Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Explore the origins of one of the greatest rock bands in history with this illustrated songbook journey through Queen’s 1973 self-titled debut album.
Dowload images queen-corner.blogspot.com/2026/05/queen-debut-album-illustrated-songbook.html
This video covers the official tracklist recorded at Trident Studios, along with rare gems and outtakes like "Mad the Swine," "Hangman," and "Polar Bear" that defined the band's early sound.
Please Note: This is an illustrated fan project and historical guide; the songbook is not for sale.
🎸 Album Tracklist & Song Facts
1. Keep Yourself Alive
The only Queen single not to chart in the UK upon release. Brian May wrote it before the band fully formed, and it remains the only song to featuring a lead vocal snippet from all three singing members (Freddie, Brian, and Roger).
2. Doing All Right
A carry-over from Brian and Roger’s previous band, Smile. It showcases the band's early "light and shade" dynamic, transitioning from a gentle ballad to heavy rock.
3. Great King Rat
A prime example of Freddie Mercury’s early interest in complex, multi-sectioned songwriting and fantasy lyrics, featuring long instrumental sections and heavy phasing effects.
4. My Fairy King
This track is historically significant as it contains the lyrics "Mother Mercury, look what they've done to me," which inspired Freddie Bulsara to officially change his surname to Mercury.
5. Liar
One of the band's most heavy and progressive tracks. It was a staple of their early live sets and features a rare songwriting credit shared between Freddie and the rest of the band in early drafts.
6. The Night Comes Down
Recorded during the De Lane Lea demo sessions, the band liked this version so much they used the demo for the actual album instead of the Trident re-recording.
7. Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll
Roger Taylor’s vocal debut on a Queen album. It’s a fast-paced, proto-punk track that clocking in at just under two minutes.
8. Son and Daughter
The original B-side to "Keep Yourself Alive." It features a very heavy, blues-rock riff that Brian May used in live shows to house his legendary extended guitar solos.
9. Jesus
A straightforward narrative song by Freddie Mercury. Despite the religious themes, it was approached as a storytelling piece rather than a personal statement of faith.
10. Seven Seas of Rhye... (Instrumental)
A short, unfinished teaser. The full vocal version would later become their first big hit on Queen II.
🌟 Bonus Tracks & Rarities
• Mad the Swine: Originally intended to sit between "Great King Rat" and "My Fairy King," it was cut due to a disagreement between the band and producer Roy Thomas Baker over the drum sound.
• Hangman: A heavy fan-favorite from the early live era. While it was never officially recorded for a studio album, it remains a legendary piece of Queen’s "hard rock" roots.
• Polar Bear: Another track originally written by the band Smile. Queen recorded a version during their debut sessions, featuring Freddie’s soaring vocals over a melancholic melody.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into Queen's beginnings, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell!
#Queen #FreddieMercury #BrianMay #RogerTaylor #JohnDeacon #ClassicRock #Queen1973 #RockHistory #MadTheSwine
Explore the origins of one of the greatest rock bands in history with this illustrated songbook journey through Queen’s 1973 self-titled debut album.
Dowload images queen-corner.blogspot.com/2026/05/queen-debut-album-illustrated-songbook.html
This video covers the official tracklist recorded at Trident Studios, along with rare gems and outtakes like "Mad the Swine," "Hangman," and "Polar Bear" that defined the band's early sound.
Please Note: This is an illustrated fan project and historical guide; the songbook is not for sale.
🎸 Album Tracklist & Song Facts
1. Keep Yourself Alive
The only Queen single not to chart in the UK upon release. Brian May wrote it before the band fully formed, and it remains the only song to featuring a lead vocal snippet from all three singing members (Freddie, Brian, and Roger).
2. Doing All Right
A carry-over from Brian and Roger’s previous band, Smile. It showcases the band's early "light and shade" dynamic, transitioning from a gentle ballad to heavy rock.
3. Great King Rat
A prime example of Freddie Mercury’s early interest in complex, multi-sectioned songwriting and fantasy lyrics, featuring long instrumental sections and heavy phasing effects.
4. My Fairy King
This track is historically significant as it contains the lyrics "Mother Mercury, look what they've done to me," which inspired Freddie Bulsara to officially change his surname to Mercury.
5. Liar
One of the band's most heavy and progressive tracks. It was a staple of their early live sets and features a rare songwriting credit shared between Freddie and the rest of the band in early drafts.
6. The Night Comes Down
Recorded during the De Lane Lea demo sessions, the band liked this version so much they used the demo for the actual album instead of the Trident re-recording.
7. Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll
Roger Taylor’s vocal debut on a Queen album. It’s a fast-paced, proto-punk track that clocking in at just under two minutes.
8. Son and Daughter
The original B-side to "Keep Yourself Alive." It features a very heavy, blues-rock riff that Brian May used in live shows to house his legendary extended guitar solos.
9. Jesus
A straightforward narrative song by Freddie Mercury. Despite the religious themes, it was approached as a storytelling piece rather than a personal statement of faith.
10. Seven Seas of Rhye... (Instrumental)
A short, unfinished teaser. The full vocal version would later become their first big hit on Queen II.
🌟 Bonus Tracks & Rarities
• Mad the Swine: Originally intended to sit between "Great King Rat" and "My Fairy King," it was cut due to a disagreement between the band and producer Roy Thomas Baker over the drum sound.
• Hangman: A heavy fan-favorite from the early live era. While it was never officially recorded for a studio album, it remains a legendary piece of Queen’s "hard rock" roots.
• Polar Bear: Another track originally written by the band Smile. Queen recorded a version during their debut sessions, featuring Freddie’s soaring vocals over a melancholic melody.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into Queen's beginnings, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell!
#Queen #FreddieMercury #BrianMay #RogerTaylor #JohnDeacon #ClassicRock #Queen1973 #RockHistory #MadTheSwine
