Queen is a British band formed in 1970 consisting of: Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano John Deacon - Bass guitar Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals Bohemian Rhapsody, written by Freddie, was recorded in 1975 using 24 track analog tape (digital didn't exist) with overdubbing of the choruses (which were sung by Freddie, Roger, & Brian) many times and then "bouncing" these down to successive sub-mixes. This technology was ahead of its time. (Remember: Autotune or anything like it didn't exist nor did synthesizers). Even though the video shows all 4 of the members singing the intro, it isn't true. In reality, it is just Freddie recorded on 5 separate tracks, harmonizing with himself. Queen is considered to be a British Rock group even though its catalog consists of a multitude of genres. They wrote and recorded not just progressive rock but hard rock, soft rock, rock and roll, punk rock, arena rock, R & B, glam rock, soul, blues, jazz, gospel, ballads, funk, thrash rock, folk, opera, classical, and songs mixing genres together for a new sound. You probably know more Queen songs than you realize. Ever heard "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You', or "We Are The Champions"? All Queen hits. Queen is one of the most influential bands in music history. Their music has been sampled thousands of times. Lady Gaga got her stage name because she was she loved the Queen song "Radio Gaga". Vanilla Ice stole the bass riff from the Queen/David Bowie song "Under Pressure" for his hit "Ice Ice Baby" ( it was so obvious so he got caught). People who listen to Hip Hop claim that they are always hearing parts from Queen songs in Hip Hop music. If you dig deeper, I think that you will be amazed.
For me it is always a reminder that there were vocalists like Freddie, like no one else, one in a few million, this time no autotune, no production possibilities like now. So unique.
Remember they could only record the entire song on a 24 track. This was recorded in the 1970’s. So the 3 voices and each instrument could only use 24 tracts. No auto tune. The chime was for his shivers going down his spine. Freddie was able to write any type of music including classical opera. Brian was able to organize the instrumentals. Roger and John could provide the spine in each song. Listen carefully during the operatic section and you’ll hear Roger singing longer than Freddie and Brian. Because he had such a high clear voice Freddie wanted Roger’s voice to continue. Such genius. It breaks my heart the music we missed due to Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991. Watch the music to the movie Highlander and you’ll hear songs from each member. I love Deacon’s One Year Of Love and Brian’s Who Wants To Live Forever. You know Queen. You just don’t know you do. Lol.
There will never be another Freddie Mercury! Queen is the absolute best band, ever!👑💓l just love it when someone hears and sees Queen for the first time. Every one of their songs is well worth the listen! Thanks for sharing this with us.
This song actually does have a form: a rhapsody is a long musical piece where nothing repeats. "Bohemian" was an expression that connoted somthing unusual, different from the norm. I think you will find that Queen never stuck to any particular genre. They were able to perform and excel in many area;. You really need to hear them live to appreciate what great musicians they were. Many of their songs were not adaptable to the stage, but oh boy! Queen live will suprise you! Try Stone Cold Crazy live at the Rainbow 1974, you will see that had rap been a genre back then, Freddie would have killed it. (Even tho this was a precurser to speed metal.)
Freddie Mercury was a legend ahead of his time. Under appreciated during his life, what a huge loss. I am shocked you never heard this song in full. It's a classic. Nothing like it. Its unique. His voice is huge.
Every time you listen to Queen there will be different genres, usually well ahead of its time . Recommend you listen to “Somebody to Love” live at Montreal 1981. Queen would be really happy to hear what you say, they excelled at shows .. hope you come down the Queen rabbit hole. 👑❤️👑❤️👑
The intro is all Freddie.. (even tho it shows them all singing). There’s several videos about how this was made on a 2in 24track tape. Also.. this was the 1st music video made.. they made it because they were touring and needed some way to get this song played on BBC music show to promote it! All this done in 1975, quite ground-breaking for the time!!
When performing the members of Queen always worked flawlessly as a team..helping each other with vocals etc...they were so professional...so polished... beautiful ❤️❤️
Out of control song is "a rhapsody." This is what they created for $5000 to air on a show they couldn't appear in person on and with it they changed the music industry, challenged rock song structure, moved the needle to launch MTV and continues to influence countless artists and bands to this day - 47 years later. It's a tale that sounds breathtaking beautiful and soulfully sad at the same time. You can be confused by it, say it's 3 songs what's the point, but the VISION that committed to seeing it through to the end when told no one would play it because it is too long IS the masterstroke.
Freddie's vocals...beautiful and unique, the layers of harmonies, piano and bass at beginning....it's a song that takes you on a rollercoaster ride....
To understand the genius, you must understand what a rhapsody consists of in total. It’s not just the title. “What is a musical Rhapsody? A piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas. A Rhapsody is all about dynamics: light and shade, high and low, loud and soft, happy and sad… It’s a story, a journey and usually quite the musical ride.” Source: Classical Music - BBC.
So you took one of the greatest classic of all times to vibe. Bravo, Sean. Queen is one of the greatest bands of all times, and Freddie Mercury was a genius of music. 💜
Great reaction to Freddie's masterpiece. The Queen members were true pioneers many ways either in songwriting or recording and performing live, they were full of creativities.
Nice reaction! The genre is Progressive Rock, it is a Rock Opera, the song comes from the album, A Night At the Opera. Rock has quite a few subgenres, Progressive Rock is the most complex form of rock, it is music with a lot of key changes, different rhythms and a lot of cords. Progressive Rock often combines classical music and jazz to rock. There were a few Progressive Rock bands in the early 70's, but generally they each had their own style and sound. It can sometimes be somewhat of a niche genre because not everyone enjoys complex music, it is sometimes seen as a genre for musical nerds, that enjoys musical theory. But Queen managed to produce complex music that still remains very catchy and easy too listen to. In the first half of the 70's Queen did a lot of Progressive Rock, Hard Rock and Metal. They incorporated other styles though the years, they were a very diverse band and they basically did any genre that was available at the time, they even helped to invent some new genres such as Thrash Metal. Basically Queen did anything from Metal and Rockabilly to Funk, Gospel and Motown, they even did some very old styles (from 1890 - 1930) such as Vaudeville and Ragtime. You definitely know some other Queen songs as well, such as We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Another One Bites The Dust and Under Pressure. Their sound is somewhat impossible to copy, but there are some other bands and artists that have incorporated some of their sounds, such as Muse, The Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance or The Darkness. Even artists such as Michael Jackson incorporated some of their sounds. Queen is still very popular to this day, they are 4th best selling artists of all time, they had over 50 songs which made it onto the charts during their active time, they were active for 20 years (1971 - 1991), so that is quite a long time to remain on the charts. Only the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury stopped them. As for Bohemian Rhapsody it was written like a tragic opera, by lead singer Freddie Mercury. He actually started writing the song in 1968, before Queen even existed, so it took years to complete. Freddie Mercury loved opera, and he had a very operatic sounding voice. The opening section is just Freddie Mercury harmonizing with himself, it is a 5 part harmony. The song has 5 sections, which actually corresponds with the 5 stages of grieve. If you take the story at face value it is about a young man who killed someone, and he confesses the crime to his mother. He then decides to hand himself over to the authorities. In the opera section he is on trial, it can be a normal trial or it is a trial for his soul between heaven and hell. In the rock section he becomes angry at his situation and then finally in the last section he accepts his fate. That is the basic premise of the song. Freddie Mercury never told anyone the meaning of the song, and he did not want to tell anyone the meaning of the song, his idea was that you can interpret the lyrics to make sense to your personal life, or it is better to create your own meaning and vision about the song. So there is really no correct answers about the meaning of the song, but many do believe that there is a deeper message as well. Instead of killing a man, he might just be killing a part of himself. Everyone has their own interpretations, in my opinion the song is actually about being an artist and an entertainer. There are some clues that points to this, I will just add one, from the opera section, "Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?" That is someone instructing or asking a clown to do a dance or a jig for them. Freddie Mercury was very serious about being an artist and an entertainer, he is often chosen as the best vocalist of all time, and the best frontman of all time. Queen were great live, they have often been voted as the best live band. Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most complex popular songs you will find, the song is full of key changes, there are rhythm changes and the song has 49 different cords (most songs today have 1 - 3 different cords). The song made it to the top of the charts in 1975 upon its release, and in 1992 it reached no.1 again on the charts, the song even charted in 2018. It is also one of the best selling songs of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody has often been voted as the best song of all time. Queen does have other songs that are somewhat similar, not completely, but you can perhaps categorize them similarly. Another great one and no.1 hit is Innuendo - Queen. The song also follows a very free flowing structure, with 5 different sections. I suggest you check out Somebody To Love - Queen live at Montreal 1981, as I said they were great live, sometimes their live versions are better then their studio versions. All of the voices are created by 3 band members, lead singer and pianist Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor - drummer and main back-up vocalist, Brian May - lead guitarist and back-up vocalist. Bass player John Deacon did not sing. Bohemian Rhapsody uses a wide vocal range, of about 3.2 octaves, from G2 - Bb5. Most songs will barely use one octave.
no it is not rock opera you should stop spreading false information also there is no "opera section" in this song you really do not know what you are talking about
Good info. But it's not really an opera. There are some parts sung in an operatic style. It is, as it is named, a Rhapsody. A musical rhapsody specifically.
This song is a journey! It's like three songs in one and you never know where this song will go next :) The piano part is so beautiful and these vocal layers are really crazy when you think about the time they did that (mid-70s), they obviously are legendary band.
Welcome to the rabbit hole....continue on early work WHITE QUEEN live at Hammersmith, IN THE LAP OF THE GODS live at the rainbow, STONE COLD CRAZY.....
I grew up listening to Queen. Bohemian Rhapsody came out when I was in junior high school and it was the topic of many conversations with my classmates. I loved the song because it was unique and thought provoking.
Oh, wow, what an unexpected topic for reaction! It was fascinating to watch you listening and recognising a masterpiece and insane amount of skill and talent. You're right, this isn't a song you'd necessarily listen to at the gym or when calming down etc., but it's definitely worth relistening whenever you feel like going on that journey again. Thanks for taking us along this time, on your first ride!
I truly appreciated your analysis... I HOPE you'll do MORE QUEEN and/or FREDDIE MERCURY solo material... You will find a LOT of fascinating stuff from their albums/favorites they performed in live shows but were never released as singles, aka Deep Cuts. If you need recommendations, JUST ASK THE QUEEN FANS.🖖😁
I was lucky enough to see the inimitable Queen several times live in my lifetime...A Queen concert front row centre is absolutely an out of body experience, enough ecstasy to last several lifetimes. All I can say about dear Freddie is that we should thank the Gods that he used his power for good, otherwise the World would have been in big big trouble.
it's also important to remember that this was all before the age of autotune and other tech. This was pure, raw talent on the part of the musicians. Great reaction!
This is one band I wish I saw live You should check out we will rock you you will enjoy that and after Freddy died Brian may did a song to much love will kill you gives me goosebumps
Brian co wrote 87/88 but it wasn't inc on the Miracle album. Brian debuted it at Freddies tribute April 92. It was his single released soon after off his solo album in sept. Back to the light.
I remember when this was released in 1975, we were gobsmacked. It was a complete game changer as we had neither seen nor heard anything like it, I've loved Queen ever since.
You have to remember that in the 70's, when this came out....there were no videos! We ONLY heard on our radio! Unless you were already a fan and had bought the album! BLEW US AWAY!!!
The Queen rabbit hole is DEEP and amazing. Some absolute Queen musts are: Somebody To Love Montreal '81 Live Aid '85 (said to be the best live rock performance EVER) Liar Rainbow '74 White Queen Hammersmith Odeon
When I watched GREEN DAY the sky just opened up I can’t explain it felt like FREDDIE was there helping the crowd sounds weird but it’s a feeling u have listening and watching the crowd
When venturing through Queen material, it should be noted that all 4 members are song writers....each inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. All 4 are world class musicians. Freddie Mercury is noted as the greatest singer who ever lived for many reasons. His vical range, unlimited lung capacity, vibrato, use of subharmonics, and ability to sing any genre/style flawlessly. Many times in one song. He emphasised/colored each word to get the maximum feeling out of the song. In an era with no real technology, Freddie was a genius in the studio. Brian May was a genius on the guitar. He has a song called Good Company that features a Dixie Land band at the end. Brian created that entire band on his guitar, one note at a time. Good luck and enjoy the journey! I will follow you all the way.
Freddie was technically a very good singer. He never missed a note for example, basically his singing was always perfect. Also the vocal range was quite huge :) This song isn't my personal favourite from them but it's really a classic from Queen.
In fact, this song is composed of six distinct sections: introduction, ballad, guitar solo, opera, rock, and an outro. So it has different genres on the same piece of music: ballad, opera, rock. Definitely, it's a masterpiece!! 🤘🏼🎶
First time I have seen you react. Absolutely sublime reaction. This song is from 1975 and spent 9 weeks at number 1 in the UK. Nothing sounded like this before and actually nor since. It's an absolute masterpiece that will regarded forever as a unique classic. Thank you and best wishes from the UK. Take care
There's a lot more than three or four layers there. This was made back in the days when they had to run the tape back thru every time they wanted to add a layer, and they did it so many times at spots that the tape was nearly clear.
hi sean ! great breakdown / reaction please do more queen u wont be dissapointed with any song freddie n the boys were the best band evern will always be in my opinion
I always thought Queen would always be there like Journey Led Zeppelin Boston Deep Purple Eagles Aerosmith Bachman Turner the list goes on and on never thought Freddie’s passing would have happened he kept it to himself only told so many people to protect the band and family he felt it wasn’t anything to just put out there for somebody to feel sorry for him the media would had been cruel during those days takes courage what he did and I admire and respect how he went about it very humble and was such a loving person from what I have heard from Peter who shared a side of Freddie that only his family band members and genuine friends knew we didn’t know him in that way I am just glad to know he was loved and still loved enjoyed his life and cats now he’s home RIP
The little chime was Brians guitar! homemade by the way. They went to no 1 in the charts for 9 weeks - and again the next decade - and the next! Now they are topping again because of the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Oscarwinning. With Brian May and Roger Taylor as executive producers and consultants. Those two are still touring as Queen + - - by the time it is Adam Lambert - they are touring Europe and UK this summer. A lot of Queen fans hate it - I think it is a wonderful opportunity to hear the music - which would be impossible without guests. Right now it is possible to see a whole live concert with Queen and Paul Rodgers in Ukraine 2008 on UA-cam. It is a fundraiser . - and a blast of a concert - and so devastating to see all those happy people - and think of the situation they are in now. They are truly professionals - and play several instruments - Roger Taylor has made an album where he plays all the instruments as well as sings!
As much as life can be mundane and scheduled, this song is one of those chaotic masterpieces that can break up the monotony of your day and get you pumped up to handle tomorrow's mundane schedule.
Freddie was good friends with a popular DJ back in the day in London. Kenny Evertt. The radio stations wouldn't play it because it was 6 minutes long. Kenny loved it and played it over and over again on his popular show. I think like 14 times. It went to #1 on the charts for 9 weeks. it went to #1 again right after Freddie died.
Bohemian Rhapsody just made the induction list for 2022 National Recording Registry of Congress. In 2004, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame! Freddie received the Ivor Novella Award for this song & Killer Queen. Btw, that piano Freddie is using is the same piano that Paul McCartney used for Let It Be. Now do SOMEBODY TO LOVE studio version then do the live version in Montreal 1981. Thank you!! 🙋♀️👑🌟⭐️💫✨
While Freddie Mercury left everybody to interpret the son on their own, many believe that it's about his struggle of coming out. The first part is about disappointing his parents, especially his mother, when he sings "mama just killed a man" (killing his own former self as straight), "didn't want to make you cry" and "sometimes I wish I wasn't born at all". The second part is about fighting his own demons "will you let me go?“. The last part is about coming to terms, ending with" nothing really matters". For me personally it's the most brilliant song ever written, bringing together so many different music style with great bridges. Also just listening to Freddie's unique voice gives me absolute chills. You're right that you have to be in the correct mood to listen to it. Personally, however, I never get tired listening to it.
Rick Beato did a "What Makes This Song Great" on his UA-cam site and interviewed Brian May, too. Also, somewhere on UA-cam there is a sort of documentary on how Freddie did it. It's an amazing story.
You're right. That song is structured like a novel. We get to follow the evolution of the character as he struggles. I love your take on this song and enjoyed your reaction. You have a new subscriber. ❤️
It’s a Rhapsody. It displays Freddy’s display of his musical talent where he brought in a hint of opera. View his - Live Aid Concert in Wembley Stadium and broadcast around the world. He had a cold and told not to sing because of a sore throat. Freddy said the show must go on. Also, view live concert at Montreal where he sings Somebody to Love
Highly recommend you listen to Bohemian Rhapsody by “Pentatonix”. An A cappella group. No instruments are used. All voices (mainly by Kevin the beat-boxer). Avi is the Bass, Mitch the alto Tenor, Kirsten- Soprano and Scott - tenor (but covers sometimes covers bass duties when Avi is singing in a higher register)
You might not want to play this song often, but it is the BEST song to sing in a group setting. *Everyone* knows the whole song word for word and will sing along. And in the car?! How can you not sing this at the top of your lungs? Of course, as in *Wayne's World* , headbang! (And I play it a LOT and never tire of it.) I saw Queen in 1978 and I remember every detail today. "My" band; the music I live by.
Thanks, Sean... I'm glad you listened with headphones! Hope you will go on to hear more Queen... most of the vocals were Freddie, but Roger (super-high) and Brian were also part of it.. if ever you have time & inclination, I would recommend LIVE "Somebody to Love" - in 1981... no autotune.. lol ua-cam.com/video/LRt2jX1kaYo/v-deo.html
Freddies their first no 1 uk for 9 weeks 1975. It took 3 weeks to record! Freddie wrote and composed it and was the main producer. Brian composed his solo. The heavy guitar riff was one of the few things Freddie wrote on guitar
So true Said unique song the production by freddie made vocals by freddie ate insane and the backing vocals by the other members is outstanding freddie was agenius musician no other can do it like queen freddie legendary masterpiece ever written
Yes this song was multi-tracked on 16 track analog tape. This is an iconic song and a good showing for the talents of the band. Freddie had a voice that was a one off, there will never be another one. That little chime was for 'shivers down my spine" The first time you hear "Anyway the wind blows: there is another ambient sound that is supposed to suggest the wind. They didn't miss a single thing in this production. Thank you for your great reaction. This is a rhapsody which generally does not have a chorus at all. A rhapsody is a number of musical components that carry the same theme, put together without a chorus (in this case, three songs that Freddie had laying around that he had never finished that were part of a similar theme). That is an easy explanation of it musically. Bohemian refers to something being socially unconventional particularly someone involved in the arts, so hence the name of the song, I suppose. But that is the only thing that I can give any insight to because as far as what the song means, Freddie never said, he just wanted to leave it up to the interpretation of the listener. Queen typically does things in their own way, they didn't try to hard to blend into what was popular. All four members write music so there are four different types of music represented in the band. I listen to this song so often and each time, I hear something new. I have been listening to this song since it dropped in 1975. Yep I am old but I still love music.
There are so many great Queen songs and this was just their most famous example. And if you think this was something, check out a bunch of Queen live performances. They were ten times better live than in studio.
Roger Taylor said this was layered so much that you could see through the original tape because of the wear on it. The panning was done by swinging the overhead mic back and forth from what I heard.
Take the time to watch the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody". It was released in 2018. Actor Remi Malik played Freddie Mercury and won the Academy Award for best actor in a movie that year. You find out quite a lot about the band and the life and death of Freddie.
Hi Sean (: cool name (:. when i get this in my ears 1974 i was in chock for 3 days i think and its exact the same sound effects on the right left .stereo and hifi was a really new thing 1974 thats why i get in chock (: You have right there Sean all the different leiers is all Freddie Mercury as harmony sing voice (: Roger Taylor the drummer in queen is a damn gooood singer and juse it when hi drum to really good 🥁👍 THX Sean for a good reaction on Queen 👍🇸🇪👍 your face show that you like this performing 💯%. Sorry for my english):. I am swede. /:
Honestly no queen song is the same as any other. Oh and I guarantee you know at least one more song from them (Does We Will Rock you ring a bell?). BohRap (as its called) has a structure, 6 distinct sections without a chorus: an intro, a ballad segment, a guitar solo an operatic passage, a hard rock part, and a reflective outro coda.
![[RAPPER REACTION] QUEEN - SOMEBODY TO LOVE](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dFNBSIMmW9c/mqdefault.jpg)
![[RAPPER REACTION] QUEEN - SOMEBODY TO LOVE](/img/tr.png)
![PENTATONIX - EVOLUTION OF MICHAEL JACKSON [RAPPER REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7rfCLS5Yu5o/mqdefault.jpg)
![[RAPPER REACTION] TOOL - PNUEMA](/img/n.gif)
Queen is a British band formed in 1970 consisting of:
Freddie Mercury - Lead vocalist and piano
John Deacon - Bass guitar
Roger Taylor - Drummer and vocals
Brian May - Lead guitar and vocals
Bohemian Rhapsody, written by Freddie, was recorded in 1975 using 24 track analog tape (digital didn't exist) with overdubbing of the choruses (which were sung by Freddie, Roger, & Brian) many times and then "bouncing" these down to successive sub-mixes. This technology was ahead of its time. (Remember: Autotune or anything like it didn't exist nor did synthesizers).
Even though the video shows all 4 of the members singing the intro, it isn't true. In reality, it is just Freddie recorded on 5 separate tracks, harmonizing with himself.
Queen is considered to be a British Rock group even though its catalog consists of a multitude of genres. They wrote and recorded not just progressive rock but hard rock, soft rock, rock and roll, punk rock, arena rock, R & B, glam rock, soul, blues, jazz, gospel, ballads, funk, thrash rock, folk, opera, classical, and songs mixing genres together for a new sound.
You probably know more Queen songs than you realize. Ever heard "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You', or "We Are The Champions"? All Queen hits. Queen is one of the most influential bands in music history. Their music has been sampled thousands of times.
Lady Gaga got her stage name because she was she loved the Queen song "Radio Gaga". Vanilla Ice stole the bass riff from the Queen/David Bowie song "Under Pressure" for his hit "Ice Ice Baby" ( it was so obvious so he got caught). People who listen to Hip Hop claim that they are always hearing parts from Queen songs in Hip Hop music.
If you dig deeper, I think that you will be amazed.
Brian is also very good on the piano, he just doesn't do it very often.
And Brian May also has a PhD in Astrophysics.
"This technology was ahead of its time." no it wasn't
also synthesizer existed in 1975
Well said I come from the era and I was saybyup all through your post .
@@RoverWaters just starting to really see them but really only a couple in 74
For me it is always a reminder that there were vocalists like Freddie, like no one else, one in a few million, this time no autotune, no production possibilities like now. So unique.
It's been almost 50 years and this classic never ceases to amaze anyone who discovers it.
It’s truly one of a kind
Remember they could only record the entire song on a 24 track. This was recorded in the 1970’s. So the 3 voices and each instrument could only use 24 tracts. No auto tune. The chime was for his shivers going down his spine. Freddie was able to write any type of music including classical opera. Brian was able to organize the instrumentals. Roger and John could provide the spine in each song. Listen carefully during the operatic section and you’ll hear Roger singing longer than Freddie and Brian. Because he had such a high clear voice Freddie wanted Roger’s voice to continue. Such genius. It breaks my heart the music we missed due to Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991. Watch the music to the movie Highlander and you’ll hear songs from each member. I love Deacon’s One Year Of Love and Brian’s Who Wants To Live Forever. You know Queen. You just don’t know you do. Lol.
The first bit is actually just Freddie harmonising with himself.
What a beast!
I was about to post the same thing! It’s amazing all those are Freddie singing and harmonizing with himself.
There will never be another Freddie Mercury! Queen is the absolute best band, ever!👑💓l just love it when someone hears and sees Queen for the first time. Every one of their songs is well worth the listen! Thanks for sharing this with us.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
This song actually does have a form: a rhapsody is a long musical piece where nothing repeats. "Bohemian" was an expression that connoted somthing unusual, different from the norm. I think you will find that Queen never stuck to any particular genre. They were able to perform and excel in many area;. You really need to hear them live to appreciate what great musicians they were. Many of their songs were not adaptable to the stage, but oh boy! Queen live will suprise you! Try Stone Cold Crazy live at the Rainbow 1974, you will see that had rap been a genre back then, Freddie would have killed it. (Even tho this was a precurser to speed metal.)
Freddie Mercury was a legend ahead of his time. Under appreciated during his life, what a huge loss.
I am shocked you never heard this song in full. It's a classic. Nothing like it. Its unique. His voice is huge.
Every time you listen to Queen there will be different genres, usually well ahead of its time . Recommend you listen to “Somebody to Love” live at Montreal 1981.
Queen would be really happy to hear what you say, they excelled at shows .. hope you come down the Queen rabbit hole.
👑❤️👑❤️👑
"Somebody to love"
@@RycoWW2 thanks for that 👍 ( I didn’t check .. must have auto”corrected” !)
I’m stuck in the hole 🕳 lmao just glad I was a teenager in the 70s 63 years old now and feel young again 🥰🙃
The intro is all Freddie.. (even tho it shows them all singing). There’s several videos about how this was made on a 2in 24track tape. Also.. this was the 1st music video made.. they made it because they were touring and needed some way to get this song played on BBC music show to promote it! All this done in 1975, quite ground-breaking for the time!!
When performing the members of Queen always worked flawlessly as a team..helping each other with vocals etc...they were so professional...so polished... beautiful ❤️❤️
Sean, also check out the technical analysis of Live Aid by Wings Of Pegasus...it's fascinating commentary, and I think you'd really enjoy it!
Welcome to the world of Queen! Their recordings with the harmonies are out of this world and live their even better!
Harmonies off the charts!
@@SeanStaxxMusic And how off the chart is that high note from Roger Taylor at 5:20??
Absolute pure genius...
Out of control song is "a rhapsody." This is what they created for $5000 to air on a show they couldn't appear in person on and with it they changed the music industry, challenged rock song structure, moved the needle to launch MTV and continues to influence countless artists and bands to this day - 47 years later. It's a tale that sounds breathtaking beautiful and soulfully sad at the same time. You can be confused by it, say it's 3 songs what's the point, but the VISION that committed to seeing it through to the end when told no one would play it because it is too long IS the masterstroke.
Fairy Feller!! 😉👑🥂
Freddie's vocals...beautiful and unique, the layers of harmonies, piano and bass at beginning....it's a song that takes you on a rollercoaster ride....
I definitely went on a ride 🤘
Check out Somebody to Love, live in Montreal 1981!!! Freddie's voice is amazing!! 🔥🔥
To understand the genius, you must understand what a rhapsody consists of in total. It’s not just the title. “What is a musical Rhapsody? A piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas. A Rhapsody is all about dynamics: light and shade, high and low, loud and soft, happy and sad… It’s a story, a journey and usually quite the musical ride.” Source: Classical Music - BBC.
So well explained. Thank you!
So you took one of the greatest classic of all times to vibe. Bravo, Sean. Queen is one of the greatest bands of all times, and Freddie Mercury was a genius of music. 💜
Great reaction to Freddie's masterpiece. The Queen members were true pioneers many ways either in songwriting or recording and performing live, they were full of creativities.
The creativity levels are off the charts!
Definitely somebody to love Montreal or live bowl,you can hear a real voice and a real talent no like a today's microwave songs
Nice reaction! The genre is Progressive Rock, it is a Rock Opera, the song comes from the album, A Night At the Opera. Rock has quite a few subgenres, Progressive Rock is the most complex form of rock, it is music with a lot of key changes, different rhythms and a lot of cords. Progressive Rock often combines classical music and jazz to rock. There were a few Progressive Rock bands in the early 70's, but generally they each had their own style and sound. It can sometimes be somewhat of a niche genre because not everyone enjoys complex music, it is sometimes seen as a genre for musical nerds, that enjoys musical theory.
But Queen managed to produce complex music that still remains very catchy and easy too listen to. In the first half of the 70's Queen did a lot of Progressive Rock, Hard Rock and Metal. They incorporated other styles though the years, they were a very diverse band and they basically did any genre that was available at the time, they even helped to invent some new genres such as Thrash Metal. Basically Queen did anything from Metal and Rockabilly to Funk, Gospel and Motown, they even did some very old styles (from 1890 - 1930) such as Vaudeville and Ragtime. You definitely know some other Queen songs as well, such as We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, Another One Bites The Dust and Under Pressure. Their sound is somewhat impossible to copy, but there are some other bands and artists that have incorporated some of their sounds, such as Muse, The Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance or The Darkness. Even artists such as Michael Jackson incorporated some of their sounds.
Queen is still very popular to this day, they are 4th best selling artists of all time, they had over 50 songs which made it onto the charts during their active time, they were active for 20 years (1971 - 1991), so that is quite a long time to remain on the charts. Only the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury stopped them.
As for Bohemian Rhapsody it was written like a tragic opera, by lead singer Freddie Mercury. He actually started writing the song in 1968, before Queen even existed, so it took years to complete. Freddie Mercury loved opera, and he had a very operatic sounding voice. The opening section is just Freddie Mercury harmonizing with himself, it is a 5 part harmony. The song has 5 sections, which actually corresponds with the 5 stages of grieve. If you take the story at face value it is about a young man who killed someone, and he confesses the crime to his mother. He then decides to hand himself over to the authorities. In the opera section he is on trial, it can be a normal trial or it is a trial for his soul between heaven and hell. In the rock section he becomes angry at his situation and then finally in the last section he accepts his fate.
That is the basic premise of the song. Freddie Mercury never told anyone the meaning of the song, and he did not want to tell anyone the meaning of the song, his idea was that you can interpret the lyrics to make sense to your personal life, or it is better to create your own meaning and vision about the song. So there is really no correct answers about the meaning of the song, but many do believe that there is a deeper message as well. Instead of killing a man, he might just be killing a part of himself.
Everyone has their own interpretations, in my opinion the song is actually about being an artist and an entertainer. There are some clues that points to this, I will just add one, from the opera section, "Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?" That is someone instructing or asking a clown to do a dance or a jig for them.
Freddie Mercury was very serious about being an artist and an entertainer, he is often chosen as the best vocalist of all time, and the best frontman of all time. Queen were great live, they have often been voted as the best live band.
Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most complex popular songs you will find, the song is full of key changes, there are rhythm changes and the song has 49 different cords (most songs today have 1 - 3 different cords).
The song made it to the top of the charts in 1975 upon its release, and in 1992 it reached no.1 again on the charts, the song even charted in 2018. It is also one of the best selling songs of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody has often been voted as the best song of all time. Queen does have other songs that are somewhat similar, not completely, but you can perhaps categorize them similarly. Another great one and no.1 hit is Innuendo - Queen. The song also follows a very free flowing structure, with 5 different sections.
I suggest you check out Somebody To Love - Queen live at Montreal 1981, as I said they were great live, sometimes their live versions are better then their studio versions.
All of the voices are created by 3 band members, lead singer and pianist Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor - drummer and main back-up vocalist, Brian May - lead guitarist and back-up vocalist. Bass player John Deacon did not sing. Bohemian Rhapsody uses a wide vocal range, of about 3.2 octaves, from G2 - Bb5. Most songs will barely use one octave.
ty so much for ur great info
NICE!👏
no it is not rock opera
you should stop spreading false information
also there is no "opera section" in this song
you really do not know what you are talking about
Good info. But it's not really an opera. There are some parts sung in an operatic style. It is, as it is named, a Rhapsody. A musical rhapsody specifically.
This song is a journey! It's like three songs in one and you never know where this song will go next :) The piano part is so beautiful and these vocal layers are really crazy when you think about the time they did that (mid-70s), they obviously are legendary band.
It's a Masterpiece, it will live forever!
Welcome to the rabbit hole....continue on early work WHITE QUEEN live at Hammersmith, IN THE LAP OF THE GODS live at the rainbow, STONE COLD CRAZY.....
You have heard “we will rock you” or “we are the champions” or “another one bites the dust” … if so you have heard Queen
Yes! What they did all those?! Lol goodness they were just cranking out classics weren’t they 😂
I grew up listening to Queen. Bohemian Rhapsody came out when I was in junior high school and it was the topic of many conversations with my classmates. I loved the song because it was unique and thought provoking.
Oh, wow, what an unexpected topic for reaction! It was fascinating to watch you listening and recognising a masterpiece and insane amount of skill and talent. You're right, this isn't a song you'd necessarily listen to at the gym or when calming down etc., but it's definitely worth relistening whenever you feel like going on that journey again. Thanks for taking us along this time, on your first ride!
I truly appreciated your analysis... I HOPE you'll do MORE QUEEN and/or FREDDIE MERCURY solo material...
You will find a LOT of fascinating stuff from their albums/favorites they performed in live shows but were never released as singles, aka Deep Cuts.
If you need recommendations, JUST ASK THE QUEEN FANS.🖖😁
I recommend “White Queen” live at Hammersmith Odeon. The section with Brian on his guitar and Freddie on his piano is stunning!
There's a great video with a crowd singing this song pre Green Day show. One of the best crowd singing I've seen
Queen is the only band in the world where every member has written at least 3 number ones.
The whole band is in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
That’s sick! Lol when the whole band is filled with MVPs
Every one ☝️ of their songs were different 🤩
I was lucky enough to see the inimitable Queen several times live in my lifetime...A Queen concert front row centre is absolutely an out of body experience, enough ecstasy to last several lifetimes. All I can say about dear Freddie is that we should thank the Gods that he used his power for good, otherwise the World would have been in big big trouble.
it's also important to remember that this was all before the age of
autotune and other tech. This was pure, raw talent on the part of the
musicians. Great reaction!
This is one band I wish I saw live
You should check out we will rock you you will enjoy that and after Freddy died Brian may did a song to much love will kill you gives me goosebumps
Brian co wrote 87/88 but it wasn't inc on the Miracle album.
Brian debuted it at Freddies tribute April 92.
It was his single released soon after off his solo album in sept.
Back to the light.
I remember when this was released in 1975, we were gobsmacked. It was a complete game changer as we had neither seen nor heard anything like it, I've loved Queen ever since.
Quite simply a masterpiece. I've heard it soooo many times and never tire of it❤
You have to remember that in the 70's, when this came out....there were no videos! We ONLY heard on our radio! Unless you were already a fan and had bought the album! BLEW US AWAY!!!
The Queen rabbit hole is DEEP and amazing. Some absolute Queen musts are:
Somebody To Love Montreal '81
Live Aid '85 (said to be the best live rock performance EVER)
Liar Rainbow '74
White Queen Hammersmith Odeon
Queen and Freddie Mercury (lead singer), the best EVER. Past, present and future!!!
Yes Queen!!
When I watched GREEN DAY the sky just opened up I can’t explain it felt like FREDDIE was there helping the crowd sounds weird but it’s a feeling u have listening and watching the crowd
It was 1975 and our teenage minds were blown👑😂👑
I bet! It’s 2022 and my mind is blown lol
He took rhapsody, a style from classical music, and applied it to contemporary music in a bohemian way. Brilliant.
I was 14-years-old when this came out and I was fascinated/obsessed with the song!!! It was different and wonderful for all of us!!!
Same here.
Greatest front man of all time, and probably the single greatest rock song ever written.
Bohemian rhapsody is an opera .. Freddie was a musical genius all the guys were fab worked together brilliantly. R.I.P Freddie Mercury LEGEND 💙x
When venturing through Queen material, it should be noted that all 4 members are song writers....each inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. All 4 are world class musicians. Freddie Mercury is noted as the greatest singer who ever lived for many reasons. His vical range, unlimited lung capacity, vibrato, use of subharmonics, and ability to sing any genre/style flawlessly. Many times in one song. He emphasised/colored each word to get the maximum feeling out of the song. In an era with no real technology, Freddie was a genius in the studio. Brian May was a genius on the guitar. He has a song called Good Company that features a Dixie Land band at the end. Brian created that entire band on his guitar, one note at a time. Good luck and enjoy the journey! I will follow you all the way.
Freddie was technically a very good singer. He never missed a note for example, basically his singing was always perfect. Also the vocal range was quite huge :) This song isn't my personal favourite from them but it's really a classic from Queen.
Yea his vocals were nuts!
All personal preference.
But I happily listen to this regularly!
IT'S CALLED A MERCURY JOURNEY. LONG LIVE QUEEN!!!
Many layers, one BEAUTIFUL VOICE 🔥🔥🔥🔥 R.I.P. FREDDY MERCURY ✊🏾
In fact, this song is composed of six distinct sections: introduction, ballad, guitar solo, opera, rock, and an outro. So it has different genres on the same piece of music: ballad, opera, rock. Definitely, it's a masterpiece!! 🤘🏼🎶
Sean, love your reaction...the description that I think you’re looking for is “pure theatre”🤩
YES THATS IT! Theater 💯 it feels like a play
First time I have seen you react. Absolutely sublime reaction. This song is from 1975 and spent 9 weeks at number 1 in the UK. Nothing sounded like this before and actually nor since. It's an absolute masterpiece that will regarded forever as a unique classic. Thank you and best wishes from the UK. Take care
There's a lot more than three or four layers there. This was made back in the days when they had to run the tape back thru every time they wanted to add a layer, and they did it so many times at spots that the tape was nearly clear.
I can listen to this song by myself and sing every part of he song lol it's such a fun song. Love Queen. I wish I was born for this Era
I know that not every type of music hits everyone the same way. I respect that fact that you at least gave it a shot. most people dont.
hi sean ! great breakdown / reaction please do more queen u wont be dissapointed with any song freddie n the boys were the best band evern will always be in my opinion
I always thought Queen would always be there like Journey Led Zeppelin Boston Deep Purple Eagles Aerosmith Bachman Turner the list goes on and on never thought Freddie’s passing would have happened he kept it to himself only told so many people to protect the band and family he felt it wasn’t anything to just put out there for somebody to feel sorry for him the media would had been cruel during those days takes courage what he did and I admire and respect how he went about it very humble and was such a loving person from what I have heard from Peter who shared a side of Freddie that only his family band members and genuine friends knew we didn’t know him in that way I am just glad to know he was loved and still loved enjoyed his life and cats now he’s home RIP
And u will ENJOY SOMEBODY TO LOVE in MONTREAL LIVE 1981 u FEEL THE PASSION I have to listen to it every day does something to my soul 🥰
Somebody to love Montreal live HD 1981. If I could ever go back in time it would be to this concert and then to Live Aid Wembley London 85..
The little chime was Brians guitar! homemade by the way. They went to no 1 in the charts for 9 weeks - and again the next decade - and the next! Now they are topping again because of the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Oscarwinning. With Brian May and Roger Taylor as executive producers and consultants. Those two are still touring as Queen + - - by the time it is Adam Lambert - they are touring Europe and UK this summer. A lot of Queen fans hate it - I think it is a wonderful opportunity to hear the music - which would be impossible without guests. Right now it is possible to see a whole live concert with Queen and Paul Rodgers in Ukraine 2008 on UA-cam. It is a fundraiser . - and a blast of a concert - and so devastating to see all those happy people - and think of the situation they are in now. They are truly professionals - and play several instruments - Roger Taylor has made an album where he plays all the instruments as well as sings!
As much as life can be mundane and scheduled, this song is one of those chaotic masterpieces that can break up the monotony of your day and get you pumped up to handle tomorrow's mundane schedule.
Freddie was good friends with a popular DJ back in the day in London. Kenny Evertt. The radio stations wouldn't play it because it was 6 minutes long. Kenny loved it and played it over and over again on his popular show. I think like 14 times. It went to #1 on the charts for 9 weeks. it went to #1 again right after Freddie died.
The opening is actually 5 layers of only Freddy
Bohemian Rhapsody just made the induction list for 2022 National Recording Registry of Congress. In 2004, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame! Freddie received the Ivor Novella Award for this song & Killer Queen. Btw, that piano Freddie is using is the same piano that Paul McCartney used for Let It Be. Now do SOMEBODY TO LOVE studio version then do the live version in Montreal 1981. Thank you!! 🙋♀️👑🌟⭐️💫✨
While Freddie Mercury left everybody to interpret the son on their own, many believe that it's about his struggle of coming out.
The first part is about disappointing his parents, especially his mother, when he sings "mama just killed a man" (killing his own former self as straight), "didn't want to make you cry" and "sometimes I wish I wasn't born at all".
The second part is about fighting his own demons "will you let me go?“.
The last part is about coming to terms, ending with" nothing really matters".
For me personally it's the most brilliant song ever written, bringing together so many different music style with great bridges. Also just listening to Freddie's unique voice gives me absolute chills.
You're right that you have to be in the correct mood to listen to it. Personally, however, I never get tired listening to it.
One of the greatest bands ever, should definetly dig deeper! Freddie Mercury is the GOAT
Rick Beato did a "What Makes This Song Great" on his UA-cam site and interviewed Brian May, too. Also, somewhere on UA-cam there is a sort of documentary on how Freddie did it. It's an amazing story.
A "rhapsody" is like a patchwork quilt of musical arrangements loosely connected... So 3 styles with a vague operatic theme.
This song is EPIC.One of those songs that takes you on a ride. We had heard nothing else quite like it. Loved your reaction, thank you.
Found your channel from one of your BTS reactions but I love Queen and watching 1st time reactions to their video/song for Bohemian Rhapsody!
John is like yeah I'll chill here with my bass.
You're right. That song is structured like a novel. We get to follow the evolution of the character as he struggles.
I love your take on this song and enjoyed your reaction. You have a new subscriber. ❤️
🙏🖤
Thank you for this post about this song and video 🙏😊
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🖤
It has structure. It’s an opera. Three acts. Each one with its own part but telling the whole story at the end.
It’s a Rhapsody. It displays Freddy’s display of his musical talent where he brought in a hint of opera.
View his -
Live Aid Concert in Wembley Stadium and broadcast around the world. He had a cold and told not to sing because of a sore throat. Freddy said the show must go on.
Also, view live concert at Montreal where he sings Somebody to Love
A rhapsody is a compound piece of music with differing changes in direction and form. No auto tune just raw talent.
💯
suggestion next: "somebody to love" - compare studio to live in montreal 1981 🙂
Highly recommend you listen to Bohemian Rhapsody by “Pentatonix”. An A cappella group. No instruments are used. All voices (mainly by Kevin the beat-boxer). Avi is the Bass, Mitch the alto Tenor, Kirsten- Soprano and Scott - tenor (but covers sometimes covers bass duties when Avi is singing in a higher register)
You might not want to play this song often, but it is the BEST song to sing in a group setting. *Everyone* knows the whole song word for word and will sing along. And in the car?! How can you not sing this at the top of your lungs? Of course, as in *Wayne's World* , headbang! (And I play it a LOT and never tire of it.) I saw Queen in 1978 and I remember every detail today. "My" band; the music I live by.
That is very true haha I’ve heard this come on at bars I think and it always gets the people goin
Musical Rhapsody - definition
A piece of music of indeterminate length and with no formal structure, comprised of a number of different musical ideas.
Thanks, Sean... I'm glad you listened with headphones! Hope you will go on to hear more Queen... most of the vocals were Freddie, but Roger (super-high) and Brian were also part of it.. if ever you have time & inclination, I would recommend LIVE "Somebody to Love" - in 1981... no autotune.. lol ua-cam.com/video/LRt2jX1kaYo/v-deo.html
Freddies their first no 1 uk for 9 weeks 1975.
It took 3 weeks to record!
Freddie wrote and composed it and was the main producer.
Brian composed his solo.
The heavy guitar riff was one of the few things Freddie wrote on guitar
true
So true Said unique song the production by freddie made vocals by freddie ate insane and the backing vocals by the other members is outstanding freddie was agenius musician no other can do it like queen freddie legendary masterpiece ever written
Yes this song was multi-tracked on 16 track analog tape. This is an iconic song and a good showing for the talents of the band. Freddie had a voice that was a one off, there will never be another one. That little chime was for 'shivers down my spine" The first time you hear "Anyway the wind blows: there is another ambient sound that is supposed to suggest the wind. They didn't miss a single thing in this production. Thank you for your great reaction. This is a rhapsody which generally does not have a chorus at all. A rhapsody is a number of musical components that carry the same theme, put together without a chorus (in this case, three songs that Freddie had laying around that he had never finished that were part of a similar theme). That is an easy explanation of it musically. Bohemian refers to something being socially unconventional particularly someone involved in the arts, so hence the name of the song, I suppose. But that is the only thing that I can give any insight to because as far as what the song means, Freddie never said, he just wanted to leave it up to the interpretation of the listener. Queen typically does things in their own way, they didn't try to hard to blend into what was popular. All four members write music so there are four different types of music represented in the band. I listen to this song so often and each time, I hear something new. I have been listening to this song since it dropped in 1975. Yep I am old but I still love music.
Unique Queen Unique... Queen!!
There are so many great Queen songs and this was just their most famous example. And if you think this was something, check out a bunch of Queen live performances. They were ten times better live than in studio.
More queen coming for sure! They sounded perfect live and could only imagine being at one of their concerts back then.
Totally agree....BUT.....some of their videos are so interesting they are worth a look...and THEN watch it again live :) Never too much Queen!
Rock Opera!!!!! One of the bests, if not the best, song ever!!!
Freddie was originally working on three different songs and had the genius inspiration to combine them into this epic masterpiece.
M A G N I F I C O OOOOOOO❤❤❤OH MAMA MIA .....FREDDY,OH MAMA MIA....THE ONLY QUEEN👑👑👑THANKS FOR THIS UNFORGETTEBLE EXPIRIENCE......UNFORGETTEBLE❤❤❤
Roger Taylor said this was layered so much that you could see through the original tape because of the wear on it. The panning was done by swinging the overhead mic back and forth from what I heard.
Holy shit lol that’s crazy
Take the time to watch the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody". It was released in 2018. Actor Remi Malik played Freddie Mercury and won the Academy Award for best actor in a movie that year. You find out quite a lot about the band and the life and death of Freddie.
Awesome Response
Try “Love of My Life” São Paulo
Hi Sean (: cool name (:. when i get this in my ears 1974 i was in chock for 3 days i think and its exact the same sound effects on the right left .stereo and hifi was a really new thing 1974 thats why i get in chock (: You have right there Sean all the different leiers is all Freddie Mercury as harmony sing voice (: Roger Taylor the drummer in queen is a damn gooood singer and juse it when hi drum to really good 🥁👍 THX Sean for a good reaction on Queen 👍🇸🇪👍 your face show that you like this performing 💯%. Sorry for my english):. I am swede. /:
Honestly no queen song is the same as any other. Oh and I guarantee you know at least one more song from them (Does We Will Rock you ring a bell?). BohRap (as its called) has a structure, 6 distinct sections without a chorus: an intro, a ballad segment, a guitar solo an operatic passage, a hard rock part, and a reflective outro coda.
MASTERPIECE ❤
That's because as Freddy has stated it's an opera baby or the scale of Opera but it's also rock and roll
ROCK OPERA... is the genre name created for Queen (especially this track) and Meatloaf.