Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Queen.
There’s only one way to identify truly classic music, and that’s with the test of time. The list above has music that’s stood the test of time over centuries.
Except for Queen. But this British rock band of the 1970s and 80s has already stood the test of time. There’s no question they will go down as a classic in music history.
How can you tell?
Because already their impact has spanned several generations. Even when people don’t know where the songs come from, Queen songs are ubiquitously recognized and enjoyed.
Compare these two videos. The first is reactions of young children listening to songs of Queen. Not only do they almost universally love the songs, but many of them even know the words.
The second contrasts that to the opposite end of the generational spectrum with aged people, even one that looks like he’s pushing 100.
The simple fact is that everybody loves Queen (with the possible exception of a few rare and pathetic sourpusses). Nobody can feel down after listening to a Queen song.
The entire band are masters of musical performance, instrumental and voice. They are consummate showmen with a powerful stage presence. The songs they wrote—and every band member wrote hit songs throughout the band’s career—were sophisticated and covered many styles and were never derivative of a previous one. Their sound is unique from the first moment they begin to perform.
In particular, lead singer Freddie Mercury had the energy of several thermonuclear bombs and the talent, voice, power, and range of a consummate opera singer.
Which serendipitously fits well with their all-time greatest song “Bohemian Rhapsody” from the album A Night At The Opera. This song alone will live forever, constantly surprising new generations as YouTube reaction videos attest.
Along with other standards like “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen’s place in history alongside other greats like Bach and Mozart and Beethoven is assured.