Hip Hop Fan's First Reaction and Analysis of Killer Queen By Queen

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[@tanobammino2519]

"Gelatine", not "Guillotine". "Gelatine" was a key ingredient in making "gelignite" explosives...an old type of explosive.

[@Sassypaws4927]

Freddie Mercury, who composed "Killer Queen" claimed,: “It’s about a high-class call girl. I’m trying to say that classy people can be whores as well. That’s what the song is about, though I’d prefer people to put their interpretation upon it - to read into it what they like.” The structure utilized in the song is quite unusual. There are 4 bar phrases immediately followed by 5 bar phrases and then 2 bar phrases, with tempo changing from 12/8 to 6/8 and vice versa. The main key being Eb major is very unorthodox for Rock music, as guitars don’t usually play flats. Brian May, who is well-known for a heavier hard rock sound, had been struck with hepatitis during the majority of the recording. Upon initially hearing the song, Brian was shocked by the more progressive, lighter sound. Nevertheless, the rest of the band left space for Brian to record his own iconic guitar melodies. The song includes prominent uses of multi-tracking, not just on the vocals, but also in the guitar solo. Other effects used include the flanger (pitch bends), panning (sound moving from the left ear to the right), portamento/glissando (sliding from one note to another), distortion (giving a creamy feel), wah-wah (fluctuating muted effect) on the guitar, string bending and sliding. The band had decided not to use the ubiquitous synthesizer, as they thought it was superfluous. Instead, instrumentation utilized includes a jangle box piano (detuned), drum kit, bass guitar, electric guitar, and vocals. “Killer Queen” was the breakthrough song that turned Queen into worldwide rock stars. Peaking at #2 in the UK, the song became a hit in seven other European countries as well. “Killer Queen” was the first Queen single to successfully ‘cross the pond’, becoming a top 20 hit in the U.S. and Canada, as well as a top 30 hit in Australia.

[@bluebell3720]

No 12 US Freddies songs it was usually him,Roger and John who recorded the backing then Brian added his solo where Freddie had mapped it out, the rest of the guitar pieces would be written and mapped by Freddie also bass and drum it's still used in the Uk GCSE exams their first hit in the UK at no 2

[@imweakfordeaky]

Gunpowder, GELATINE (not guillotine), dynamite with a laser beam … the “gelatine” refers to a gel-explosive invented by the same man who invented dynamite. The song is about a high priced call girl.

[@jeffmartin1026]

As mentioned before, when this came out their sound was unique in sound and style. Synthesizers were new and being crammed into as many songs as possible, Queen proudly proclaimed that there were NO synthesizers used in their music.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Until The Game, which is when I tuned out.

[@patriciakent6728]

Yet..

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

It's more fun to watch their OFFICIAL VIDEO Version of this clever song! You won't believe the vibe. Nothing like Freddie Mercury in a fox fur coat. So worth seeing. For the next song up, I'd recommend an Official Video Version as well, of "Somebody To Love". With that under your belt, move onto the same song but at a live concert "Somebody To Love - Live at Montreal 1981" - reason being, with the first one you will hear the lads singing the delicious harmonies as it was designed on the album. With the second, you will see them in action. And better understand why Freddie Mercury is considered the finest frontman in the rock world. A very, very different experience. Enjoy.

[@patriciakent6728]

I enjoyed your reaction and always appreciate the bringing up of lyrics thank you. Every Queen song is different.... Freddy was once asked what he would say what he would talk about with Marion Antoinette. Freddie said "diamonds of course , I mean what else.!"he said

[@jazzlefettie]

Thanks for this reaction, and I must say congrats on your bravery for saying on KZbin that you don’t really like a Queen song. And not just any Queen song; one of the most loved Queen songs of all time (and the first one I heard in the early ‘70’s which kicked off my lifelong thrill of being a Queen fan.) I’m not sure I understand what you are saying is wrong with this song musically, but to each their own. However, nothing in this song is particularly “operatic.” Not sure what you think makes a song “operatic.” Are you saying that about this song because it contains a lot of harmonic chords? Or is it because there’s a sort-of story in the lyrics? Neither of those things make a song “operatic.” As for a guitar solo just kinda showing up in the song-I think that’s what all or most guitar solos do. The lead guitar is used throughout most of this song, so it’s not as if there was no guitar and it suddenly showed up for an out of place solo. Regardless of all of this, it makes me sad that you haven’t enjoyed this song as much as I and others have, but because Queen music is often so different even among their own catalog, I wouldn’t let this stop you from checking out other Queen pieces. Btw, there’s a theory that Freddie wrote this song about a gay man who may or may not have been a prostitute. But who knows. And, as for me, who cares? It’s just a great song.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

This is the first Queen song I heard, back in '74 on US FM radio. Junior High days. From the moment I heard it, I loved it. So different from anything else on then, so many cool things to hear, just a terrific piece of music. Maybe Sayed needs another listen or two? Or maybe not... No worries, Queen have so many different types of songs in their catalog, there are for sure several that will really grab you.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

There was a streak of vaudeville and old musicals like Gilbert and Sullivan in some of their songs But some other songs they rocked so hard you could break a tooth.

[@ArmandoMPR]

The album where this appears was a turning point for the band. I do wonder if they would’ve gotten into more prog rock had their previous album done better.

[@AdamConus]

Queen has many, many, sounds. Your favorite track ever may yet be Queen, even if Killer Queen wasn't to your liking. I recommend Under Pressure (with David Bowie) 1980's era Queen, now a classic rock radio staple, and probably my favorite track of theirs. Totally different vibe. Queen is also special when heard live.

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

Well, I guess you have to react to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' now. It is operatic rock with killer lyrics. And look at you blowing up! Almost 11k subs. Not surprised, you have the best reactions going. Intellectual analysis at its best. I had a suggestion for reaction, the artist is Brandi Carlisle and the song is "The Joke". It's about racial and cultural intolerance. Brandi has a unique voice and her social consciousness is right up my alley. Her live version at the 61st Grammys is great, but the video is outstanding. Cheers my friend.

[@the_judge_8262]

The band was comprised, not compromised 😜😜 Keep up the vids, Queen are a great band. I'm sure you've heard it, but as a Hip Hop fan you will like the bass lines of Another one bites the dust.

[@AA-nb2gy]

THIS was 4 Guys! The talent in this band was universal. THEY ALL had it. Queen was son unique at the time. Truly breathtaking talent mixed with extremely unique lyrics (they wrote ALL of it).....and stage presence (Mercury) forced the audience to become majorly involved. Queen LIVE is beyond your imagination

[@loadedorygun]

This is like a nod to Cole Porter, sort of a good time lounge romp with a naughty tinge. Freddie loved classy and naughty.

[@papercup2517]

My Melancholy Blues is another one in that CP style, playing with some clever lyrics and a sophisticated 30/40s nightclub sound.

[@lisaargyrou1488]

Wow 🥰 beautiful Freddie ❤️ liked subscribed 😁 more queen reactions please 😍

[@stevenmonte7397]

Queen was my first concert ever! Never seen any one better yet!!

[@keymack2477]

Really enjoying your channel, Syed, and I would like to thank you for your many enjoyable and educational reactions. Don't be discouraged by the music based on one song - Queen mastered many genres including their own and have literally dozens and dozens of songs you will enjoy! Here's a golden nugget to put in your back pocket for a rainy day when you have nothing else to react to: Consider reacting to the live version of "White Queen" by Queen at the Hammersmith Odeon 1975! Cheers!!

[@terrigabriel582]

Wow...amazing & impressive How You Broke this Down & so Gracefully Thank You So Much 😊

[@LeroyBrown84]

Great reaction! 👑 🎸 MORE QUEEN!

[@deboraclark5791]

Queen did many genres of music, maybe listen to Stone Cold Crazy, it's considered the first metal music, Metallica covered it, and won a Grammy. Queen did Progressive, Hard Rock, Blues, Jazzy, Rockabilly, Pop, really they could do anything and well. Queen couldn't be put in a box, very excellent band.

[@davidgagne3569]

I've grown to appreciate Queen over time. Mainly because of their technical prowess.

[@cazgerald9471]

Now you gotta react to "Stone Cold Crazy" from the same album

[@belenscolpino2691]

Killer Quenn es un deleite para los oídos👑🌠✨

[@jmmurica2885]

Live aid, Queen. You’ll be a fan forever.

[@LMTino]

Freddie in this song was the Noel Coward of rock. While he did sing rock, he was fluid in so many styles, morphing to suit the song. Seeing the visual of the video (done for Top of the Pops show) gives it the elegant spin on the story.

[@mathguy6412]

Bro, Queen is one of my all-time favorite bands! You can't understand Queen by just listening to one or two of their songs either... they covered so many genres and styles over the years that it's really hard to say what "their style" really was. Nothing else in their catalog sounds anything like Killer Queen. It is interesting that you pointed out how operatic their sound was. Freddie was a huge fan of opera, and it shows in many of his works, particularly Bohemian Rhapsody. Everything he wrote was larger-than-life and over-the-top. It's sad that we lost such a great artist so young... For early stuff, you should hear "Liar", "Keep Yourself Alive", "March of the Black Queen" (which is lesser known but a favorite of mine), "Prophet's Song" (which experiments with some metal sounds and looping tracks), of course the immortal "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Somebody to Love", and "Don't Stop Me Now". I could go on for a while.... XD I don't care as much for their 80's stuff, but even I have to admit that they put out some killer tracks in the 80's. I also recommend "The Show Must Go On", which is a tribute to Freddie's devotion to music while coming face-to-face with his own mortality. To think that the song is sung by a dying man who refuses to give up on his dreams... It's both inspiring and chilling.

[@barryrahn5957]

I heard on US radio in 74, and yes it sounded totally different. Syed you're very right about this being a British band. Couldn't imagine this being a American band. I hear old British music hall soft-shoe style, sentimental dance routines.I think a lot of British bands grew up hearing old school music on Saturday night at their grandma's. They might've hated it back then but it worked it's way into their memories - and voila! Anyway, enjoy your critiques Syed. Chelsea, Hotspurs or Arsenal?

[@callioscope]

I had never paid attention to the lyrics before. Thank you. I had always been a Bohemian Rhapsody stan, but now I want to listen to this again and again.

[@bluebell3720]

one of Freddies No 2 UK. their first hit in 1974 it's used as part of the UK GCSE music exams

[@barbherrera5613]

Queen did not use synths until their 8th album, The Game. The only instruments you heard were Drums, Piano, Bass, and Guitar. Brian May is a magician with guitar sounds and the Deacy amp, which was made by John Deacon, the bassist, is used extensively by May on this track. I laughed when I heard you say you weren't fond of the operatic qualities of the song. You are in for a major awakening with "Bohemian Rhapsody!" I hope you are able to hear the music for its intricacies and uniqueness in the rock world. As a serious Queenie, half a thumbs up made me cry.

[@robmaeder330]

Thanks for bringing the lyrics back. I never took the time for most track, and for the first 20 years to see lyrics you had to buy the record or find sheet music at a store.

[@BalbazaktheGreat]

No other band quite like Queen, and no other front man like Freddy Mercury. One thing about Queen is that, similar to Bowie, no two songs really sound the same. You've undoubtedly heard "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions." If you haven't, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a must - also consider checking out: "Under Pressure"(w/Bowie), "Another One Bites the Dust," "Who Wants to Live Forever?," or "Don't Stop Me Now." (Bohemian Rhapsody is crazier than this song in terms of composition, but the others I recommend are a bit more traditional, FYI."

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

I always love the way straight people miss the gay subtext which is hiding in plain sight. Freddie is the Killer Queen himself, the song is arch-English high camp. It's wonderful, Freddie having fun.

[@bluebell3720]

gay subtext?

[@wrorchestra1]

Right on the money! The song is about a high-class call girl

[@RadCenter]

I always assumed the song was about a drag queen with expensive tastes and insatiable appetites. It is wickedly hard to sing. Freddie makes it sound easy.

[@bluebell3720]

Freddie said it was a classy call girl!

[@RadCenter]

@@bluebell3720 or one who identified herself as such

[@margaritakmp]

My pick for fave Queen song is probably Somebody to Love!!

[@Hoscitt]

As a fellow Brit there's no way you haven't heard this before!

[@juliananelson475]

Would like your reaction to Queen's "Innuendo"!

[@robertmccauley754]

Steely Dan - Reelin’ in the Years gives a similar vibe I can see you enjoying.

[@VEETEEARR]

The next Queen song, Fat Bottom Girls, I think. Another quirky British band with cleverly written witty lyrics is Pulp with their song Common People is another that you are sure to enjoy.

[@michelletammydenney1417]

Actually, Freddie and Roger shared a flat together and ran a second hand clothing store before they became Queen 😊

[@fightingwords8955]

LOVE QUEEN 🤩

[@jodyheigaard9949]

Looking through the reactions you've done, you should listen to Queen's Stone Cold Crazy - Rainbow '74. Metallica covered it & won a Grammy for it. Also check out White Queen - Hammersmith Odeon '75 (awesome piano/guitar duet in the middle) & Liar - Rainbow '74 (pay close attention to the bass - there's a short bass solo towards the end, but it's the foundation for the song that John provides that keeps it moving).

[@jman3927]

Hearing this again just now, it hit me how Beatle-esque this really is.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Interesting you call this "operatic." This is from their third album, "Sheer Heart Attack", released in 1974. Their next album is called "A Night at the Opera", which not coincidentally was the name of a 1935 Marx Brothers movie. (by the way, the band isn't "compromised" of Freddie, Brian, John, and Roger, rather it "comprises" Freddie, Brian, John, and Roger.)

[@arnoldcox9128]

Dynamite with a laser beam is the line of the song

[@richardscales9560]

The sound engineering and production ......

[@josephclarke4244]

I always thought he was describing a high class call girl...the very education women more a courtesan then easily available, someone you'd need to engage only if you were up to the challenge

[@LadyIarConnacht]

Queen is nothing if not unique and operatic. They have a lot of different, interesting and playful songs. You won't find anyone with more versatile voice than Freddie Mercury. Try Fat Bottom Girls, Somebody to Love, We are the Champions, Under Pressure, Don't Stop Me Now (considered by some to be the happiest song ever written), and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Certainly one of the most energetic.

[@jaidenobrien]

This song is in no way referring to Marie Antoinette, nor any other nobility, but rather is referring to a high end call girl.

[@jaidenobrien]

The lyrics in this song are, in my humble opinion at least, quite clever, and well put together. Freddie Mercury, as well as every other member of Queen, were inducted into the song writers Hall of Fame for a reason. Great writing from every member! To my knowledge, Queen is the only band who can claim that every member was inducted. If there is another band who can claim the same, as there may possibly be, then I am unaware of them having done so. Also, every member has written one or more number one hits! All also have solo albums, apart from Queen. They all also have a college degree, with Brian May having earned his PhD, now being Dr. Brian May PhD., Astrophysistist. Brian has actually worked with NASA! Queen is, at least in my opinion, a well rounded band!

[@billbitterman9487]

The first song I heard was from their first album. I heard Keep Yourself Alive when I walked into a record store right about the time the album first came out. That song may strike you a little more positively from a musical standpoint. You may find that many of those written by Brian May a little more to your liking. Another of my very favorites is 39. It is a Brian May song with Brian singing lead. Cool song about time travel

[@kathyedleman633]

Try "Stone Cold Crazy " it's a heavier faster pace song :)

[@mikeevans1625]

As always, enjoy your thoughtful comments. Queen is an amazing and interesting band, and while Killer Queen is a fun track, it's definitely an uneven song. They experimented with a lot of genres. DON'T STOP ME NOW is a high-paced banger. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is a gorgeous operatic musical indulgence, UNDER PRESSURE is a killer duet with David Bowie about depression and redemption.

[@marblackCanada]

Lady of the night.

[@ChrisBlair-ev3mp]

Not Marie Antionette, but JUST LIKE her, I think he's singing about a good time party girl, who may or may not actually be a girl, IF you get my meaning.

[@susannalavallee2348]

I heard that Freddie said it is about high priced call girls.... (?)

[@SallyBedow]

Brian May has said "Killer Queen" is a very complex song.

[@bluebell3720]

it's used as part of UK GCSE music exams!

[@Chezmoreau]

Great analysis as usual. A little feedback though: no need to add background music when you're speaking. I find it distracting/ disturbing :P

[@raytrusty8618]

"Met a man from China went down to Geisha Minor, then again incidentally if your that way inclined!" euphemism for homosexuality.........

[@bluebell3720]

how? most people think it's just a play on words 'Asia Minor' middle East

[@deachenchorol3588]

0:05 Compromise? U meant Comprises. Right?? 😊

[@gregoryisner6496]

I don't think escorts do it because they're insatiable. Come on Sayed, let's update our views on women.

[@rogeebundy6002]

Does he say guillotine or turpin tine

[@suecook1326]

Your back ground music.... can you tone it down? The volume drowns out your discussion somewhat. Thanks!

[@davidbouchard3275]

It's about a high priced escort

[@sd-df1vs]

Coldplay fly on react please.

[@phillipharrison7283]

This may have very well been the break through single but it wasn't the best song on the album. Try 'Tenement Funster', 'Brighton Rock', 'Flick of the wrist' and 'Stone Cold Crazy'. The latter will blow your mind. Thanks Syed

[@bluebell3720]

I can't understand them not releasing stone cold crazy then metalica get a Grammy for their cover!

[@phillipharrison7283]

@@bluebell3720 Probably regarded it as too short. I didn't even know Metallica sang it never mind won a Grammy

[@phillipharrison7283]

@@bluebell3720 Just listened to Metallica's version. Bit more RAW. Not as polished and guitar work by Brian May is far superior

[@inadifferentdimension1774]

Half a thumb up? You are missing a them and a half. This song is straight up orgasm, only better.

[@marianclough8577]

Not 'Geisha Minah' ASIA MINOR.

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

Do yourself a favor and check out “It’s Late”

[@PaintedCavern]

Killer Queen means something entirely different to men from the gay culture. Just sayin.

[@dannymoore6886]

I think the queen is a transvestite.

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

Honey, this song is about a man. Recall that ‘Queen’ is a name for a femme gay man. Supposedly it is about a former manager.

[@bluebell3720]

more flamboyant than fem flick of the wrist and death on two legs was about his manager EMI promoter Eric Hall claimed the song was for him! I very much doubt it though

[@bluebell3720]

Queen can actually be about a woman!

[@johnandrews3151]

WHAT A HORRIBLE VIDEO! IT MAY BE THE TOP OF THE POPS BUT IT IS NOT EVEN IN STEREO AND YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANNEL. THUMBS DOWN.

[@Mixcoatl]

What?

[@jabberbone1]

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK YOUR HEADPHONES, JOHN!

[@zaradragonia9863]

Freddie was a big fan of being somewhat over the top and flamboyant. He came from Middlesex but was born in Zanzibar. Coming from the outside he craved attention and loyalty.

[@zaradragonia9863]

Queen were a fantastic band in their early days. Glam rock mixed with Freddie's operatic vocals and songwriting skills. Which is what made them famous I think ☺️

[@zaradragonia9863]

This was when they were good. Before they went disco and started wearing white. I loved their early days 😃