July 13, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of Queen’s first album – an eponym featuring Keep Yourself Alive and Doing Alright. Queen had been around for three years when their first album came out. By then, John Deacon was already with the group.
The music is Hard Rock mixed with Heavy Metal and Progressive Rock. It’s an exciting introduction to Queen. The music is bold and experimental. It also introduces the impressive musical talents of the musicians like Freddie Mercury’s legendary piano skills, Brian May’s epic guitar skills, Roger Taylor with the drums, and John Deacon as the bass player. Freddie Mercury played the piano in the following pieces My Fairy King, The Night Comes Down, Jesus, and the musical piece Seven Seas of Rhye.
The songs have dynamic compositions. The first example is Keep Yourself Alive regarding the transition in tempos. It starts with the drumsticks hitting together, then shifts to the guitar and the bass. The rhythm is vibrant. Another is the piece Doing Alright, combining Jazz and boldly changes into a spirited, edgy, Old-school Rock beat. It has a peace & love vibe. The guitar solo in this song is fantastic. The record has a remarkable blend of styles: British Rock and Middle Eastern vibe (possibly influenced by Freddie Mercury’s life in Zanzibar), such as the piece Great King Rat and Liar (including belly dancing-style music during the third verse). The tune Liar composition was impressive, including the Hammond organ played by Freddie Mercury (according to sources). Throughout the record, there are fantastic, edgy changes in tempo. The piece My Fairy King indicates future hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Seven Seas of Rhye.
The album has an impact on future albums. The first example is the song Modern Times Rock & Roll with a Rock & Roll beat that’s possibly similar to one heard in the tune Stone Cold Crazy from the 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack. The Night Comes Down has a fantastic guitar intro, then transitions to a slow drum beat to go into the bass. It also has a fun mix of Folk and Hard Rock. The composition is phenomenal. The tune Son and Daughter has an impressive blend of Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal and some Operatic parts. The gradient rhythm adds a bold touch. The album ends with a brief musical version of Seven Seas of Rhye – the famous hit single on their next record Queen II and Queen.
The music throughout the record is multifaceted in composition and rhythm.
Freddie Mercury was the lead vocalist throughout the album. He was already bold and experimental with his vocal range. That is an indicator of the start of the epic Queen phenomenon.
Roger Taylor did both lead vocals and backing vocals. He added a unique touch to Doing Alright, My Fairy King and Modern Times Rock & Roll. He sounded edgy, including when he performed with Freddie Mercury in the piece Doing Alright.
Brian May also did the backing vocals on various tracks. He has a husky voice that gives those songs a distinct touch.
Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and Brian May sang incredibly, sometimes together. Their voices complemented one another.
Another musician who did backing vocals, John Anthony, not a member of Queen, did an excellent job. He did the backing vocal for the segue piece Modern Times Rock & Roll.
The voices of these four men are incredible. They boldly brought their respective vocal styles to Queen’s first album.
The lyrics are diverse and deep. Sometimes, some of the songs are abstract yet full of imagination. The album has creative storytelling through metaphors. The words of each song are poetic. Some songs, like Great King Rat and Jesus, have a storytelling style. Great King Rat is a straightforward story about a not-so-kind king. Jesus tells the biblical story of Jesus Christ with Rock-style music. The tune Son and Daughter is about a woman trying to live the way women and men live, without gender-specifics. These tunes tell stories in great detail with fantastic imagery.
Other songs have introspective-style writing. Keep Yourself Alive feels like a pep talk to oneself and others, which is remarkable. Doing Alright is a heartfelt piece about how things will get better. My Fairy King mentions “mother mercury,” which some say is an introduction to the Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The Night Comes Down is a profound song about feeling lost and uncertain.
The piece Modern Times Rock & Roll is a brief but exciting segue to the songs that follow it.
Throughout the record, each piece has a read-between-the-lines way of understanding and interpreting them through freestyle writing. These songs are unique, written with heart and soul.
Although none of the singles are on the best hits albums (Volumes I, II & III), it remains an exciting album that starts Queen’s musical journey.
Happy 50th anniversary to Queen’s first album!
Flora Youssef
