A Closer Analysis... "Queen"

[chaopolis]

Let me start by saying, and probably offending some by stating that I don't feel that Bohemian Rhapsody or We Will Rock You should appear in Rock Band (unless in Album downloads).

These are both EXCELLENT songs, however, there are too many moments of NOTHING for guitar or drums to do. The following are songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s that are more balanced across the board as far as vocals, guitar(s), and drums - and could be great choices for Rock Band.


---

1970s

Ogre Battle - This is a song that not too many people know. I first heard about it from the We Will Rock You theatrical show. It's on the album "Queen II". It's one of those songs that would probably make a better Guitar Hero song, because it has some INSANE guitar in it. If you happen to make it across this album - or find it online - have a listen. Only problem for Rock Band, the first 30 seconds of the song are... backwards.

Seven Seas of Rhye - Also from "Queen II", this odd little song features a few great guitar and drum moments. I don't know how people would feel about chanting the "Oh, I do like to be beside the sea side" part at the end... but, if they're drunk, rock on!

Killer Queen - We all know this song. It was already featured in the first Guitar Hero, and therefore, should probably not be featured in Rock Band. However, this song proves that apparently you can inject more guitar into the game version of a song... I'm sorry, but Guitar Hero's version seems to have a LOT more guitar than the real song does... just sayin'...

Now I'm Here - Featured on the "Sheer Heart Attack" album. This song has good simple moments and intense moments for guitar. Good drums, within as well, and vocals fill out completely through the song. It's a good balanced song for Rock Band.

Tie Your Mother Down - Another excellent upbeat, fast song for Rock Band. Featured on the album "A Day at the Races". This one has been mentioned a few times in other forums.

Fat Bottomed Girls - featured on the "Jazz" album. Although it would split up from it's companion song, Bicycle Race, it's a great standalone song in it's own right. Although the song has great vocals and guitar, it has some GREAT drum parts.


---

1980s

Another One Bites The Dust - The perfect song for bass players. Featured on the album - "The Game" - this song is one of those instant classics - and like so many other Queen songs - finds its way into sporting events. If this song were to make it in, it would simply be to finally give the bass player something fun to do... no offense, bass guitar.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - This song has been covered a billion times. Also featured on "The Game", this song features a fun 50s/Elvis vibe to it, and it provides some good vocals, nice drums, and some fun guitar elements.

Hammer to Fall - Great guitar elements, powerful drum slamming. From the album "The Works", this song is hardly Queen's most memorable song, but it's a fine upbeat song. Plus, to be the singer, you end the song by shouting "Give it to me one more time!" I mean... come on... that kicks ass.

I Want It All - Featured on the album - "The Miracle". This one has been showing up more and more on forums as the Queen song of choice... and it's a damn fine choice. It's a nice powerful song for all elements - and stands as one of my top choices for Rock Band.


---

1990s*

Innuendo - This is the title song from Freddie Mercury's last album. It's a very different song. Part rock song, part operetic, part crazy mandolin song - it could've been their attempt at a Bohemian Rhapsody for the 90s. This song would be a lot of fun for the guitar... might make a good Guitar Hero song, if anything.

Headlong - Also from "Innuendo", this song has great drum moments. It starts with fast drums and ends with a powerful vocal of "Heeeeeeeadloooooooooong!!!" It also features some very good guitar segments. This song is hardly ever mentioned - but it actually stands as one of my top choices for the game. Find it online somewhere.


---

Those are my selections of the best fit for Rock Band. Feel free to debate and add more. No fair on flaming (obvious) because, after all, these are just my opinions.

* - I know the 90s section of Rock Band is full, but could still be noted for future releases or downloadable content.

[Kang_Zircon]

Why no mention of Princes of the Universe?

[fade2black86]

I agree with you 100% that "I Want It All" needs to be a playable song at some point in the near future.

It really does offer a lot of flexibility for all the instruments, plus playing that guitar part at the end would be nuts.

[WingsOfSteel]

Let me start by saying, and probably offending some by stating that I don't feel that Bohemian Rhapsody or We Will Rock You should appear in Rock Band (unless in Album downloads).

These are both EXCELLENT songs, however, there are too many moments of NOTHING for guitar or drums to do.


Another One Bites The Dust - The perfect song for bass players. Featured on the album - "The Game" - this song is one of those instant classics - and like so many other Queen songs - finds its way into sporting events. If this song were to make it in, it would simply be to finally give the bass player something fun to do... no offense, bass guitar.

1. I could kiss you for the first part.

2. Another One Bites the Dust has empty spaces almost as badly. The guitar doesn't even enter for the entire first minute. And why do people assume that a really repetitive bass part is suddenly good for Rock Band just because it's louder than most basslines? (Note: This is also a problem with many other songs by other artists) It would be really fun to sing, though, and I'd like to see it as DLC, but it's not really not that well-suited for the main game.

3. Where's Keep Yourself Alive? (from Queen (1973)) It has a really good drum solo and good guitar.

4. I totally agree with you on Seven Seas of Rhye, Tie Your Mother Down, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Hammer to Fall, I Want It All, and Innuendo. I haven't heard the other songs yet. (Well, except Killer Queen, obviously, but I agree it shouldn't be in the main game.)

[whofan]

More importantly, where's "The Show Must Go On"?!!!!

That song has everything, an interesting guitar part, good drums, a varying bassline and AMAZING vocals.

"The Show Must Go On" for Rock Band, who's with me?

[chaopolis]

Another One Bites the Dust has empty spaces almost as badly. The guitar doesn't even enter for the entire first minute. And why do people assume that a really repetitive bass part is suddenly good for Rock Band just because it's louder than most basslines? (Note: This is also a problem with many other songs by other artists) It would be really fun to sing, though, and I'd like to see it as DLC, but it's not really not that well-suited for the main game.


I understand what you're saying. The main reason why I picked that one is, albeit repetitive, it has one of the most noticable bass lines of many rock songs.... and the bass guitar, in general, is always left somewhat underused - or unnoticable.

[whofan]

But who wants to play the same thing over and over and over and over?

I'd rather have something that's less pronounced but more variable, like.... say..... "The Show Must Go On"!

(Anybody else here think I have an agenda?)

[chaopolis]

But who wants to play the same thing over and over and over and over?

I'd rather have something that's less pronounced but more variable, like.... say..... "The Show Must Go On"!

(Anybody else here think I have an agenda?)

Ok, heh, nice agenda... my only problem with "Show Must Go On" is that it takes a full minute for any form of guitar to show up... it's just light drums and vocals...

Once it gets started, though, YES it is pretty bad-ass.

Overall, though, I think I'm digging I Want It All...

[whofan]

I'll advocate for "I Want It All" as well, overall a great rocking tune. Hopefully if Queen are to be released as DLC, they'll be like Metallica and have a carreer-wide retrosepective including the better, lesser known stuff

[KingofQUEEN48]

ok so ive been talking about all the songs that queens should have in teh game so i dont want to explain again but all i want is there to be Queen!!!:)

[Desensitized]

Yeah, I agree with everything you said except "Another One Bites The Dust". Great job explaining your choices.

[KingofQUEEN48]

ive said this before that "A KIND OF MAGIC" would be a great song but it would be very fun for the bass player which from what i have seen in the videos looks like it lacks in fun from the drums and lead guitar so this song would be perfect for bass because it has a bass line throughout the entire song!!!! http://youtube.com/watch?v=f9hqCCbl-2Q

[espher]

Ogre Battle, Tie Your Mother Down, Fat Bottomed Girls, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Hammer To Fall, The Show Must Go On. All good choices. Good stuff. :)

Ogre Battle and Tie Your Mother Down have to be two of my favourite Queen songs. ;)

[Silver]

Call me unoriginal, but We Are The Champions would be a great final, just after the "final boss" song. Just for saying to the players that they won, and now, they can sing in hommage of their victory. That would be fun. Silly, but fun.

But Tie Your Mother Down, Hammer To Fall, I Want It All, Fat Bottomed Girls, Now I'm Here, Princes Of The Universe, Seven Seas Of Rhye are great choices too. One Vision would be great, but the strange effects would be difficult to translate on RB. I'm In Love With My Car too, but it's not a great Mercury song - it's a great Taylor song.

[xenopherus]

"Hitman" is another good hard rock Queen song that'd be good in the game. (it's off the Innuendo album)