Queen II – Queen (Vinyl 12" LP)
Released in March 1974, Queen II is the ambitious second studio album from Queen—a dramatic, progressive, and thematically rich work that signalled the band’s evolution from glam rock hopefuls to theatrical rock innovators. Split into a “White Side” and “Black Side”, the album showcases the contrasting songwriting styles of Brian May and Freddie Mercury, with fantasy-inspired lyrics, layered harmonies, and complex arrangements that foreshadowed the grandeur of A Night at the Opera.
Key Highlights
- Features the fan-favourite “Seven Seas of Rhye”, Queen’s first UK chart hit
- Divided into thematic sides: May’s more introspective “White Side” and Mercury’s ornate “Black Side”
- A rich mix of hard rock, art rock, and baroque pop with multi-tracked vocals and guitar orchestrations
- Often reissued on 180-gram black or limited coloured vinyl, with original gatefold artwork
- Early evidence of Queen’s theatrical flair, conceptual ambition, and genre-blending
Tracklisting
Side A – White
1. Procession
2. Father to Son
3. White Queen (As It Began)
4. Some Day One Day
5. The Loser in the End
Side B – Black
6. Ogre Battle
7. The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke
8. Nevermore
9. The March of the Black Queen
10. Funny How Love Is
11. Seven Seas of Rhye
Fun Fact
“The March of the Black Queen” is considered a spiritual predecessor to “Bohemian Rhapsody” due to its operatic structure and shifting musical sections—making it one of Queen’s most ambitious early compositions.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A cult classic showcasing Queen’s early experimentation and conceptual storytelling
- Vinyl format does justice to the album’s rich layering and dynamic contrasts
- Essential for fans of progressive rock and Queen’s theatrical early era
- Features iconic artwork photographed by Mick Rock, later reused for “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Queen II is a majestic and immersive listen—a bold chapter in Queen’s early mythology. On vinyl, it reveals the full complexity and ambition that would define the band’s legacy.