interesting. You can hear the band really starting to experiment, especially on the second half. Brian May’s guitar work is as sharp as ever and Freddie’s vocals are already larger than life. It's not the kind of album you'd throw on for a greatest hits vibe, but it's a solid listen if you want to hear a band finding their sound. Not essential Queen, but still pretty good.
Very different than what I expected. More of a rock sound.
One of the best of all times awesome band
It's good to know that even Queen started out as an uninteresting, generic rock act. Gives hope to us all.
Classic Queen. No big hits on here that I knew, but it is distinctive Queen sound. Maybe a bit too heavy for me - real 70’s glam rock vibe.
You’ve gotta be in a special mood to throw this album on…few songs are bad and many are good. But listening to the entire album is a chore.
I think you need to be on something to fully enjoy this album 💊
Good solid hiqh quality album. Wouldn't buy it on CD/LP that's why it's just 4 stars.
I'm an admitted Queen hater, though I'm mostly familiar with the hits. Pleasantly surprised to almost enjoy a couple songs early on; Someday One Day and Loser In the End. But most of this is typical Queen and I think it's awful. Never understood why "metalheads" liked this corny operatic garbage.
After an uneven debut, Queen finally finds their voice, and it is spectacular. Prog-flavored, bombastic, glorious.
Is there a band more overrated than Queen? Tight race with Billy Joel for biggest hacks out there. They heard original idea men David Bowie and Elton John and said, let's do that but way way worse and more annoying and then we can pretend we're artistic. It fucking sucks.
Rock opera!!!!
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Most of my Queen Exposure has been through their greatest hits packages and I wasn't familiar with this album at all. First listen I wasn't too sure, but by the end of the 2nd listen I was sold.
Struggled to get into this. Too much prog.
There should be a 2 album per band limit and I don’t think Queen II cracks the top 2 for Queen
3.5 Good but not quite my taste
This is definitely not the Queen I know from their massive hits. And I like that.
really surprised I've never consciously listened to any of these songs before
Less dramatic, less operatic and camp than the usual Queen. Listenable - some good guitar work. Mostly 'meh.
Undoubtedly a powerful record, but the fantasy theme just doesn't hit as hard as I'd like
Not my favourite work of Queen. Ogre Battle sure was something.
De 2e helft was een stuk beter maar jezus wat was het 1e deel kut. 2.5 sterren
No es uno de mis favoritos de Queen, pero tiene joyitas, como todos.
Not the strongest queen album in my opinion. Still a pleasant listen. But won't come back to it.
I am blown away by this album. When you think of what a Rock concept album is trying to be and what it can accomplish, this album fits the bill. The progression of the sound and story from start to finish is amazing- it captivates your ear and makes you wonder whats coming next. The instrumentation is varied has has such a grand, unique sound. At times it evokes a baroque, regal feeling (QUEEN- get it!?) And yet at others, it is hard hitting 70s rock. And of course, Freddie Mercury's vocals are power- as are the other singers. The vocal play and harmonies are numerous and effective. Overall- I really enjoyed this one and can definitely see myself throwing it on start to finish in the future
I legitimately don’t know a single song on here which is baffling. This is some nerd shit. Like everyone involved deserves a swirly. Ogre Battle…c’mon guys. This album’s bad. There no song on here that’s memorable. Some songs found like bad Bowie deep cuts, some sound like the worst track on a mid prog album. It’s kind of baffling that this is on here. The next Queen album at least sound like the band the world would fall in love with. This is just bad. Which is a bummer considering what comes later.
Not really a queen fan
More interesting than I suspected, but when I get a whiff of their future descent into radiodom I recoil. May is a phenomenon, Taylor solid. I like the exploding of structure. When they're heavier, they're better.
Never a fan of Early Queen. Only appreciated them much later and only in small doses. I admire their ingenuity and theatricality!
Queen is among my all-time favorite bands, and I'll admit, it took a little while for me to really get this album. I'm only at a 4 (instead of a 5) because there are a slew of others in Queen's catalog that I personally like more, but it's telling that more than one devotee I know lists this as their favorite Queen album. In many ways — and certainly most consistently — this album showcases the band at its heaviest and most explorative and hints at so many elements that would work their way into the band's later material as flourishes and adornments. I'm thinking vocal harmonies that burst like thunder, Brian May's blistering guitar (often in harmony), drum fills that take you by surprise, and so much more. The band is tight as hell and completely on its own path, and you can hear so much of what is to come in the wild meanderings of this record. It's a great inclusion in this endeavor as it's one that non-Queen acolytes are likely not familiar with, but it really helps define who this band is.
This was my first time hearing this. It was a lot to process. Too much, honestly. Overall, it's an album of promise and potential, but it lacks their later brilliance. Not a bad listen. I'm sure if I gave it more spins, I would rate this higher. I'm just not willing to put in the effort.
I mean...Queen. C'mon! Who can't vibe to this. I tend to think of myself as this pop/folk/Swift-Dylan head but then I hear this and am reminded how much I just love good old rock, Brian May's guitar chops, and everything about Freddy. I was completely unfamiliar with this album and even without any of the well-known bangers it strikes me as an album everyone needs to hear.
This meandering silliness is fun because it is full of Queen’s heaviness, Brian May wailing, crunching, chewing the scenery with Mercury, while bass and drums stomp and swagger. Didn’t know any of these tunes aside from the closer, and enjoyed this as a heavy Queen vibes repast, garnished with orc piffle. I wrote most of the above only halfway through the album, sure that it would apply to the rest. And so it proved: a comfy time was had.
As you know, I'm pretty "prog tolerant", but this mostly sounded aimless and quite badly recorded. Seven Seas of Rhye carries the album
Everything up to Ogre Battle is good. From there on, every song is great
Love early Queen, this is a masterpiece of glam-rock, fantastical songs and great guitar. I still have the LP of this.
I love Queen. They were the first band I ever fell in love with, so there will always be some bias here. That said, this is not one I have revisited as much as some of the others. “Seven Seas of Rhye” is superb. Such a brilliant song. It is dramatic, melodic and full of swagger. I have so many memories of watching Queen at Wembley on TV and this song always takes me straight back there. There may not be many of the obvious greatest hits on this record, but that does not matter. As a complete piece it is ambitious and theatrical, split between the light and dark sides, and it really shows the band’s creativity in their early years. It feels bold and imaginative, and I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. Favourite song: Seven Seas of Rhye Least favourite: Procession Album artwork: An iconic cover. One of the most recognisable images in rock history
Not as good as I was expecting :(
I understand the appeal (I guess), and the album is maximalist in every way. Orchestral, solos, songs about ogres and magic, whatever. But I find it way too corny to be enjoyable.
Bello senz'altro, si capisce perché sono stati riconosciuti anche quando la scena rock era così satura. Nonostante mi senta di mancare di rispetto a leggende del genere non posso dare 5, ma è stato un piacevole ascolto comunque, insomma sono i Queen
Excellent! Have only ever heard Queen on the radio, this was great!
Glammy, arty, proggy, fantastical. Some crazy arrangements and strong playing. Lyrics about queens and ogres and shit. Harmonies galore - vocal, guitar, you name it! No doubt that these guys are insane musicians and talented and clever songwriters. I can respect it more than I really enjoy it. For all the styles they cover and twists and turns they make, it’s a pretty cohesive album. Not many songs stand out here, which can be a good thing for the album sake but also makes little pop for me to want to revisit. Overall it’s fine - enjoyable listen but not something I’ll go back to much.
Spinal Tap-esque
Solid rock & roll
Upbeat and fun to listen to. Queen is the best.
My first full Queen album. It's a whole lot more than than the sum of its parts, which makes me quite excited about their other albums, given how good the hits are. 4/5
Hmmm. I don’t recognize any one of these songs by title. Very curious now. Nothing memorable. I suppose you could hear the potential they had. This record had some corny lyrical themes.
Not bad, but missing a single.
Holds up.
This was better than I thought!
Good, kinda funky
Oh, this is a fun one. Playful and harder than glam. Lots of fantasy tropes. Good stuff.
I did not expect to be underwhelmed by a Queen album, but it's still quite an explosive and fun early effort.
QUEEN MADE QUEEN II A CONCEPTUAL ALUM ABOUT 2 QUEENS????? 10/10.
10/10
Not as good as I expected. There were a couple songs that hit harder than expected which was nice but most of it was forgettable. Seven Seas of Rye was the only standout that sounded like the Queen I am used to. I’m sure some of the sounds on here were new and exciting in 1974 but they did it all better later.
Loved this. I realized my conception of Queen was mostly just a Freddie Mercury show, mostly propped up by greatest hits / singles, but this project really feels like a much bigger picture of the band as a unit and their collective flow and creativity. I actually liked that I didn't recognize any of the songs, I was able to just enjoy the ride.
I like Queen, some of their singles are banging, but I’m not a big fan. Unfortunately, this album mostly magnifies things I do not like about them. Corny prog and metal guitar parts, dramatic opera like vocals, all without an actual decent hook or song… It is interesting to hear this period, to see how they were still developing and searching, but further than that, I’d never listen to this album again.
Queen is just classical music in the best way. That being said it’s just not very captivating to me.
Hey guys I need to learn how to rate albums-I clicked sthg and can't get back into it to rate B. Joel /the Stranger-it's an album from my childhood,grew up w/it in L.I. where it's the law to love him LOL - I know it by heart. I started w/you all on this day (7/31) so I've been going back on the wknds to catch up w/you! Almost done - Wilco album is on now.
I hated this. It actually irritated me and made me angry.
This isn't my favorite Queen album. It doesn't resonate much with me overall. It lacks cohesion.
Never been a fan. I think it goes back to the guitar tone. It's just everywhere. It cuts through to the point of almost feels like it belongs in another band altogether. If you remove that you have a pretty proggy band. Maybe that's the point. In the end - I just don't really care about the various queens and ogres that populate this album.
weaker than other queen albums strong 3 69
Enjoyed this album. My first Queen album all the way through. Father to Son was a stand out.
I was introduced to this album in the early 80s, which I consider fortuitous given that the entire album is a deep cut. But do what I did then… drop the needle on “Side Black” which begins with Ogre Battle. What an amazing set of fantastical songs. And every member of the band in full stride. And hey, Side White is cool too.
Nice album.
Lehetett volna picit változatosabb.
Keep working on it fellas. I think you could do ok with some more practice.
There were a few songs that I enjoyed, namely White Queen, The March of the Black Queen, and Seven Seas of Rhye. I've never been overly infatuated with Queen, and that thought still stands. It was completely fine, wasn't great, wasn't bad.
A lush epic in which Queen homes in on the sound they became famous for. Massive, complex, and thought provoking compositions bolstered by a sonic tapestry built around Brian May's beautifully engineered guitar architecture (guitarchitecture?) and Freddie Mercury's mercurial vocals ;). Roger Taylor and John Deacon not only support this whole stratified monstrosity (which is continually threatening to cave in due to the sheer weight), they solidify and amplify the orchestration. This album gets more impressive every time I hear it. What an extremely good and interesting band Queen was.
These guys were so amazing, right out of the box. This album suffers from the same conundrum as Help! It's amazing but is almost impossible to fairly judge because, from here, it stands in the shadows of the legends that follow.
very very good album. still enjoyed a night at the opera slightly more than this one
I was surprised to find this is much heavier and more fantasy themed than some of Queen’s later stuff that I’m more familiar with. Each track follows on nicely from the one before and, while none of the songs are amazing, the album as a whole feels greater than the sum of its parts. Though, I particularly liked Nevermore, White Queen (As It Began), and The March Of The Black Queen.
Can I shock you? I’ve never really got Queen. It’s all just a bit cheesy. They’ve got some bangers don’t get me wrong, I’ll shake my arse to Fat Bottom Girls all night long. But I can’t imagine they have strength and depth in the deep cuts. Don’t think they will ever trouble the 1s and 2s, but can’t really give this any more than a 3, it was fine. Simpsons: Yes
It was alright, solid 3 stars. Nothing on this album was as good as any of their big well known songs.
it was ok, didn't love it but didn't hate it
I liked it. 3.5
Alright.
Very nice cohesive album where the sum is better than the parts. 3.5/5
Does not need to be here, it's fine
Solid album. Love Mercury on this one
Populist classic prog, which, as a poptimist who never really had a classic prog phase in her youth, I’m fine with. But it’s still prog — and indistinct prog, at that. It’s just kind of…there, and while Queen oozes talent, they never put it all together. There’s no truly transcendent moment on Queen II, and that results in a bland record that completely washes over me. But at least it’s not so over the top that I’m annoyed. I’ll never revisit this again, though.
I don't know if was me or my sister who had The Best of Queen on cassette back in the day. It doesn't really matter, as it was a family favorite and played consistently on road trips. Played so much that I can no longer handle those hits and got tired of Queen, but now that I am older I can like going through Queen's catalog and listening to the songs that weren't ruined for me by overplaying.
I've never enjoyed Queen in the round, only in singles and bursts. This is good, and has interesting songs but it didn't grip me.
An early masterpiece. Queen have not completely evolved yet, but with the BoRap prototype "March of the Black Queen", the glorious "White Queen" and the kind of crazy "Fairy Feller's Master Stroke", which is the soundtrack to a painting, it's all there and with "Seven Seas of Rhye" there's even a first little hit single. One of my favorite records since my childhood!
Weirdly mid
relisten
Queen don't miss. While this isn't my favorite Queen album it's still pure bangers.
Queen was always “a lot”. But this is waaaay too much. I felt like I should be tossing up “jazz hands” as this reminded me more of a rocking show choir performance than the band that would become iconic just a handful of years later.
before Queen became who they really were. more prog rock and less poppy arena rock that would make them famous.
It's on my radar now as a cult album—gothic, theatrical, and totally over the top. I’ll need more time with it before it becomes a favorite, but I can already hear the seeds of Queen’s madness in full bloom.
This struck me as a little Zeppelin crossed with the muppets. I did dig in when it got heavy. Guitars excellent. But not a ton cohesive in here. Kinda disappointing despite the immense talent.
No no. These Queens had some growing up to do yet. At this point we were not hearing fully formed Queens. These were merely princesses.
One of my favorite things that an album can do is flow from one song into another. I think it really shows an intentionality to making an album, rather than just making a collection of songs. Queen is very good at that, even in their early days. Ogre Battle had me really worried that the second half of the album was going to be, uh, not good, but that song kind of stands alone as not great. Besides Ogre Battle being pretty rough, none of the other songs really stood out, good or bad. The whole album has an early/rough Queen Sound (tm), which they obviously refined later. The album misses out on being great, though, imo. Favorite Song(s): Some Day One Day, Nevermore
I respect Queen for what they did and it was fun to hear something else than the same hit singles for once, but this band just fails to click with me.
Queen certainly has its place here, but I always find them a tad overrated. Pretty good nonetheless.
As usual with a Queen album that is not a "greatest hits", there are fillers and songs I don't care about. Still a great powerful sound overall, tho. Legendary band, no matter what.
Least favorite Queen album of the first 4
Not sure what this one is doing here? Nothing great about this one.
This one was interesting....thought I'd know every song but not at all! Sounded like freddy wasnt the only one singing too, I liked it! Not my most favorite of Queen songs but i like how they mixed it up
Queen was the first band I seriously got into. I'd describe Queen II as one of my \"gateway albums,\" as it helped pave the way for the development of my music taste. Queen was a stepping stone that got me into hard rock and (Queen II especially) opened the door for me to get into more artsy and complex rock. Eventually I discovered the classics of progressive rock, which after over 4 years is still my most cherished genre. I do think this album is tragically let down somewhat by its less-than-ideal production quality and mixing. But I think the majority of the songwriting is really great. The guitar work on this album is super. And I've always had a fondness for the more gentle quality of Freddie's early vocals (see \"Nevermore,\" he never sounded like that on later records). I don't listen to Queen very often these days, but I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this album. I feel obliged to give it a 5.
3.75
It's definitely Queen, but it's missing that last little bit of Queen factor to reaally be Queen. 3/5
Solid album. Better than expected
Relatively tame for Queen, but it's still Queen so a solid 3.5 at least
Not the best Queen has to offer, but still Queen.
Pre-listen: I am very excited for this one. Okay disappointed cause I did not know this album didn’t have the bohemian rhapsody. But the other songs were pretty good, I think there is a vibe going on, the songs are all different yet so good together, definitely has that black and white swan thing going on there. Would listen again 100%. 7.8/10
Queen were so good both lyrically and musically! This album has layers and each layer good!
I initially gave this a light 3.5 when I first heard it, but I’ve heard it a few more times since then and it’s lowered in my estimation every time. Other than “Seven Seas of Rhye”, side B is verrrrry trying for me. Honestly, my favorite song on the record is Roger Taylor’s “The Loser in the End”. I get why a lot of people really dig it, but this could be my least favorite of their 70’s output. 3/5
I think Queen is a band where I'll only really be fond of their popular tracks. But this album is very fun
Amazing. Got the vinyl years ago and was blown away. Ogre Battle, March of the Black Queen, all of it is great. The Brian May vocal song surprised me.
Was hoping to hear some of Queen classics with this album. Disappointing.
Freddie Mercury: best voice in all Rock? There’s a growing consensus online that there’s a good argument for that. Not sure I’m there, but agree he’s definitely in the 🐐discussion. Queen on their sophomore release here is clearly still figuring out there sound. The album is quirky: they sound like T. Rex on “The Loser”. I know it’s Roger and not Freddie on lead vocals, but I still had to check my phone and make sure I was still playing the same album, no joke. You do get a sense of what they’ll become (“Classic Queen”) by the mid/late seventies on the second half of the album. More “operatic,” with some touches of Heavy Metal. I appreciate this start, even if I didn’t wholly love it. More than anything it makes me miss the era of music where a band had the opportunity to release an album or three without the demand for it to be a commercial success, with some nomadic touring to help define their sound and build an audience. A lost art in our modern era where record labels outsource this to TikTok 🙄🙄🙄
Not my favorite queen album but still queen.
Do they save the best 100 until the end. I’ve had the Beatles, Radiohead, Elton John , Rolling Stones and now Queen this week. However this is not their finest. Bombastic to say the least.
"Oh My God! Why isn't this at the top of every music list ever made? This album is astonoshing. It's massive hit, after masive hit!! It's almost like it's a Greates ... " ... CLANG This was the moment the penny finally dropped and I realised I'd fallen into the age old trap of Alexa playing whatever the hell she feels like. I had in fact been listening to Queen's Greatest Hits Volume 2. I mean it says a lot that Volume 2 manages to have banger after banger. Volume 1 must be sensational. This album? It was OK. Truth be told I've always found Queen a little bit itrritating. The band finding on their way to finiding their iconic sound.
This really is a fantastic album, and for Queen to make such an album without any major hits on it is a huge display of their talent. Favorite track: Seven Seas of Rhye
I just think that we could have chosen better Queen records.
From Father to Son rocked, the instrumentals were great Love how the songs transition from one to another Ogre battle was good Rest of the album felt like regular queen, it was okay - I did like the transition between songs being mostly seamless I'm still not the biggest fan of Queen, but I'd give this a 3.5 if I could
Awful prog rock monstrosity. So different to their later pop/rock work.
the first song is an instrumental intro to the album and from the first note you can tell it’s a queen album because of brian may’s tone. it’s one of the most recognizable guitar tones in the history of recorded music. of course, freddie mercury’s vocals are in fine form. and the rhythm section is top notch. in short, it has everything you would expect from a queen album… full of pomp and extravagance. this was just their second album, yet it would lay the groundwork for queen albums to come. highlights: “father to son” “the loser in the end” “the march of the black queen” “seven seas of rhye”
I’m just not that into Queen’s earlier albums. Seven Seas of Rhye is probably my least favorite “hit” of theirs and it’s still the best thing on this record.
I have never heard even one song off this album before because I am a fake fan but this hooked me right from the first track. Super neat way to start off the album, and a worthy introduction for the dramatic nature of the rest of the songs. I didn't LOVE every single song, so I'm only giving this 4 stars, but Procession, Father To Son, White Queen (As It Began), The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, Nevermore, The March Of The Black Queen, and Seven Seasons Of Rhye stood out to me as favourites. The rest of the songs are still good but I think my expectations of Queen are just much higher than other albums on this list since they are such a phenomenal band
3.5/5
Queen is Queen
Power ballads galore, there's an interesting tension between their hard rock roots and the more glam, polished sound they were moving towards. The black side/white side concept adds meaningful depth. Some lovely harmonies and creative drumming. There's a bit of this album that (tonally) doesn't seem quite sure what it wants to be, but the high points are good enough to paper over those inconsistencies. It's also clear that Freddie's still working toward his vocal peak, while May surprisingly holds his own when featured. Listened to: at home. Ultimately, it's brash, and seductive despite its minimal flaws, and the iconic cover push it to the upper echelon. Favorite tracks: Father to Son, The Loser in the End, The March of the Black Queen, Nevermore
The loser in the end stood out to me in a good way. It have en old school feel which makes great sense. Queen is just a great artist, would listen to this album again.
Like the rest of you, I'll do this in English from now on... I am a huge Queen fan, but to be fair, this is not peak Queen. Even though, it still is Queeeen and they deliver a steady album wíth variety in the tracklist, which I enjoy. It starts off slowly, but the end with The March of the Black Queen and Seaven Seas of Life is much better. The March is a proper good song - also I like how Funny How Love Is begins where The March ends. Even though they are completely different songs. 4/5 - but Ogre Battle doesn't belong anywhere in music history...
It's queen. It's an album that has a clear structure and songs just flow together
I don't think I've ever listened to this album before even though I feel like I've listened to quite a lot of Queen in my day. It's pretty clear to hear that this is the album where Queen really start to develop their trademark sound, but it's not quite the Queen we know yet. Some of the hardest/heavy Queen I've ever heard. Standouts The Looser In The End The March Of The Black Queen "That's the picture from bohemian rhapsody"/5 (4/5)
ja weer niet een heel top album
Ken deze niet Zal wel 1 van de 10000 albums van Queen zijn in deze lijst Wel prima
sooo this album is good but surely this shouldn't be put on this list over say A Night at the Opera?? or The Game??
First listen Saved 4/11 Top track: Seven Seas of Rhye
Solid but not my fav.
Theatrical happy vibes, plus ogres.
IT WAS OK
3.5. nothing wrong with it, just too many renn faire 60s albums already
catchy and creative with quintessential queen sounds while also having sort of a fantasy bent to it.
Amazing album, had a few experimental bits I wasn't expecting.
I didn't know any of the songs on this album but it was still pretty good. Definitely can see how some say it's their hardest rocking album.
Obviously it is perfect
queen II queen 1974 1. procession: 6/10 2. father to son: 7/10 3. white queen (as it began): 6/10 4. some day one day: 7/10 5. the looser in the end: 5.5/10 6. ogre battle: 7.5/10 7. the fairy feller’s master-stroke: 8.5/10 8. nevermore: 9/10 9. the march of the black queen: 7.5/10 10. funny how love is: 7.5/10 11. seven seas of rhye: 8/10 overall rating: 7.4/10
Ihan on ok musiikkia, mutta ei itseä varten oikeastaan mikään tältä albumilta.
First time listen to this one, not the best but good
I love that this is Queen at their nerdy, mythical, progrock-y. It's incredible that this is the same band that came up with all their more pop-focused stuff. Like how is this the same band that wrote, "Best Friend?" Listening to this makes me want to spray paint a medusa with huge boobs on the side of a van. And I love that.
Second side is better than the first. Good record, but doesn't come close to their best.
Very pleasant and fun but not a hook in the whole album.
This is super weird. Has some of the vibes that Genesis had back in the early days when all their songs were about fairies and gnomes and stuff, not super accessible to a modern ear but if you stick with it you start to hear the blueprint Bohemian Rhapsody rattling around in there. Still better than average, and with a few more listens I might warm up even more.
3.5
This seems to be the point at which Queen were figuring out who they would be. There is a glimpse of what could have been had they continued on a journey of copying the Who and Led Zeppelin, as the first half of the album clearly does. There’s also a glimpse of the eccentric creativity of their quintessential years in the fantasy laden suite that is the second half of the album. The foundations of what would become Bohemian Rhapsody are clearly present in Ogre Battle and The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke. It’s an interesting album to hear a band finding itself and there are enough mini-hooks to keep you coming back for more. It’s also a lot more endearing to hear Queen not knowing they are Queen yet.
Queen is hands down the most overrated band in history. They wrote one true badass song and three of the most marketable tunes in R&R history amd are able to ride those laurels. This record here, "II" was revolutionary in 1968, too bad it was released in 74', a year in which it may cracks the top 100 albums produced. This band was great the first time I heard them, when they were called Led Zepplin. Seriously if Queen or AC/DC or KISS are in your top 20 you're basic AF
classic. one of the goat
Never really liked Queen. And this album does nothing to change that opinion. Banal lyrics. Overwrought musicianship. Horrible production. Next….
Love Queen, loved this album !
Early Queen - more heavy, less pop. Not a record I’d choose to put on. The Loser in the End took me by surprise, Zeppelinesque vocals and breaks!
Of all of the Queen albums this makes the list. Average album at best. Even watching documentaries on Queen they would admit this is not there best work
Never heard this before. It was excellent
I was really surprised by this album because it kind of sounded like a bunch of Led Zeppelin's dorky, Hobbit-inspired b-sides. Which is a huge compliment lol