What does On Air sound like?

Raw and unrefined studio sessions capture Queen's early experimental spirit and dynamic range, blending rock with theatrical flair. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. Start with "My Fairy King (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio)".

Is On Air a good place to start with Queen?

Yes, On Air is recommended as a starting point for new Queen listeners. Raw and unrefined studio sessions capture Queen's early experimental spirit and dynamic range, blending rock with theatrical flair. Released in 2016, On Air is a compilation of early BBC sessions from Queen’s formative years during the early 1970s. This album showcases their sonic evolution just before they achieved massive success with A Night at the Opera in 1975. At this time, Queen was still defining their identity, experimenting with diverse musical styles that would later characterize their career.

On Air works well if you're into nostalgic live performance energy, varied pacing throughout sessions and sing-along moments with friends.

How many songs are on On Air?

On Air has 24 tracks, running approximately 101 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

On Air

Queen · 2016

101 min · 24 tracks · hard rock

Raw and unrefined studio sessions capture Queen's early experimental spirit and dynamic range, blending rock with theatrical flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

→
My Fairy King (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Keep Yourself Alive — This track exemplifies Queen's early hard rock sound combined with intricate vocal harmonies, laying the groundwork for their future hits.
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Ogre Battle — With its complex structure and theatrical lyrics, this song captures the band's innovative approach to storytelling through music.
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We Will Rock You — As an iconic anthem that showcases crowd interaction, this version emphasizes the raw energy of their live performances before it became a stadium classic.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic live performance energy
varied pacing throughout sessions
sing-along moments with friends
captivating storytelling through tracks

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone single tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation of rare tracks, appealing to dedicated fans rather than new listeners.
Themes: stadium spectacle· glamorous excess· rock 'n' roll rebellion
Career context: Released in 2016, On Air is a compilation of early BBC sessions from Queen’s formative years during the early 1970s. This album showcases their sonic evolution just before they achieved massive success with A Night at the Opera in 1975. At this time, Queen was still defining their identity, experimenting with diverse musical styles that would later characterize their career.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Electric Light Orchestra· The Darkness

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 My Fairy King (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio) Start here 4:09
2 Keep Yourself Alive (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 3:50
3 Doing All Right (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 4:13
4 Liar (BBC session / February 5th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 6:30
5 See What a Fool I’ve Been (BBC session / July 25th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 4:21
6 Keep Yourself Alive (BBC session / July 25th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 3:51
7 Liar (BBC session / July 25th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 6:30
8 Son and Daughter (BBC session / July 25th 1973, Langham 1 studio) 6:04
9 Ogre Battle (BBC session / December 3rd 1973, Langham 1 studio) 4:41
10 Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll (BBC session / December 3rd 1973, Langham 1 studio) 2:03
11 Great King Rat (BBC session / December 3rd 1973, Langham 1 studio) 5:57
12 Son and Daughter (BBC session / December 3rd 1973, Langham 1 studio) 7:13

Disc 2

1 Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll (BBC session / April 3rd 1974, Langham 1 studio) 2:46
2 Nevermore (BBC session / April 3rd 1974, Langham 1 studio) 1:29
3 White Queen (As It Began) (BBC session / April 3rd 1974, Langham 1 studio) 4:54
4 Now I’m Here (BBC session / October 16th 1974, Maida Vale 4 studio) 4:18
5 Stone Cold Crazy (BBC session / October 16th 1974, Maida Vale 4 studio) 2:17
6 Flick of the Wrist (BBC session / October 16th 1974, Maida Vale 4 studio) 3:26
7 Tenement Funster (BBC session / October 16th 1974, Maida Vale 4 studio) 3:00
8 We Will Rock You (BBC session / October 28th 1977, Maida Vale 4 studio) 1:35
9 We Will Rock You (fast) (BBC session / October 28th 1977, Maida Vale 4 studio) 2:46
10 Spread Your Wings (BBC session / October 28th 1977, Maida Vale 4 studio) 5:24
11 It’s Late (BBC session / October 28th 1977, Maida Vale 4 studio) 6:36
12 My Melancholy Blues (BBC session / October 28th 1977, Maida Vale 4 studio) 3:11