What does Greatest Hits III sound like?

A vibrant collection of Queen's anthemic hits, showcasing their theatrical flair and diverse musical influences. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. Start with "The Show Must Go On (live)".

Is Greatest Hits III a good place to start with Queen?

Yes, Greatest Hits III is recommended as a starting point for new Queen listeners. A vibrant collection of Queen's anthemic hits, showcasing their theatrical flair and diverse musical influences. Released in late 1999, Greatest Hits III marked Queen's continued relevance after Freddie Mercury's passing in 1991. This compilation followed the band's previous two greatest hits albums and included tracks recorded during the post-Mercury era, spotlighting their ability to evolve while honoring their legacy.

Who is Greatest Hits III for?

Greatest Hits III works well if you're into steady pacing with emotional highs, sing-along anthems for gatherings and nostalgic reflections on past favorites.

How many songs are on Greatest Hits III?

Greatest Hits III has 17 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Greatest Hits III

Queen · 1999

74 min · 17 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant collection of Queen's anthemic hits, showcasing their theatrical flair and diverse musical influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Under Pressure (Rah mix) — This track features a unique take on the iconic collaboration with David Bowie, blending hip-hop elements with classic rock, demonstrating Queen's versatility.
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The Show Must Go On (live) Start here — This powerful live rendition showcases Freddie Mercury's indomitable spirit and vocal prowess, encapsulating the band's legacy beautifully.
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Somebody to Love (live) — The live version highlights the emotional depth of this classic song, underlining the band's ability to connect with audiences through soaring harmonies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases Queen's diverse sound but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'Under Pressure (Rah mix)' and 'Living on My Own (Julian Raymond mix)' highlight Queen's adaptability to contemporary sounds.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with emotional highs
sing-along anthems for gatherings
nostalgic reflections on past favorites
vibrant remixes for energetic moments
cathartic ballads for introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer standalone single experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases Queen's legacy but isn't a primary entry point.
Themes: Freddie Mercury's legacy· live performance energy· resilience in artistry
Career context: Released in late 1999, Greatest Hits III marked Queen's continued relevance after Freddie Mercury's passing in 1991. This compilation followed the band's previous two greatest hits albums and included tracks recorded during the post-Mercury era, spotlighting their ability to evolve while honoring their legacy.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Electric Light Orchestra· The Darkness

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Show Must Go On (live)

The performance builds to a climactic final verse where Mercury's voice breaks through with raw emotion and determination.

This moment emphasizes the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing Mercury's vulnerability and tenacity at a pivotal point in his life.