Queen, You’re My Best Friend - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#queen #freddiemercury #rogertaylor #brianmay #johndeacon
What a great use of the octave in this riff! This song has an incredibly satisfying buoyancy thanks to its gospel-style elements, as well as its very own comfortingly sweet personality.
Here’s the link to the original song by Queen:
• Queen - You're My Best...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Queen
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[@popsmcgee9775]

Love Queen but always saw this song as a somewhat sophomoric pop song. Once again, Amy's reaction is better than the song itself lol.

[@lauraminyard881]

Deacon was the George Harrison of Queen! When he hit, he really hit hard in compositions!

[@carcarjinks1430]

it's how queen did what they did. they were always on the lookout for some new musical idea or style. they'd discover something, use it in a song, and move on to the next project. if they ever stopped and said, "this is too much like pop. we shouldn't do it," then that same hesitancy would've stopped them from writing some of their best stuff. led zeppelin did the same thing - always exploring new things, which is why all their albums were different.

[@sierrabianca]

This isn't a "sophomoric" pop song, it's a perfectly realised pop song. The idea that her reaction to the song is "better" than the song itself is also ridiculous, as is the pinning of this specific comment tbh.

[@roystonsbailey]

@@sierrabianca spot on, the music (and the people who created it) are why we're all here watching this in the first place...

[@JG-lx5pm]

I completely agree with you... in my opinion not one of the best Queen song but rather a so, so song only.

[@welcometogeektown]

"There is a certain kind of magic..." No, that's a different Queen song, but you'll get there.

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

John Deacon didn't write a lot of Queen songs, but he sure wrote some fine hits for them!

[@Scott-tw8go]

48 years later his still married to his best friend. Always loved this song!

[@deboraclark5791]

John and his wife Veronica were married in the 70s they have six kids, they are still together. This song is very sweet.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

This was the love song I sang to my wife in 1991 that sealed the deal.

[@sophiebernard1983]

By the way, you might be interested to know that John is still with his wife, lol. It makes the song even more beautiful !

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

The first one in the band to get married, and the only one still with his first wife. 😊 They have six kids.

[@chergui77]

@@BadgersInTheAttic And they live in their same first house!

[@marblackCanada]

Roger thought the song was sappy and not for a rock band, but Freddie wanted John to feel more apart of the band. At this time in their career they were still broke and John wanted to by a ring for his wife. Royalties were earned by the writer of the song, this way John would get some extra money. I will say that on most Queen songs Brian, Freddie and Roger sing and harmonized together and layer their voices.

[@Destroythealliance]

Who cares what roger thinks, i think it's better than a song about being in love with his car, and I'm sure John didn't like crap like Fun It.

[@marblackCanada]

Why be so snarky?

[@tuetenmythen]

When you get to "Somebody to Love" (if it hasn't been recorded yet), you should review 2 versions in one go, the studio and the live in Montreal-1981 version. It should be interesting to hear how differently the song can be presented. And it would show Amy what energy the band had and what stage presence Freddie Mercury had.

[@clintonsmith5163]

That is a great idea.

[@dianecourtney2724]

And Live in Milton Keynes … which Amy might find most interesting

[@AliT0555]

Absolutely agree, hope she does Somebody to Love, especially to hear Freddie’s foray into “gospel/soul”. Also great idea to do the studio version vs the live version to show how Queen adapted songs to perform on stage.

[@pestergaines]

Definitely! Lends itself perfectly to the comparison of a live version to the studio version!

[@jackiewilliams4854]

Agreed

[@dianecourtney2724]

Deaky said when he wrote his songs he had Freddie’s voice in mind. He knew Freddie would and could express what he ( John ) was saying and trying to express in his songs.

[@TheAnalyst79]

You have reacted to a lot of songs from the Night at the Opera album, but you can't move on until you have reacted to The Prophet's Song.

[@babyfacemichael1]

i think we all praying for that . Lets hope Vlad gets the hint, but he skipped `Brighton Rock` `Black Queen` so we shall see.

[@victormarian7889]

Yea, totally agree, a masterpiece !

[@lynby6231]

I would like to see “my fairy king”

[@MickyP2]

The Prophets Song might be the longest reaction video in history. 😀

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

We have lost 2 great musicians at the same time when Freddie died, because John took part in completing the posthumus Made in Heaven album and in recording the Only the Good Die Young (a tribute song to Freddie), but then he gave up his entire musical career. Freddie had to spend 8 years in a boarding school in India , he missed his parents and younger sister, later he admired the more or less ordinary family life of John's, who was a real family man.

[@breadmoth6443]

I hope she listens to Queen's '39 , that song is underrated

[@susanneg2824]

You’re right, it’s excellent!!

[@dianecourtney2724]

Freddie can express that ‘ lovely comfortable feeling ‘ John has written about in his song because that is what Freddie always wanted and searched for his whole life. His favorite song Somebody To Love is truly Freddie’s feelings.

[@TheWalrusWasPaul23]

He actually did eventually find it. He spent the last seven years of his life in a happy, committed relationship, that people just conveniently like to forget, because it was a man. Freddie himself said in a 1987 interview that he had never been happier because he was in a stable relationship. And that was Jim Hutton, who deserves a mention, because reactors or many fans never do, always focused on Mary

[@konradtomala3580]

Amy, it's not just Freddie doing backing vocals in this song - it's three of them (Freddie, Brian, Roger). They had 3 skillful vocalists in the band and there were various combinations regarding backing vocals. Freddie did all the backing vocals usually for his songs (Love Of My Life, Lily of The Valley, Bohemian Rhapsody except operatic part in the middle), but there are songs where Roger did backing vocals on his songs (I'm In Love With My Car), the same with Brian (39, Sail Away Sweet Sister) and there are songs where three of them did (Death On Two Legs, this one, operatic part in Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody To love etc.)

[@mori1bund]

About every composers distinctive style... John -> straight & simple, but very effective & catchy pop songs, often funk influenced. Brian -> guitar based rock songs, from prog to folk to hard rock & metal. Roger -> 70s: straight, fast and/or groovy hard rock; 80s: straight, fast pop/rock, but now also calmer, slower, very catchy pop songs with thoughtful lyrics. Freddie -> all over the place! Freddie trancends musical genres and styles: from simple to complex, from Metal to Dancefloor to Jazz to Classic to Gospel to Prog to R&B to Pop, etc - Freddie composed everything, often even different genres in the same song.

[@carlgroves8072]

You didn't mention the homecoming quality of the words: "Whenever this world is cruel to me, I've got you to help me forgive". The most soulful words in Queen's entire repertoire. The quintessential definition of friendship.

[@chergui77]

What a beautiful observation, Carl. 💜

[@carlgroves8072]

@@chergui77 Thank you for your kind words.

[@Dillon12]

Most of Queen's choruses are sung by the three of them (except John). You can easily note Roger, either by his distinct voice or by his high notes, but Brian is also there in the low range.

[@butkovicharts]

"Thank You"... I enjoy and appreciate all the work you and your husband do for us all. Your insight and explanations on various music I've known for a lifetime, is eye-opening. I truly do "Thank You"... and I love you and your magnetic persona that you share with such ease. Never stop... you just beginning....

[@wgb_jd]

And they are still married today. Forty-eight years.

[@mariasanabria7981]

Hi Amy, there are indeed queen songs where Freddie sings the vocals alone, but in most of the songs the choruses are from Freddie, Brian and Roger. In fact, Brian has a deep voice, Roger did the treble and Freddie did everything. This is what is called the queen sound. That's how he was known and Freddie himself called him that. In an interview he made it clear that when the three of them got together and sang, a unique sound was produced: the queen sound.

[@basstian]

To be fair, all three of them had similar ranges. Brian's voice wasn't actually that deep and, in fact, some early records and live renditions had him doing the top part rather than Roger (though, ultimately, Roger was of course the one with the highest voice).

[@heatherqualy9143]

It IS special when families can blend their voices so well together, which is what made Queen special. And as a couple others on here pointed out…it is absolutely is NOT Freddie blending with himself. He did that a few, very specific times. 98% of the time, and in the case here, it is Freddie, Roger, and Brian. I wanted to add my comment to the others here, in the hopes that you see one of these comments and don’t make the horrible mistake so many others do: putting Freddie’s voice in such high esteem that you brush aside the lottery ticket they won by having THREE incredible voices in one band.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

The bass lines in this song are truly great. He plays little runs everywhere often landing on colour notes or unexpected places. He also brings the Bass up an octave which gives a classical sound and feel. Deacon was one of the most innovative bass players in popular music always keeping things moving and never playing when it wasn't required or the best choice. Your last point was spot on about ego ect...Freddie said in an interview that they sometimes dropped ideas they came up with because it was far more important to do this and go with what served the song best over any section that they felt personally proud of for whatever reason.

[@yvrkid7070]

If Freddie wasn't singing this song it might have come across a bit sappy. As it is Freddie sings it with such passion and honesty it is a beautiful touching love song. It was played at weddings all through the 70s and 80s. One of the few Queen songs that sounds better in studio because of the electric piano. The grand piano didn't give it the right punch. Thanks for a great reaction! If you want to see Freddie making love to the camera watch the promo video for the song. ❤

My wife and I had this song played in our wedding. Not because it´s out personal favorite but because of the fact that John Deacon wrote this to his wife who he is still married. It is sweet and also grounded and portrays everyday love which in my opionion makes it the perfect wedding song.

[@nicholashylton6857]

About brilliant tune from the mind of John Deacon. Totally uplighting. A heartfelt song of love to his wife.

[@thatrobguy]

If you like to hear family members harmonize together-just wait until you get to The Bee Gees!

[@tonycasey3183]

I always felt that Deacon was somehow channelling Son Of My Father by Chicory Tip and Jazzman by Carole King when he wrote this song. As a bass player, I understand the rythm of the main riff. As you pull your finger across one string and it lands on the next, that groove is so natural feeling, even though in this instance it is being played on an electric piano. It is a great song and one of Deacon's finest creations.

[@kendallneason3645]

Actually Freddie did record several tracts in different keys in many songs (see documentary) and in the choruses Freddie, Roger, and Brian sang together. All four members of Queen were inducted in the songwriters hall of fame! So there are many songs written by each of them. That is what made their music so eclectic. You had Freddie’s love of classical, gospel, opera and theatrical sounds, Brian’s cerebral rhythms and love of classic rock, Roger’s love of pounding, harder rock but also clever songs like It’s A Kind of Magic, and John Deacon’s love of funk, blues and disco. Each contributed hit songs. Btw they all loved the band The Beatles and Freddie even wrote an homage song for John Lennon, his favorite member, called Life is Good in which he sings just like Lennon! Brian’s favorite member was George Harrison of course. Thanks Amy your reactions are so interesting!

[@adamelliott18]

This was a big hit in Canada off this album, and has been a staple on many radio stations of different genres. When it comes on the radio people notice and take a few moments to listen and have some nice memories come to mind. 😊

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

It was number 2 in Canada

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

Yes, they all had hits. Queen were the first band to be inducted into the Songwriters 'Hall of Fame'

[@Jontor11]

Great analysis! This is one of my favourite Queen songs. It's simple, yet fantastic at the same time. It has a warmth to it that feels like a cozy blanket.

[@stephenbryan219]

If you want to hear John Deacon's bass playing at its best you must listen to Millionaires Waltz. Not only is what he plays on that song truly superb there are long periods where he is silent, it's a masterclass in knowing when to play and when not to.

[@LaserRockShow]

amy im so glad to have you back for queen🥰 talking about deaky, queen was the only band where all four members had a number one hit. and its fascinating how you again find details i never noticed. i know queen were genius but you show me in a way i didnt noticed before.

[@Papa_Meow_Meow]

Of Queens top 10 higest grossing songs John Deacon wrote 3. Your My Best Friend, Another One Bites the Dust and I Want to Break Free. Although he didn't write many , when he did he nailed it.

[@steveberkery6128]

Freddie and Brian May were Lennon and McCartney… John Deacon was the “Quiet Beatle”… Masquerading as George Harrison, he penned “Another One Bites The Dust”, arguably their biggest hit…

[@CabinFever52]

One of my all-time favorites.

[@davidcardoso3525]

I know what the next song on the album is & hopehopehope you touch on '39.

[@valerielansford565]

As mentioned elsewhere in the comments, Roger didn't particularly like this song. Especially the line "We're happy at home". He's been quoted as saying, "We're a rock band! Not a sewing circle! 😂 But he sang his part perfectly (IMO)!

[@ianjonas7380]

Try Spread Your Wings. One of my favourites from Queen.

[@janetschulman8998]

John is still married to Veronica and have 6 children. They still live in the same first house they bought n the early 70’s.

[@karentargaryen7959]

Yes it may be simple, but just a good sweet song.

[@grumpyoldman8524]

Your comments in 29:36 - 32:04 are a genuine inspiration, not only to musicians but to everyone in general. What a teacher.

[@chergui77]

Yes indeed!!!

[@michaelmueller8772]

Freddie had a special fondness for John's songs, and they had similar music tastes a good deal of the time. That being said, Freddie insisted that if John wanted an electric piano on this song, he could play it himself, as Freddie wanted nothing to do with 'that vulgar instrument'. John didn't write complex songs like Freddie, but his melodic gifts are evident in his bass playing, especially on Fred's more 'extreme' compositions, like The Millionaire Waltz and The Miracle.

[@surferles589]

This is the first Queen song I liked. So different. The electric piano intro makes the song.

[@billjones8503]

A lovely song.

[@yinoveryang4246]

This song was on my "least favourite list" of Queen songs for many years. Then suddenly I got it and loved it. Like a great Beatles song, it's compositionally more interesting that it appears at first. Feels just right, as if it was always there,

[@XFLexiconMatt]

Amazing when you consider that all four members of Queen had such divergent influences and taste, yet was able to blend it all together. John's Electric Piano and Bass work is really great on this one, as well as Brian's guitar. This was John's second song for the band and it became a massive hit, amazing! Freddie and John had a real affinity for Motown and RNB, and Freddie would encourage John to write and bring in this type of material. Later on with the band, they co-wrote a few songs.

[@CubeCyclone]

Another one of JDs fine compositions.

[@MikeBruno-qt5es]

One thing I liked about John's bass guitar playing on this song is his use of harmony notes instead of root notes which the electric piano is playing. By playing harmony notes, you can can distinguish more easily between the bass guitar and the electric piano. Plus, it makes the song more interesting instead of both instruments playing root notes. Great reaction as always.

[@LeeKennison]

Another great Queen reaction. Interesting how much your harp's bass strings sounded like the Wurlitzer. As far as the bass guitar, it can be simply used to lay down the bottom end of the harmonic structure, play walking lines, or it can be used more melodically. Paul McCartney, Sting, and Geddy Lee tend to be melodic bass players. Interesting thoughts on the creative process which at times does seem magical, as if the musical gods and muses have come down to touch certain artists at certain times. Although probably just that innate creative process that distinguishes us as human, with the innovative ones called geniuses. Whether from the ordinary person, geniuses, gods, or muses, it is magical in its own way since it is all a bit mysterious.

[@kentnottingham9635]

I was 12 when this song hit the radio. My sisters had the album, wouldn’t let me listen to it. I bout the album, (my first album purchase ever) BECAUSE of this song. Wore out the whole album (on vinyl) twice, warped one, scratched another before CDs cam out. At the end, when they change the phrasing from “Ooooh you make me live” to. “Ooooh you’re my best friend” was always so impressive, made me love Queen!

[@kendallneason3645]

Thanks for the Queen reaction! Brilliant! And yes Amy each member wrote enough songs that people with a good ear for music like you can identify each member’s songs. Though in later years they credited all members for Queen songs. Maybe you’ll be able to tell us who’s original idea each of those songs came from. I’m such a fan I know each member’s songs and I can hear where Freddie has made his contributions on the other member’s songs. ❤I Love John Deacon’s songs and I think this song is a beautiful tribute to true love. Freddie always worked hard to sing each member’s songs so personally.

[@trevorgoddard2278]

John Deacon didn't add as much to the catalogue as the other members, but when he did they were often major hits, and his influence on the bass line of other songs is clear, very few of Queen's songs were really composed by only one person. Writing a hit love song to your relatively new wife obviously worked out for him, he's still married to her and they have six grown children.

[@chergui77]

And still live in their same first house. Gotta love it.

[@mauriciomijares7286]

I loved this reaction, your highly trained ears listen things that mine don't. And your insights about the lyrics showed the beautiful nature of your soul. Thank you Amy.

[@citizenkane4831]

I would love to listen to Amy reaction to 39, Bring back leeroy brown and Brighton rock. Three very different sides of Queen

[@79BlackRose]

You are wrong. You made a startling assumption that this features Freddie harmonising with himself. No. This is Freddie, Roger and Brian providing the harmonies.

[@AndresGrimace]

Yeah on this song the 3 of them are singing the harmonies.

[@imweakfordeaky]

In this song, the harmonies are Freddie AND Roger AND Brian. Don’t sleep on their blended voices - they work wonderfully together.

[@CasioGreg]

I don't believe a regular old piano would have given the same spice to the song... because it's now an iconic sound... you can just listen to the first 2 bars and you know what song it is. Like using a Fender Rhodes for Billy Joel's Just the way you are. It won't work with just a piano.

[@DalesKTA]

Queen again! Yes!!!!!

[@Baldrick_dogsbody]

This lady just loves freddie mercury. You can tell.

[@Sassypaws4927]

FYI - Freddie always played his grand piano when Queen performed "You're My Best Friend" live. If definitely sounds different from the studio version but I am with Freddie, I prefer the grand piano. Maybe because of his formal training, or perhaps just because of his personality, Freddie could be a bit of a snob when it came to keyboards. Although he gamely adapted to synthesisers in the 1980s, Freddie refused to use anything other than a grand piano in his recordings and live performances. So when John Deacon came in with a new song that he insisted be played on a Wurlitzer electric piano, Freddie was aghast. “I refused to play the damn thing,” Freddie told BBC 1 in 1977. “It’s tinny and horrible and I don’t like them. Why play those things when you’ve got a lovely superb grand piano?” John explained that the sound of the Wurlitzer was essential to the song, so Freddie suggested that John play the instrument himself.

[@DavidJacobsvo]

I love the “bounce” to this song.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

A unique trait of John Deacon's songs is many of them start with the chorus. " Misfire" Best Friend ' You and I ' Another Bites the Dust" I Want to Break Free" all atart with the chorus. A pretty effective way of hooking in the listener right away!

[@EmeraldWings90]

After the wonderful simplicity and sweetness of this song about John Deacon's real life feelings, why don't we take, for contrast, the wonderful complexity of Brian May's terrifying-but-hopeful nightmare-vision, The Prophet's Song? Please don't skip it! I think it might be their most complex, and it is their longest song. Also, it uses canon, so that's a good topic for discussion too :) I know Vlad makes the Queen listening list, but please please don't skip this. Also, I understand why you're not using videos and live recordings, but I recommend checking them out after each review. It is good to put faces to the names, to see their personal style change over the years, and with live recordings, it is also interesting to see how they change the songs where necessary so they are possible to perform totally live. (They only make an exception for the operatic section of Bohemian Rhapsody, which they play on tape and leave the stage.)

[@chrisofnottingham]

Trivia fact, every member of the band composed a #1 hit single

[@largolegato]

The sweet, cute and light ones are usually by John😜 Oh, and how could I forget the disco.

[@shhhhhh62]

Thank you, no, truly thank you for this and all your other insights into the musical soundtrack of my life.

[@GuimaraesDreamers]

Estou torcendo para que a sua lista não pare nos álbuns lançados até o lançamento do álbum solo Barcelona, pois os últimos álbuns do Queen com Freddie são fantásticos

[@gilleslafontaine797]

I like your channel. I find your analyzes excellent because you have a different but very relevant point. I would like to make a suggestion. The song Musical Box, by Genesis, during the period when Peter Gabriel was part of the group. It's a very rich piece on an instrumental level, it's considered progressive rock.

[@WindmillChef]

Amy, in the world of modern music, all band members writing songs often not only speaks to all of their drives, aspirations, abilities and so forth, but it also speaks to the democratic nature of their friendship as band members. In the business world of music there is such a huge increase in compensation (pay) when you write a song that by having all band members contribute in writing it results in all band members getting compensated somewhat equally. It's a healthy sign because great resentments build over this issue when only one or two members do all the writing and start getting paid 10 times what the others get in royalties. I am amazed at how convincing Freddy Mercury is in delivering the message when the lyrics and the conceptional meaning of the song is not his. I like this song because it has a great and easy flow about it. Also by the time it came out we were all developing an understanding of what Queen's sound was, the staple attributes and this song has them all, it is quintessential Queen. The use of the vocal harmonies, Brian Mae doesn't have the greatest role in this song but his guitar sounds unmistakingly Brian Mae, Freddie's dominant sound in vocals, the song structure. It was a big hit that charted as a single with a lot of radio play for a number of weeks, it sounded great as a hit single. When it came out I had already purchased the album and given it a few listens. It was a superb album, a classic from the start. A great diverse set of songs, excellent craftmanship and musicality, lots of detail and things to discover and when this song came in sequence it was an anker of familiarity because you had heard it so much on the radio. And it is an absolute joy to watch you listen and peel it apart. Thank you.

[@ggmiethe]

Wonderful content again. The joy I get from this one is your respect and heightened honour you show for Queen. At least, this is how I perceive it. You clearly put them on a high level. Brava. Geoff from Fremantle Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@auralfixxation6702]

Every time I hear this song, I think of my dog (RIP) and how he saved me from myself.

[@davidknight9421]

I like watching your reactions videos of queen

[@GuimaraesDreamers]

Essa música esta definitivamente em todas as minhas playlists favoritas, tudo casa tão perfeitamente nela

[@WayneKitching]

Thought Amy would love this song!

[@alva1370]

Looking forward to 39

[@jeffin8127]

And please, no Sweet Lady afterwards lol

[@fercus_inc]

I have watched every one of your videos and i surely enjoy them all, but this one, oh. I didn't know what to expect when you suddenly hear it the entire song and just said nothing, i thought you didn't like it or something, but in the second pass you stopped in every little detail of it. That's why i love your videos. I repeat, that's why i love your videos. ;)

[@Jimidings]

Thank you, I always liked Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)

[@41Forethought]

I'm continually amazed that you can find the complexity and nuance in even the seemingly simplest of pop tunes. Thank you again, Amy, for furthering my musical education and improving my ear!

[@tonyschakel5052]

It’s great to see instructors who are passionate about what they teach. I feel I take away much more about what I learn

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Your deep Dive into the arrangement and details of this song should be very helpful for song writers and producers. Wonderful video thanks Virgin Rock

[@newmoon766]

My grandparents had an electric piano. Playing it was one of the coolest things about visiting them. That, and the comfy chairs that rotated. You could sit on one and push off the wall with your foot and go round and round endlessly. Bliss. 😇

[@KelliViti]

This song features all three of them layering backing harmonies. Not just Fred. In Bo- Rhap FYI Only the opening harmonies were Fred alone. The Operatic Section was the three of them multilayered. In fact as you continue to listen to their studio work in general. provided you listen carefully. You will discover vocals interchanging between them. Within the songs themselves. Quite often. Especially in the 70s. People just expect to hear Fred. So. That is all they do hear.

[@mhelouTube]

15:34 a bassist making his instrument speak? Wait till you hear "another one bites the dust" 27:57 Freddie impersonating gospel?? Spot on Amy. Wait till you hear "somebody to love" or with Montserrat in "The golden boy"

[@r-d3440]

Thanks. Your voice Is so soft and sweet. I love your Work. Greetings from Chile.

[@GeoffPowell65]

I think you will be able to pretty easily tell all of Freddie's songs, most of Brian's and definitley all of Roger's, John's are much harder to pick I think. Freddie was an incrediblke song writer, as was Brian, and surprisingly John wrote some of their absolute biggest hits, but Roger's songs are somewhat simpler, with more juvenile lyrics. That said, I'm in Love With My Car is a great song!

[@toryglen]

@29:44 “ … a certain ‘kind of magic’ …” You are still in the early years of Queen, now you quote a future song title of theirs: How prophetic !!! That aside: I enjoy how you, analytically breakdown this simplistic song, to find hidden, palatable gems, of foundation work that are fused & blended together. If only the school I attended, many moons ago, had a music lecturer (as yourself). Music lessons, would be fun to attend. Queen are the “architects” in charge of all the production. Alas, I am a music listener. The mere mortal, to which I can view the final creation, from different angles: time and again. 👸👑❤

[@paulcole7144]

One of Freddie’s favourite singers was Aretha Franklin which might explain his style as noticed and explained so well. Lovely and expert analysis, thank you.

[@davidshattock9522]

The quite mans.piece.

[@miatatommy2000]

Thank you, I'm learning a lot, I appreciate your vast musical knowledge 😊!

[@terryjohinke8065]

I realy like Queen as all their songs sound good but vastly different. Th also really admire Brian May's guitar playing, and the building of it. However he palys " Heavy Rock" types of guitar solos- which I don't like that heavy style. Many great songs from Queen and I enjoy your analysis of music as I too was a classical musician before a guitarist in many bands.

[@Jimidings]

Loved it

[@ike555je]

Thanks Amy!

[@MRJoos66]

The drumming is characterized by its simplicity and precision. With few means, a powerful groove is created that perfectly fits the song. The perfect mix of energy and timing makes the song come alive and underlines the musical impact. I wonder why this hasn't been addressed.

[@gigantor62]

My second favourite Queen song behind "Bicycles."

[@jonathanoakey4745]

I enjoy these reactions because Amy's perspective is different and she points out a lot of subtleties that most of us miss. In this song, though, I think that the drum part deserves a mention too - it's striking that I don't think there are two consecutive bars that are the same in the drum part (that may be an exaggeration; I haven't checked methodically), and it brings a huge amount of variety and emphasis throughout the song. Also, looking forward, clearly Amy is focusing on the well-known hits but I really hope that there will be a few other songs in the selection, particularly some of the more quirky songs like Seaside Rendezvous.

[@auralfixxation6702]

Oh and once again, I'm suggesting ""Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon" and "39".

[@kevincallahan5680]

John always seems to come up with a big hit

[@babyfacemichael1]

Hilarious that you mention a lively Bass, as you have some very lively Bass riffs too come LOL. They have all wriitten very fine songs, with Queen as the expression goes ` the Team Works`, but there was blood on the carpet, as they used to fight like cat and dog, at times. I love your comment about family harmonies, as you would love `The Petersens` band on KZbin, five members ( mother, plus 3 siblings). They do an amazing blue grass, YES blue grass version of Bohemian Rhapsody , which should not work , but is just fantastic.