"Queen II" is the English group's great second offering (1974). It shows all of who they were, and all of where they were heading musically. With much improved studio skills and song writing than their debut LP, "Queen II" is an outstanding sophmore effort. The band succeeds in developing their mystical,regal image with heavier songs such as "Father to Son", "Ogre Battle" & "Seven Seas of Rhye" (this being their first single to enter the British charts), while also foreshadowing their epic "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the song "The March of the Black Queen". Freddie Mercury's song writing and piano skills come to the fore on this CD, writing all of side "Black" (the album had originally listed side 1 as "White", side 2 as "Black"). Guitarist Brian May makes his first solo vocal appearance with his outstanding "Some Day One Day". Drummer Roger Taylor wrote and sang "Loser in the End". Although it was panned by the press at the time of it's release, in hindsight, this LP is a defining moment in the Band's history, being an essential springboard toward the "Classic" sound they were to achieve partly on their third record "Sheer Heart Attack" and fully realized on their fourth, "A Night At The Opera" A must have CD!!Read full review
Queen II bridges their first album with hints of what is to come. This is the only album in their catalog that has elements of the four stages of this group's evolution (excluding their stint with Paul Rodgers -- good album; shouldn't be called a Queen album though). This album has simple lilting melodies of their last 3 albums (when Freddie was ill); their master works of messing with sonic assaults and studio wizardry in Sheer Heart Attack, Night at the Opera, & Day At the Races and their poppy efforts including The Game, Hot Space, Kind of Magic, Flash Gordon and News of the World. This Hollywood Records re-release has bonus tracks. The remixes of Ogre and Seven Seas are interesting (originals are better). Ogre Battle foreshadows Sweet Lady. Father to Son is one Brian May's best. Loser in the End is one of Roger Taylor's best. Mercury and Deacon contributions are on par as well. This version of the album seems to be very cleanly re-engineered. Good album and value.Read full review
Queen's sophomore effort is a thing of beauty and the foundation of their future, truly unique style. This album begins to coalesce the fantasy, drama and theatrics that in all the best, most complimentary ways, became trademark to the band. The album is thematic, a linked story from song to song, with characters (Black Queen, Mab, faeries and ogres) which are drawn from Medieval tales, folklore and even Peter Pan. The musicianship is stellar, and the entire concept works seamlessly from beginning to end, engaging the listener and really offering an album of pleasurable substance. It's a total must have for any Queen fan or someone just learning of the band....you won't be disappointed.
This is one of Queen's best works and I needed a second copy after my old one gave out. Truly awesome work. It's sort of a concept album they really made magic here!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The song most would know is probably Seven Seas of Rhye which is on this disc twice .second version is extended version..no synthesizers. I love all Queen's catalog. 14 tracks some heavier than others and then heamazing Freddie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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