How to write songs like Queen - July 19 birthday Peggy Hustad discusses

How to write songs like Queen - July 19 birthday Peggy Hustad discusses
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Queen, Brian May, and "Somebody to Love"
"Somebody to Love" is one of Queen’s most iconic ballads, showcasing the band’s remarkable ability to blend complex harmonies, soulful emotion, and rock instrumentation. Released in 1976 on the album A Day at the Races, the song was written by Freddie Mercury and influenced by the gospel music of Aretha Franklin. However, it was a collective effort by Queen, with Brian May’s soaring guitar work playing a pivotal role in its grandeur.
The song begins with Mercury’s plaintive piano melody, setting a reflective and yearning tone. As the vocal harmonies build, layered by Mercury, May, and drummer Roger Taylor, the song blossoms into an epic exploration of love, loneliness, and faith. Brian May’s contribution to "Somebody to Love" goes beyond his instrumental expertise-he co-created the lush vocal harmonies with Mercury and Taylor, achieving a "choir-like" effect that became a hallmark of Queen’s sound.
May’s guitar work on the track is a masterclass in taste and restraint. While his Red Special guitar often takes center stage with soaring solos in other Queen songs, here, it serves as a complement to the vocal lines and piano, emphasizing the song's emotional depth. His delicate phrasing and use of dynamics add richness to the composition, especially in the climactic sections where his lead guitar intertwines with the harmonies to amplify the gospel feel.
"Somebody to Love" stands out for its raw vulnerability. Unlike many of Queen’s anthems, it’s deeply introspective, expressing Mercury’s personal longing for companionship and spiritual solace. The song’s structure, which alternates between quiet introspection and powerful crescendos, reflects this emotional journey.
Onstage, "Somebody to Love" became a show-stopping number, with May’s guitar providing the dramatic flourishes that helped Mercury bring the song to life. The track continues to resonate with listeners, blending rock, gospel, and soul into a timeless anthem about the universal search for love.
Brian May’s contributions to "Somebody to Love" highlight his versatility and sensitivity as a guitarist, proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest guitarists in rock history.
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