Is Queen definitively a rock band, or are they more accurately described as a multi-genre band? Considering their discography spans glam rock, heavy metal, progressive rock, opera, vaudeville, pop, disco, and even some electronic elements, with iconic tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and “Another One Bites the Dust” showcasing such diverse styles, can we truly confine them to just “rock?” Furthermore, how much genre experimentation is required before a band transcends the label of simply being a “rock band with diverse influences” and becomes accurately labeled as “multi-genre?”

Answer

Queen is definitively more accurately described as a multi-genre band.

While Queen achieved significant success and recognition within the rock genre, particularly with anthems and stadium rock, their musical output spanned a wide array of styles. They incorporated elements of:

• Rock and Hard Rock: This formed the core of their sound, featuring powerful vocals, guitar riffs, and driving rhythms. Examples include "We Will Rock You," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Hammer to Fall."

• Progressive Rock: Early albums showed strong progressive rock influences, characterized by complex arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and epic song structures. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a prime example, showcasing operatic sections, shifts in tempo and style, and lyrical depth.

• Opera: Freddie Mercury’s vocal training and the band’s adventurous spirit led them to incorporate operatic elements into their music, most notably in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Barcelona."

• Glam Rock: During the early to mid-1970s, Queen embraced elements of glam rock, characterized by flamboyant stage costumes, theatrical performances, and catchy, melodic songs.

• Heavy Metal: Some of their tracks, particularly those with a harder edge and more aggressive guitar work, can be classified as heavy metal.

• Pop: Queen had numerous commercially successful pop songs that topped the charts worldwide. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "Somebody to Love," "You’re My Best Friend," and "Radio Ga Ga" are prime examples.

• Disco: The band experimented with disco-influenced sounds in songs like "Another One Bites the Dust," which became a massive hit in the United States.

• Rockabilly: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" demonstrated a strong rockabilly influence, paying homage to artists like Elvis Presley.

• Blues: Elements of blues music are present in some of their compositions, particularly in certain guitar solos and vocal inflections.

• Gospel: "Somebody to Love" features a gospel-inspired vocal arrangement, highlighting the band’s versatility.

• Music Hall: The band utilized a vaudeville sound in tracks such as "Seaside Rendezvous" and "Killer Queen."

• Electronic: Queen incorporated electronic elements into their music, particularly in the 1980s, using synthesizers and drum machines to create new textures and sounds.

Their ability to seamlessly blend these diverse influences into their music is a defining characteristic of Queen’s sound and a testament to their artistic range. Reducing them to simply a "rock band" overlooks the vastness of their musical landscape and their willingness to explore different genres.