Queen Rocks

A compilation of Queen's heavier rock tracks, with a few unique extras thrown in for good measure. The main point of interest is the new track "No One But You" (see below), recorded by Brian, Roger and John in memory of Freddie. The album also contains a "1997 Rocks Re-take" of "I Can't Live With You" (see the Innuendo section), and two other uncredited surprises. Both "I'm In Love With My Car" (see A Night At The Opera) and "I Want It All" (see The Miracle) have been noticeably remixed. Quite why this fact isn't mentioned anywhere is a mystery, but its not exactly the first time this has happened. There is also a mastering error on "Fat Bottomed Girls" (see Jazz).

Opinion on the merits of this release are varied, but it does have one new song, one re-make and two new remixes, which is a hell of a lot better than any other "Hits" type compilation. It also has the full album mixes of everything, so at least casual buyers won't just get all the single mixes again.

No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young)

Album Version
Written by Brian, and featuring Brian and Roger taking turns on vocals, as they did on "Let Me Live". A quiet piece (almost melancholy), dominated by piano and some gentle guitar from Brian. The shared vocal makes for interesting listening, and while it leans dangerously toward "epic ballad" territory it would not have been too out of place on "Made In Heaven". Indeed, had Freddie sung it it could have fitted on many of their albums, as it makes an excellent closing song. But not here. As a proper album track it would have worked, but as the only new song for years it just has too much to live up to. And in that context, it is really not one of their best efforts. The pace and general mood is too downbeat, and while it has a number of Queen hallmarks it is also missing "something" (and I don't just mean Freddie - both Roger and Brian have done far better solo recordings than this too). Which is unfortunate, as it makes this song an easy target for criticism. Yet had this appeared anywhere else, at any other time, it would probably have gone by unnoticed, and maybe even been admired for giving Brian and Roger more to do. Which I think says it all. If you ignore the circumstances around this song, its really not that bad. Time 4:13