Rating: 7/10
After the commercial success of their previous studio album, A Night at the Opera, expectations were high for Queen to deliver another successful and enjoyable album. This album serves as a sequel to that album in pretty much every way. From the names, to the cover art, to the musical styles, A Day at the Races certainly adds on to the group’s previous record.
In this post I’ll be ranking all the songs from Queen’s fifth studio album, A Day at the Races, from my least favorite to my favorite. Hope you enjoy reading this!
10. White Man (Track 7)
Okay, let me just say that the guitar work in this song is really cool, as is the drumming. I’ll also say that the lyrics are really interesting and insightful. With that being said, sonically it’s not really up my alley, and the melody does nothing for me. The sound is just more aggressive than I typically prefer.
9. Tie Your Mother Down (Track 1)
I feel like it’s probably unpopular to have this song so low, but oh well. This actually is a pretty fun song, and a nice opener for the album, but it doesn’t stand out too much to me. I always enjoy hearing Freddie go all hardcore rocker though.
8. You Take My Breath Away (Track 2)
Queen has always had an amazing knack for multi-layered harmonies, and this song is an amazing example of their harmonic brilliance. This song, while a little peculiar, is actually very beautiful. I do like it, but it’s just a bit unsettling to me, which is why I don’t have it higher up. Also, the part at the end freaks me out (it’s kinda cool though).
7. Teo Torriatte (Track 10)
Maybe if I understood the point of this song I would have it higher up, but alas, I don’t. I mean, I suppose it’s something about staying together and unity, but I can’t see much past that. The chorus and the ending part is nice, but the verses really aren’t my favorite.
6. The Millionare Waltz (Track 4)
I think one of the things that has given Queen enduring popularity is the experimental and somewhat bizzare songs that they would bury in their albums (Bohemian Rhapsody is the most mainstream example of this, but it can be found to even larger degrees in other songs). This song is campy and jaunty and playful, but sort of gloomy underneath it all. It’s just a weird but ultimately fun song. I enjoy listening to this song quite a bit, but it’s not the type of song I could listen to in any mood.
5. Drowse (Track 9)
And now we’ve reached my favorite songs from the album. This is a really cool song, and I think Roger did a great job on lead vocal. Brian May’s guitar work is also really great, as is Roger’s drumming. The lyrics are also really interesting. Overall, it’s just a pleasant sound, with a thoughtful concept behind it. “Out here on the street, we’d gather and meet, and scuff up the sidewalk with endlessly restless feet. And half of the time, we’d broaden our minds more in the pool hall than we did in the school hall, with the downtown chewing-gum bums, watching the nightlife, the lights and the fun.”
4. You and I (Track 5)
The bass and guitar in this song is really awesome. Not to mention, Freddie’s vocals are amazing as always. The backing vocals are really awesome as well. Plus, Roger’s drumming at the end is epic, and the piano work as well. Basically, every aspect of this song is just really great. The lyrics also tell a really nice story, and John did a great job with the writing.
3. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Track 8)
One of my favorite musical styles for Queen is the jaunty little piano-driven tracks, with weird concepts and insane vocals. This song undoubtedly falls into that category. This is just an incredibly fun and playful song, and it’s an absolute blast to listen to. This type of song is what I was referring to earlier when I mentioned Queen having a lot of experimental and eccentric (but undeniably infectious) songs in their albums.
2. Long Away (Track 3)
“Take heart, my friend, we love you. Though it seems like you’re alone, a million lights above you smile down upon your home.” My favorite part of this song is the guitar. It’s stunning (and it kind of gives me similar vibes to ‘Ticket to Ride’ by The Beatles. Anyone else?). Not to mention, Brian takes lead vocal for this track, and he does an amazing job. He has such a sweet voice, and I really love his tone. The backing vocals are also amazing (but it’s Queen, so I would expect nothing less). Lyrically, this song is also really thoughtful and sweet (but still a little sad).
1. Somebody to Love (Track 6)
Of course, this song has always been and always will be an absolute banger. Queen has always had gospel-influenced songs, but I think this is the most notable. Somebody to Love is absolutely iconic, and a total blast to listen to. It’s hard to listen to it and not feel somewhat inspired and hyped up. It’s one of my absolute favorite Queen songs (I think it’s one of most people’s favorite Queen songs), and it’s just timeless.
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