Icon cover

Icon

Queen · 2013

44 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

An electrifying collection of anthems showcasing Queen's genre-defying flair and theatrical grandeur.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Stone Cold Crazy Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Bohemian Rhapsody — This track exemplifies Queen's innovative approach to songwriting and production, blending multiple genres into one epic narrative. Its operatic sections coupled with rock elements showcase their unique artistry.
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    We Will Rock You — An iconic anthem known for its stomping beat and clapping, it has become synonymous with sports events and celebrations worldwide, demonstrating Queen's ability to create universally resonant music.
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    Another One Bites the Dust — Fusing rock with a disco rhythm, this song showcases Queen's versatility and has garnered significant chart success, influencing the sound of pop and rock for years to come.
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    Fat Bottomed Girls — A fun and bold celebration of body positivity wrapped in catchy riffs, this track captures Queen's playful side while remaining a staple in classic rock playlists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

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

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Will Rock You' utilize dynamic shifts in tempo and instrumentation to create dramatic contrasts.
  • The running order places anthemic songs toward the end, building momentum and culminating in a powerful finale with 'The Show Must Go On.'
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic energy progression throughout
  • sing-along anthems with friends
  • cathartic full-volume release
  • party ignition with anthemic flair

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quiet, introspective moments
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A compilation that highlights Queen's legacy but is not a primary entry point.
Themes
Freddie Mercury's legacy· musical evolution commentary
Career context
Released in 2013, Icon is a compilation album that came out long after Queen's initial peak in the late 1970s and 1980s. By this time, the band had solidified their legacy with Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991 and continued to influence rock music through various compilations and live performances. This album serves as a retrospective of their most celebrated tracks, appealing to both new fans and longtime admirers.

Tracklist

  • 1 Stone Cold Crazy Start here 2:15
  • 2 Tie Your Mother Down 4:49
  • 3 Fat Bottomed Girls 4:18
  • 4 Another One Bites the Dust 3:37
  • 5 We Will Rock You 2:04
  • 6 We Are the Champions 3:03
  • 7 Radio Ga Ga 5:44
  • 8 Bohemian Rhapsody 5:57
  • 9 I’m in Love With My Car 3:08
  • 10 I Want It All 4:42
  • 11 The Show Must Go On 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata