First Reaction to QUEEN - "QUEEN II" (Side 1)

[@silviocrespo4329]

It's gratifying to watch a young person like her discover things like Queen II, which I discovered when I was 14 years old, and I already had most of their albums, except this one. And when I heard it, I thought: this is the best one ever. Today I'm 52, and I think that Queen's subsequent albums are dilutions of the ideas from the first two albums.

[@whysoserious8185]

Beautiful reaction.... Thank you 😊

[@hfhifi6878]

My favorite. It wasn't overblown and was almost Prog. Brian May was a wizard. No synthesizers.

[@mmanes100]

This is the best Queen album. The March of the Black Queen is the seed from Bohemian Rhapsody. 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@ace2k707]

Someday One Day is Brian on lead vocals and Roger on Loser In The End. Roger is also the one who sings the highest notes on backing vocals 🤘🎶

[@thefoolofthehill6464]

I respect the hell out of you. You give me faith in humanity! Rock on!

[@bugsby4663]

This is my favourite Queen album and White Queen is one of my favourite songs ever. It's so beautiful.

[@richlisola1]

Where Queen is taken to new levels on Queen II Deluxe with the 1975 live at the Hammersmith White Queen performance

[@apmen21]

Yes, White Queen is a great song

[@SDsailor7]

Queen always had great harmonies😊

[@_Tim115]

One of my favourite albums. The early queen stuff was some of there best. Seven seas of Rhye (Rhye is a fantasy land that Freddie Mercury dreamt up in childhood) was and interesting one as it appeared as an unfinished track on there first album and finished track on Queen II and the king of Rhye get's a mention on Shear Heart Attack there next album Freddie took you on a journey with that one. Loved the reaction please carry on working your way through there stuff. On Someday One Day it was Brian singing and on The Loser in the End it was Roger on lead vocals. There's a few songs that Freddie did not sing lead vocals on.

[@Rolling_Ronnie]

Totally agree. Their first three albums were by far the most musically interesting and adventurous. Then, like a number of other bands, they were drawn to dumbing the music down for commercial success. Not sure whether to blame the money or the record companies !! ;-)

[@letmelive1212]

This is my favorite queen album nevermore is the one that saved my life forever I would not be here today without that song

[@albertomendez4922]

Well. There's no way you won't like it. You're listening to one of the best bands of all the time!!!😎🤟

[@kevinanddobby]

Im glad you era reacting to the early albums i was 16yrs old when i followed im 68yrs old and still play queen everyday

[@Kuesel68]

Best Queen album apart from News of the World. This was inovative proto prog metal. Everyone is praising their Night at the Opera which actually is a big mishmash of songs derived from the sounds they already did on this album and Sheer Heart Attack. I really love your reactions, you are not only very sympathic and natural but are really deep into music/production/instrumentation by nature which makes is so much fun to watch your videos, keept it up! Especially as you do whole albums who most of the people don't. Try Marillon (Script, Mispaced Childhood, Brave, Marbles 2CD) and King Crimson - Fripp is not not blocking everything anymore (Court, Islands, Larks Tongues, and especially Red)

[@garylagstrom3864]

I love King Crimson! Bill Bruford on drums is amazing and then I listened to Genesis and Yes but favorite is RUSH: RIP PROFESSOR NEIL PEART!

[@Kuesel68]

@@garylagstrom3864 No one can beat the Professor! There are great drummers - some of the best of all times like Keith Moon or Bonzo, and especially Buddy Rich, also Ringo and Phil Collins had a big impact on drum styles, but Neil indeed is absolutely unique!

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Fan fact: White Queen's solo is played on a acoustic guitar, but it sounds like it's played on a sitar

[@l.ncunha7001]

Verdy, i'm from Brazil. Please, listen Uriah Heep. The album called Demons & Wizards. TKS.

[@ericgaudet5488]

VERDY your a very beautiful looking young lady but your soul is made by Classic Rock and that's make you 100% perfect . Enjoy the holiday season.

[@danwagner1702]

Arguably their best album and yet I've never heard anything from it on any radio station!

[@DonaldMains]

Definitely a great album. Queen at their proggiest. I know many think that this is their best album, I prefer Night at the Opera for its sheer diversity, but this album is something special. A huge step forward over their first album which lacks some of the Queen melodic feel, is more inconsistent and is a bit too hard for my tastes as compared to Queen II. March of the Black Queen is my favorite from this album and the Fairy Teller's Master Stroke is a stroke of genius.

[@deanroddey2881]

You should check out their "News of the World" album. I think somehow it gets lost in the noise sometimes, but it's an incredible album with some amazing atmosphere. Brian playing around with his 'guitar orchestra' mode on a number of songs here, and later on Bohemian Rhapsody, where he's layering a number of single note parts together. He's usually using an out of phase pickup setting usually for those things, for a screaming, thick mid-range. It's such a Queen sound, that is immediately recognizable. Like The Beatles, Queen had range. They could do the most faux-pretentious British art-rocky type thing, then a massively heavy guitar tune, then some dirty, swampy funky R&B type tune, folky acoustic bits, a pop love song, etc... and do them all very authentically.

[@Ezekielepharcelis]

fully agree, Queen II is top though...

[@joribremer5260]

Yes , do the 40th anniversary one… :😊

[@mikealvarez2322]

The first piece reminded me of some 15th century chamber music....ugh. I'm glad I hung around for the rest of the album. I might even consider listening to more modern music. I'm 76 so I grew up with 60s and 70s music. My ears and brain are in tune with The Beatles, The 5th Dementian, Peter Paul and Mary, Chicago, The Carpenters, well you get the picture. That said I really like this album. Thanks for playing and reacting to it Furthermore I enjoyed your analysis. You've opened up a new art form for me and that is no easy task. Thank you.

[@gregoryriddle2618]

I've always felt this was their apex.

[@submandave1125]

Queen II began as an idea Freddie had for a fantasy novel. This concept eventually formed the basis of many songs on the album, with additional songs with similar theme and feeling added by Brian and Roger. The real MVP of this album, IMO, was Brian with his multiple layers of intertwining melodic lines. I've always thought Queen II should be considered among the classic prog-rock albums of the early '70s.

[@SDsailor7]

I like the wembley concert video where Freddie stole the show. EPiC!

[@vernhoke7730]

Wait till you get to "Side Black". Most, if not all, of the songs were written by Freddie. March of the Black Queen/Funny How Love Is, is an epic production. Even Brian said it was the precursor to Bohemian Rhapsody that would come a couple albums later.

[@pauld669]

Correct. Side White avian Side Black Freddy

[@davida.j.berner776]

Originally, many of the tracks on this album flowed seamlessly into each other without any breaks in between. That's why - on current media devices - so many seem to end abruptly and why, for example, Procession seems so short. It's a very different experience when it serves as an intro to Father to Son. (I can remember, on first hearing this album, being unsure where one track ended and the next began!) In any event, thanks for the reaction. To echo what many of the other commenters have already said, this is easily my favourite Queen album, and still one of my favourite albums by anyone!

[@hollowslayed4979]

Side 2 will blow your mind.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

My favorite queen album! Great reaction.

[@EllisThings]

Great stuff Verdy! Yeah the last but one song on this side with all the layered guitars is Brian singing, and the last song with the dirty rock Led Zep feel is Roger singing. One of the great things with Queen was that three of them could do singing duties and all four of them were individual songwriters. It really made for such a varied and interesting output

[@steevepartouche5406]

Wayting your réaction on Sheer Heart Attack...3rd Queen Album 1974. Amazing Album 🤩👍

[@martinaalderink7773]

Brian May with the smoothe voice, Roger Taylor with the rugget voice... You are gonna like side 2.

[@rossanderson5447]

I Have been a Queen fan since I first heard "Queen (1)" back in 1973. I found their constant evolution and diversity of musical styles kept me satiated. In fact, in some sense, I was so satisfied I did not explore music as much as I should have, noting albums were very expensive for a kid to buy, and that's what I was. I guess I left the band after the sad demise of Freddy, but revisiting some of their catalogue makes me realise just how underrated Roger Taylor was, both as a drummer and a vocalist. Of course Freddy is King (Queen), but Rogers "growling" voice adds a lot, especially those screams. So a big call out to him too ! Thanks for sharing your reactions, nice to see a younger generation appreciating this (now) very old music. Fifty years on and its still sounds innovative. Good music lasts !

[@joebarrera9741]

When QUEEN were PROG was so Amazing...CLASSIC

[@keymack2477]

Thank you for reacting to Queen II VERDY!! This is not a good album by Queen, it is a GREAT album! To me this is one of the most unknown, unappreciated rock albums of all time and it is a masterpiece. And side Black (Side 2) is the best side, so I am really looking forward to your reaction to that side. At some point in the near future you need to react to their album Sheer Heart Attack, as it has some very cool tracks on it as we'll! Best wishes to you for continued success with your channel and congratulations on 50K subscribers, you deserve it!

[@DerekSuffolk]

Listen to White Queen live 1975 you love that! Fantastic performance.

[@ace2k707]

Back in the days of albums, you had The White Queen side and The Black Queen Side. 🎶🎶🎶🤘

[@raymondtheriault2555]

Brian May, not many people like him, rock star, guitar god and astrophysicist!

[@tonybaker55]

and don't forget a saviour of the badgers.

[@raymondtheriault2555]

@@tonybaker55 lol

[@nedeast6845]

Because of you, this is the first time i have actually listened to this, so thank you, bon chance merci, sounding good so far:)

[@kuntumlaleanqueezer]

Queen II ❤ Thank you

[@bigdave1302]

Brian often sang his own songs, and Roger almost always sang the ones he wrote.

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Roger wrote "These Are the Days of Our Lives", which is sung by Freddie. Remember that

[@johngraham5996]

​​@@MUSiC-world-20986 radio gaga, modern times rock and roll was roger in the studio and freddie live, sheer heart attack is freddie and roger, there is more i'm sure but i cant think off the top of my head 👑✊🏼🇬🇧

[@RandyHall324]

My favorite Queen album...enjoying your reaction! The next side is all Freddy (writing and vocals). Maybe the word you were looking for to describe "Loser in the End" was "raw"? Maybe; maybe not.

[@ericodijk]

Queen divided the album in two parts: the White Side (side one) and the Black Side, which is side two. Side White is written by Brian May, except Loser in the End by Roger Taylor. Side Black is written by Freddy Mercury. Roger is always doing the highest and raspy voices in the choirs.

[@alva1370]

I've been listening to this CD in the car. 👍👍

[@coreywilliams923]

The band was under a lot of pressure recording these first two albums. All done during night time sessions when the studio was on down time. They often had to cut sessions short because the day time artist was due. Most of the songs had only ever been done live before this, and they had never heard Freddie on the piano before. This is very much about Queen finding out who they are in terms of the studio. But they hit it head on and the results are spectacular.

[@caroleann_2142]

one of my favorite albums sheer heart attack

[@nortski78]

Amazing album, perhaps my fave Queen album but that's a tough call between this Sheer Heart Attack, A Night At The Opera and News Of The world! If you liked side 1, you're in for a treat with side 2!

[@DonaldMains]

A very consistent album front to back and while I love side 1, side 2 is the better of the two sides. Nevermore may be the best 90 seconds in music history.

[@enricf.p.1969]

This second album is a fucking masterpiece my friend, the beginning trio songs Procession Father to son and White Queen maybe are the most brilliant songs from Queen. I remember the first tine I listen to this album, was an incredible moment, amazing!

[@Ezekielepharcelis]

Same for me.

[@commentatron]

When their 1st album came out, I was a huge fan. _Night at the Opera_ and this one were big departures that I couldn't really appreciate. _News of the World_ and _Shear Heart Attack_ restored some of the tight, hooky rock that I missed, but that was it. They were definitely a very stylistically diverse group that appealed to a wide audience. Of course, I selfishly wanted them to remain true to my narrow, teen-aged tastes, but great bands rarely remain static - and still great. The Beatles had the same problem, but they had a good excuse, they broke up.

[@kennethenos2716]

I was just thinking about how young people today don't really get to have the experience of getting a record album for Christmas like we did growing up..it was a similar feeling to getting brand new books to read. 1976, I got a few of them, Heart -Dreamboat Annie, Blue Oyster Cult -Agents of Fortune, and Queen 2. 1977, I got RUSH's A Farewell to Kings. And it's almost impossible to put into words, but all those albums still retain a certain Magic that kinda twinkles with the Spirit of the Holiday season. It's so hard to pick a favorite Queen album, but this one is just very special in their Catalog, and obviously very special to ME 🌟🤍🖤 Thanks Verdy 😊🎄🕊️. p.s. glad you found a way to beat the bots 😉 cause Queen is a bad one. I think it's SONY that triggers the auto block nonsense.

[@lucasroth7922]

My favorite Queen album by far! Listened to ths every day for about a year when it first came out🔥🤘✌

[@albertorodriguez3631]

Excellent album!! 100% QUEEN!! It must be one of the least know songs, and I don't know if it as valued, but it is on par with any of their discography and I am happy to read in the comments that many have it as their favourite album . Don't forget the "FLEETWOOD MAC" album from '77,or one that just turned 50 these days: "BAND ON THE RUN" by WINGS (PAUL MC CARTNEY). Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷🤗

[@steevepartouche5406]

Someday one day Brian vocal and Looser in the end vocal by Roger🎉

[@phil-nt4yz]

i subscribed because i think you act a great human. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@no1froggy]

This is without doubt up there as one of Queens best albums, I preferred their early stuff as I thought it had more of a raw sound to it & no synthesizers, (as was their boast on the record sleeves!.)

[@dcanmore]

Hi Verdy, Soda Stereo covered Someday, One Day.

[@kellyfreas]

1:43-1:54 "Come on" :D

[@FreemanUY]

I thought I was going to find a reaction to the Copa America draw since you are going to be hosting the Copa America. I guess football still goes unnoticed

[@SDsailor7]

A draw? Who played who?

[@Geraove]

Hola verdy, buena reacción de esta gran banda, en 1981 vinieron a Argentina y Freddy Mercury se intercambio camisetas de fútbol con Diego Armando Maradona, fue epico, un año después vendría la guerra, pero siempre los argentinos hemos Sido buenos amantes de la buena música, te sigo recomendando el albúm "NADA PERSONAL" de soda Stereo, besos 😘🇦🇷🖐️

[@marcburger8458]

Thank you so much😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@antoniocandidoaraujoneto141]

Queen Brasil❤❤❤

[@vovindequasahi]

This album kicks ass!

[@RoverWaters]

no synth sounds were used in the making of this album

[@frankrice6935]

Hey Rachael is Ozzy Osbourne with Randy Rhoads on your list and how far away are they????

[@SDsailor7]

When are you going to do a reaction to the Warning ms Verdi? If you do you will have all their fans visiting you and you will gain a ton of subs to your channel. They have already played in your part of the country. Whatch their cover of enter dandman when they were kids. It will blow you away.

[@КонстантинАндриянов-м1н]

хех, мне 44, и теперь мне понятно, почему папа специально прятал кассету с q1-2 ///на специальном месте....

[@КонстантинАндриянов-м1н]

самое тяжелое это Роджер)

[@o_cabuloso_]

Have you already reacted to Marta? THE GOAT of women's football? I'm looking forward to seeing this video on your channel

[@laeljon]

Check out the Traveling Wilbury's ( End of the Line) Think U would like all of their music...Thanks

[@biglove1941]

No Synthesizers!

[@glasko8355]

hava nasıl oralar da üşüyor musun ?

[@HaraldOliwen]

Queen hat etwa 200 Songs geschrieben & Queen ist oft Live besser!

[@aidibachir6085]

مرحبا لا بيتحق أن تعبدي مخلوق ضعيف يموت لم يخلقكي فقط خالقك يستحق أن تعبديه وحده لا شريك له من فضلكي تعرفي على الاسلام الحياة قصيرة تنتهي في أي وقت ونعود لربنا ليحاسبنا اني ناصح لكي أمين وشكرا

[@commentatron]

When their 1st album came out, I was a huge fan. _Night at the Opera_ and this one were big departures that I couldn't really appreciate. _News of the World_ and _Shear Heart Attack_ restored some of the tight, hooky rock that I missed, but that was it. They were definitely a very stylistically diverse group that appealed to a wide audience. Of course, I selfishly wanted them to remain true to my narrow, teen-aged tastes, but great bands rarely remain static - and still great. The Beatles had the same problem, but they had a good excuse, they broke up.