Queen-Queen II (1974)

Not entirely satisfied with their somewhat promising debut album, which lacked clear cohesion and a defined style, Queen returned a year later with their second album, a superb and masterful record that ranks among the best of the 1970s. Divided into two distinct parts, it is, in a way, conceived as a concept album, with one side called "Side White", written almost entirely by Brian May, and a second, "Side Black", composed entirely by Freddie Mercury. From the majestic intro "Procession" to the final song that concludes with the astonishing "Seven Seas of Rhye", this "Queen II" has hardly a single track that falls short of any other in their extensive and rich discography. The wonderful hard rock melody of “Father To Son” and the poignant “White Queen (As It Began),” with its heart-wrenching guitar passages, are counterbalanced by the enchanting “Some Day One Day” and the surprising “Loser In The End”. This last contribution, by Roger Taylor, represents an atypical genre in the album's overall direction and closes an exciting and beautiful first side. With the second side, “Side Black”, Mercury goes a step further, delivering some of Queen's best songs, beginning with the metallic “Ogre Battle”, which leaves us breathless, driven by incredible vocals and powerful guitar riffs. It is followed by the innovative “The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke”, with its complex and progressive structure. The brief ballad “Nevermore” is capped off by the epic “The March Of The Black Queen”, featuring outstanding harmonies and great instrumental dynamism. While “Funny How Love Is” provides a respite amidst so much grandiose music before the glorious “Seven Seas Of Rhye” culminates one of the album's highlights.