How Freddie Mercury Found Soul in Rock with ‘Somebody to Love’

Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, released in 1976, showcases the band’s ability to push musical boundaries. Written by Freddie Mercury, this song is a heartfelt cry for companionship and spiritual connection. Drawing heavy inspiration from Aretha Franklin, it combines Mercury’s longing lyrics with rich gospel harmonies, featuring all four band members. It’s not just a song—it’s a plea, a prayer, and a masterpiece.

Part of their album A Day at the Races, the track climbed charts worldwide, reaching #2 in the UK and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Its layered vocals and dynamic shifts make it one of Queen’s most profound and timeless creations​

Somebody to Love

• Aretha Franklin’s Influence: Freddie Mercury idolized Aretha Franklin, and her soulful energy heavily inspired “Somebody to Love”. The gospel harmonies emulate a choir-like sound​
• Studio Magic: Queen recorded multiple vocal layers to create the effect of a 100-member choir. Mercury, May, and Taylor’s voices were layered repeatedly to achieve this powerful effect​
• Live Legacy: Despite its complexity, “Somebody to Love” became a staple in Queen’s live performances, often showcasing Mercury’s vocal brilliance. After his passing, George Michael delivered an iconic rendition at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

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