Queen's Greatest Hits 3
Created | Updated Apr 7, 2005
This album was released in 1999, and it contains songs from the solo projects of the individual members of Queen, as well as new versions of old favourites. Some of these songs have, as original versions, been included on Queen’s Greatest Hits 1 and Queen’s Greatest Hits 2 albums.
The Show Must Go On
“The Show Must Go On” was written by Queen, and this version was previously unreleased. The original version is taken from the “Innuendo” album, and was a hit in 1991.
This version of the song was recorded live in Paris, at the Theatre National de Chaillot, with Elton John on lead vocals. It was the gala opening night of Le Presbytere N’A Rien Perdu De Son Charme Ni Le Jardin De Son Eclat - work by French ballet legend Maurice Bejart - on 17th January 1997. It drew on AIDS and the deaths of Freddie and the company’s principle dancer, Jorge Donn as inspiration.
Queen closed the show, with only their second live performance after Freddie Mercury’s death. Elton John took lead vocals for this song, which has become considered a fine tribute to the musical genius of Queen and Elton John.
The film of the ballet by David Mallet, called “Ballet for Life”, won a Montreux Rose in 1998. The film’s score comprised Queen and Mozart music.
Under Pressure (Rah Mix)
Written, performed and produced by Queen and David Bowie, “Under Pressure” was an instant Number 1 in 1981. It is a live favourite for both Queen and David Bowie.
This version was specially remixed for the Greatest Hits III album. It was remixed by Queen, with additional work by Joshua J. Macrae and Justin Shirley-Smith, and it included new recording work by Roger Taylor and Brian May.
Barcelona
The first time Freddie Mercury met Monserrat Caballe, she asked him to write a song about her hometown. It fulfilled Freddie’s dream of performing with Monserrat Caballe, who he held to hasve the “most beautiful voice in the world”. Freddie Mercury co-wrote this song with Mike Moran. It was produced by Freddie Mercury, David Richards and Mike Moran.
The single reached Number 8 in the UK in 1987, and reached Number 2 in 1992, after being adopted as the anthem for the Barcelona Olympics. Monserrat Caballe perfomed the song in 1999, in Barcelona stadium, before Manchester United won the UEFA Champion’s League. It is considered a true European anthem.
Too Much Love Will Kill You
“Too Much Love Will Kill You” was written by Brian May, Frank Musker and Elizabeth Lamers, and was produced by Queen and David Richards.
It was premiered by Brian May at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. Included on Brian May’s solo album, “Back To The Light”, it reached Number 5 in the UK chart in 1992.
It appeared on Queen’s album “Made In Heaven”, with Freddie Mercury on lead vocals. This version remained unreleased until 1995, when it reached Number 15 in the UK chart. It also won an Ivor Novello Award for the “Best Song Musically And Lyrically” in 1996.
Somebody To Love
Written by Freddie Mercury, this song featured George Michael on lead vocals at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. This version was recorded live at the concert by David Richards, and was produced by George Michael and Queen.
Featuring a gospel choir and seventy-two thousand fans, it is hailed as “one of best performances of the day”. It features on the “Five Live” EP and the single reached Number 1 in the UK charts. It sparked rumours of the three remaining members of Queen joining with George Michael to form a new line-up.
You Don't Fool Me
“You Don’t Fool Me” was written, produced and performed by Queen. It was co-produced by David Richards, Justin Shirley-Smith and Joshua J. Macrae.
It was written as a later foray into dance-style music and harks back to their “Hot Space” album, with its 80s dance-style music. It was recorded with Freddie Mercury on lead vocals, but remained unreleased until 1995 when it was taken from the “Made In Heaven” album.
It was one of the band’s first songs to be remixed by outside DJs and was a huge hit in its own right. When released as a 12” single it was a huge hit in the clubs of America and Europe.
Heaven For Everyone
Originally for Roger Taylor’s solo project “The Cross”, “Heaven For Everyone” is one of Queen’s most underrated songs. Roger Taylor sang lead vocals for “The Cross” single in 1987. Freddie Mercury took lead as guest vocalist on the accompanying album “Shove It!”
Roger, Brian and John reworked the backing track and added it to Freddie’s vocals from the “Shove It!” version. This made the new Queen version, which featured on the “Made In Heaven” album. It reached Number 2 when released in the UK in 1995.
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love)
This song is sung partly in Spanish, and was written by Brian May after the band’s tour of South America. It is about love and hope, and is a favourite among South American fans. It featured on the “Hot Space” album, and was a hit in 1982. It was produced by Queen and Mack.
Driven By You
“Driven By You” was written and performed by Brian May. It was produced by Brian May and David Richards. It featured on Brian’s solo album “Back To The Light”.
Brian was encouraged by the other Queen members to release this as a single in late 1991. It was one of his most successful solo singles, reaching Number 6. When it was used by Ford in a television advertisement for their cars, the song increased in popularity. The advert won Brian an Ivor Novello Award.
Living On My Own
This song was written and performed by Freddie Mercury. It was originally produced by Freddie Mercury and Mack, and was rearranged, produced and recorded by Serge Ramaekers, Colin Peters and Carl Ward for “No More Brothers”.
The song was originally released by Freddie in 1985 from his “Mr. Bad Guy” album. In 1993, it was remixed and re-released, spending two weeks at Number 1. It won Freddie a posthumous Ivor Novello award.
Let Me Live
“Let Me Live” was written, produced, arranged and performed by Queen. It was co-produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith and Joshua J. Macrae. It has been described as “classic Queen rock”
This song featured on the “Made In Heaven” album, and was the fourth successive single from that album. Unusually for a Queen song, Roger Taylor and Brian May take alternate on lead vocals. Freddie Mercury only joins for the chorus.
The Great Pretender
Written by Buck Ram, this song was originally a hit for the Platters in 1956. Freddie Mercury performed this “larger-than-life” version, which reached Number 4 in the UK chart in 1987. It was produced by Freddie Mercury, Mike Moran and David Richards. The video showed Freddie and Roger Taylor dressed in women’s clothing (again). It also showed a rare sight of Freddie without his trademark moustache.
Princes Of The Universe
Written by Freddie Mercury and produced by Queen and Mack, this song featured in the film “Highlander”. It is taken from the 1986 album “A Kind Of Magic”, and was only released as a single in America.
The video stared Christopher Lambert, who starred in “Highlander”. Lambert has a sword fight with Freddie Mercury, who uses his microphone stand. The song was rediscovered worldwide because of the subsequent TV series.
Another One Bites The Dust
Written by John Deacon, this is one of the band’s most covered songs. This version was performed by Queen with additional vocals by Wyclef Jean featuring Pras Michael/Free. It was remixed by Wyclef Jean, and was used in the 1998 film “Small Soldiers”.
This was, again, a hit, especially in R+B/dance charts. It brought Queen’s music to a whole new audience.
No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young)
This song was written by Brian May as a “tribute to all those who pass before their time”. It was particularly influenced by the early deaths of Freddie Mercury and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Performed and produced by Queen, it was engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith and Joshua J. Macrae. It was released in January 1998 after a campaign by fans. It is the only hit single recorded by the three-man line-up of Queen – the only post-Freddie single.
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” was written and performed by Queen, and produced by Queen and David Richards. It was taken from the album “Innuendo”, and reached Number 1 in 1991.
The accompanying video was the last to feature Freddie Mercury. The video is especially memorable for the last moment, where Freddie finishes by saying, “I still love you”.
Thank God It's Christmas
Produced by Queen and Mack, this is a rare writing collaboration between Roger Taylor and Brian May.
It is Queen’s only Christmas single, which spent 6 weeks in the chart during the Christmas/New Year period of 1984-85. It was released again in 1995 coupled with “A Winter’s Tale” from the “Made In Heaven” album.
Reference Information
Information obtained from Song Facts and the Queen Greatest Hits album sleeve.
Queen Lyrics can be found here.
