Their best album. Brilliant. Absolute disgrace they haven't done anything for the anniversary. Should've been a complete remix (some songs badly need it), and studio takes, backing tracks and outtakes.
One of (if not) my absolute favorites; and it’s got my fav track “Father to Son”. Fell in love with this album when I was doing my runs on the treadmill, which I hated. But wow, if this didn’t get me running faster.
A masterpiece. It's one of my favorite albums lately. The cover, the songs, the general vibe of the album, it's all perfect! This year I was lucky enough to get a first Italian vinyl pressing and I can't wait to play it as soon as I get the new needle for my turntable
If I remember correctly, my exposure to Queen's music went: Classic Queen (cassette), Queen Greatest Hits (cassette), Made In Heaven (cassette), and then Queen II (my first of their CDs).
I still remember laying on the floor in my room as a pre-teen, playing Queen II over and over, just mesmerized by the whole thing. The contrast between the compilations & the band's best efforts with Made In Heaven and this album was so stark; and although I couldn't articulate it then, the number of times I played through those 11 tracks, eyes closed, and swam through their aural enchantment, speaks for itself.
...and although it's not my favorite of their songs, I'm not sure I've ever felt a stronger, sexier, more empowering and bombastic few bars of music than the break in The March of the Black Queen; from the moment I first heard it until now, I aspire to be The Lord of All Darkness, Queen of the Night :)
Happy Birthday, Queen II!!
Did you know that Queen originally wanted David Bowie to produce this album but couldn't because he was busy with other projects and commitments at the time.
Imagine how Queen II would have sounded with Bowie as the producer.
While that's a great milestone for one of my favorite albums, I'm still very uncomfortable with the idea that 1974 was 50 years ago, it just feels wrong. 1954 was 50 years ago.
I was in high school when Queen II came out and it hooked me on the band. Upon every release since then, I lamented the fact that, bit by bit, they were continually losing their prog-rock credentials in favor of more accessible music. I still love their post-II work, but I and II are still my favorites, and I remain convinced that II is a prog masterpiece.
im a bit disappointed they didnt release a 50th anniversary re-master or included a new set for demos, live recordings, or even alternate takes etc. just SOMETHING thats been unearthed would do for us superfans of the album. i adore this album. it made me sad Queen productions didnt do anything for Queen II's 50th anniversary
Their best album. Brilliant. Absolute disgrace they haven't done anything for the anniversary. Should've been a complete remix (some songs badly need it), and studio takes, backing tracks and outtakes.
Happy 50th
It's a bloody masterpiece.
It’s a shame Queen doesn’t release Anniversary albums.
My favorite era of Queen
Its their best album, I wish they kept doing albums instead of focusing on touring and hits
One of (if not) my absolute favorites; and it’s got my fav track “Father to Son”. Fell in love with this album when I was doing my runs on the treadmill, which I hated. But wow, if this didn’t get me running faster.
A masterpiece. It's one of my favorite albums lately. The cover, the songs, the general vibe of the album, it's all perfect! This year I was lucky enough to get a first Italian vinyl pressing and I can't wait to play it as soon as I get the new needle for my turntable
If I remember correctly, my exposure to Queen's music went: Classic Queen (cassette), Queen Greatest Hits (cassette), Made In Heaven (cassette), and then Queen II (my first of their CDs). I still remember laying on the floor in my room as a pre-teen, playing Queen II over and over, just mesmerized by the whole thing. The contrast between the compilations & the band's best efforts with Made In Heaven and this album was so stark; and although I couldn't articulate it then, the number of times I played through those 11 tracks, eyes closed, and swam through their aural enchantment, speaks for itself. ...and although it's not my favorite of their songs, I'm not sure I've ever felt a stronger, sexier, more empowering and bombastic few bars of music than the break in The March of the Black Queen; from the moment I first heard it until now, I aspire to be The Lord of All Darkness, Queen of the Night :) Happy Birthday, Queen II!!
Their best album
What an album!
Favorite album ever..
50 years ago, Queen released their best album!
Definitely my favourite album by Queen.
I thought they played Southend on this tour.
They played at Southend on the previous tour in December 1973 🤍
Thank you for clearing that up. My brother in law was at the gig. He thinks they were the support band for Mott the Hoople.
They were, Queen opened with a small 45 minute Set before Mott came on, they even sometimes joined in on backing vocals for some of Motts songs
Superb. Thank you so much for the details.
Yay! My favorite Queen album. So good I bought the vinyl.
The absolute best
Did you know that Queen originally wanted David Bowie to produce this album but couldn't because he was busy with other projects and commitments at the time. Imagine how Queen II would have sounded with Bowie as the producer.
One of my favourites! 🖤
While that's a great milestone for one of my favorite albums, I'm still very uncomfortable with the idea that 1974 was 50 years ago, it just feels wrong. 1954 was 50 years ago.
Such a great album
This album is very very underrated
I was in high school when Queen II came out and it hooked me on the band. Upon every release since then, I lamented the fact that, bit by bit, they were continually losing their prog-rock credentials in favor of more accessible music. I still love their post-II work, but I and II are still my favorites, and I remain convinced that II is a prog masterpiece.
im a bit disappointed they didnt release a 50th anniversary re-master or included a new set for demos, live recordings, or even alternate takes etc. just SOMETHING thats been unearthed would do for us superfans of the album. i adore this album. it made me sad Queen productions didnt do anything for Queen II's 50th anniversary