Check out these new and used Queen vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Queen vinyl collection with the essential albums A Kind Of Magic, Flash Gordon and Hot Space. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Queen: A Legendary Musical Journey

The Formation of Royalty

Formed in 1970, Queen, the iconic British rock band, is a legendary ensemble that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. The band’s original lineup consisted of Freddie Mercury (vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Each member brought unique talents and styles, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound.

Albums that Defined an Era

1. “Queen” (1973): A Majestic Debut

Queen’s self-titled debut album, released in 1973, showcased the band’s versatility and innovative approach to rock music. The album featured classics like “Keep Yourself Alive” and “Liar,” establishing Queen as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The fusion of rock and progressive elements hinted at the band’s future experimentation.

2. “Queen II” (1974): A Conceptual Triumph

Building on the success of their debut, “Queen II” (1974) is a conceptual masterpiece. Divided into two sides, the “White Side” and the “Black Side,” the album introduced a thematic element to their work. With tracks like “Seven Seas of Rhye” and “The March of the Black Queen,” the band showcased their ability to create a cohesive musical narrative.

3. “Sheer Heart Attack” (1974): Breaking Boundaries

Released later in 1974, “Sheer Heart Attack” marked Queen’s exploration into various musical genres. The album featured the hit single “Killer Queen,” a glam rock anthem that catapulted them to international stardom. The eclectic nature of the album, ranging from hard rock to ballads, hinted at Queen’s future experimentation.

4. “A Night at the Opera” (1975): Opera Meets Rock

Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music, “A Night at the Opera,” (1975) showcased Queen’s audacious creativity. The album featured the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a six-minute masterpiece that seamlessly blended rock, opera, and ballad elements. The album’s diverse tracks solidified Queen’s reputation as musical innovators.

5. “A Day at the Races” (1976): Regal Excellence

Following the success of “A Night at the Opera,” Queen released “A Day at the Races” in 1976. The album continued the band’s trend of incorporating diverse musical styles, with tracks like “Somebody to Love” showcasing Freddie Mercury’s vocal prowess. The album was a critical and commercial success, further establishing Queen as rock royalty.

6. “News of the World” (1977): A Rock Anthem Extravaganza

Known for its iconic cover art, “News of the World” (1977) presented a departure from Queen’s progressive sound. Embracing a more straightforward rock approach, the album featured hits like “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” These anthems became synonymous with sports events and are still celebrated today.

7. “The Game” (1980): Embracing New Wave

As the 1970s came to a close, Queen adapted to the changing musical landscape with “The Game” (1980). Embracing elements of new wave and synth-pop, the album featured the chart-topping single “Another One Bites the Dust.” This foray into different genres showcased Queen’s ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.

8. “A Kind of Magic” (1986): Soundtrack Royalty

Released as the soundtrack to the film “Highlander,” “A Kind of Magic” (1986) featured some of Queen’s most memorable tracks. The title track, along with “Princes of the Universe,” contributed to the album’s success. Queen’s ability to create music that complements visual storytelling was evident in this soundtrack.

9. “Innuendo” (1991): A Poignant Farewell

“Innuendo“ (1991) proved to be one of Queen’s final studio albums before Freddie Mercury’s untimely death. The album featured a blend of hard rock, ballads, and progressive elements. The title track, along with “The Show Must Go On,” reflected Mercury’s resilience in the face of his deteriorating health, making it a poignant farewell.

Influences and Inspirations

Bands Similar to Queen

1. Led Zeppelin: Rock Pioneers

With a blend of blues, rock, and folk influences, Led Zeppelin shares similarities with Queen in terms of musical experimentation and stage presence. Both bands pushed the boundaries of conventional rock music during their respective eras.

2. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO): Orchestral Rock

ELO’s incorporation of orchestral elements into rock music draws parallels to Queen’s eclectic style. The symphonic arrangements in both bands’ works contribute to a grandiose and cinematic listening experience.

3. David Bowie: Collaborative Creativity

Queen’s collaboration with David Bowie on “Under Pressure“ showcased the intersection of different musical styles. Bowie’s ability to reinvent himself and experiment with genres mirrors Queen’s own commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock.

Bands Influenced by Queen

1. Muse: Progressive Rock Evolution

Muse, a contemporary rock band, has openly acknowledged Queen’s influence on their music. Both bands share a penchant for theatrical performances, intricate musical arrangements, and genre-blending experimentation.

2. My Chemical Romance: Theatrical Rock

Known for their theatrical stage presence and emotional intensity, My Chemical Romance draws inspiration from Queen’s ability to convey powerful narratives through their music. Both bands have left a lasting impact on the rock genre.

3. Foo Fighters: Energetic Rock

Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, have cited Queen as an inspiration for their energetic and dynamic rock sound. Queen’s influence on the evolution of rock music is evident in the Foo Fighters’ diverse discography.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Queen’s legacy extends far beyond their time together as a band. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and their impact on the rock genre is immeasurable. Whether through Freddie Mercury’s unparalleled vocal range, Brian May’s distinctive guitar riffs, Roger Taylor’s powerful drumming, or John Deacon’s solid bass lines, Queen remains a musical force that transcends the boundaries of time.

In conclusion, Queen’s journey from a groundbreaking debut to global superstardom is a testament to their musical genius and innovative spirit. Their ability to seamlessly blend genres, experiment with sounds, and create timeless classics has solidified their place in the pantheon of rock music. As we celebrate the enduring legacy of Queen, their music continues to reign supreme, reminding us that the champions of rock will always be remembered.