Queen - The Singles Collection

First of four boxes, with classics aplenty

Taking in the band’s UK single/ EP releases of 1973-79, this 13-CD set reproduces, in glowing sound and miniature sleeves, the grandeur that was Queen in their pomp. The quartet’s A-side glories take in the insistent Keep Yourself Alive, chorale Seven Seas Of Rhye, flashy Killer Queen, reflective Now I’m Here, operatic Bohemian Rhapsody, dainty You’re My Best Friend, pleading Somebody To Love, raging Tie Your Mother Down, whimsical Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, majestic We Are The Champions, lofty Spread Your Wings, chirpy Bicycle Race and urgent Don’t Stop Me Now.

In other words, it’s pomp-rock covering all the bases, pricking the gamut of positive human emotions, with consummate songcraft and delivery, all four players chipping in with hits. On top of that, there’s a plethora of B-sides, some classics in their own right, such as I’m In Love With My Car, the sweet acoustic 39, rousing We Will Rock You, visceral Sheer Heart Attack, and stomping Fat Bottomed Girls.

While the remainder don’t all scale the heights, there’s more than enough to remind us of the depth of Queen’s catalogue as one of the great singles bands; and there’s plenty for Ben Elton’s second We Will Rock You. They always have, they always will.

EMI/Parlophone | 50999 2 43358 29 (13-CD)

Reviewed by Tim Jones
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