Seven Seas of Rhye
Encyclopedia
"Seven Seas of Rhye" is a song by British rock
group Queen
. Written by Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury
, it is the final track on both the group's debut album Queen
(1973) and its follow-up Queen II
(1974). However, only a less-developed instrumental version was featured on the former. The completed version served as the band's second single, the earliest-released song to appear on their Greatest Hits album, with the exception of some versions where their first single, "Keep Yourself Alive
", is included.
After the band performed it on Top of the Pops
it became their first hit, peaking at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart
. The song became a live favourite throughout Queen's existence, and is recorded in 1985's Queen: Live in Rio
, and Queen at Wembley 1986. It features a distinctive arpeggiated
piano
introduction. The piano runs are sampled in "It's a Beautiful Day (reprise)", on the album Made In Heaven
.
The version on Queen II ends with a cross fade, instruments blending into several people singing "I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside
", accompanied by a stylophone played by producer Roy Thomas Baker
. . Its inclusion here on the final track of Queen II is briefly mirrored in the first few seconds of "Brighton Rock", which opens their next album, Sheer Heart Attack
.
In a 1977 radio interview, Freddie Mercury described the subject of the song as a "figment of his imagination." In the Queen musical We Will Rock You
, the Seven Seas of Rhye is a place where the Bohemians are taken after they are brainstormed by Khashoggi.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
. Written by Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. As a performer, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals over a four-octave range...
, it is the final track on both the group's debut album Queen
Queen (album)
Queen is the eponymous debut album by British rock group Queen, released in July 1973. It was recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Music Centre, London, with production by Roy Thomas Baker , John Anthony and Queen....
(1973) and its follow-up Queen II
Queen II
Queen II is the second album by British rock group Queen, released in March 1974. It was recorded at Trident Studios, London in August 1973 with co-producers Roy Thomas Baker and Robin Cable, and engineered by Mike Stone....
(1974). However, only a less-developed instrumental version was featured on the former. The completed version served as the band's second single, the earliest-released song to appear on their Greatest Hits album, with the exception of some versions where their first single, "Keep Yourself Alive
Keep Yourself Alive
"Keep Yourself Alive" is a song by English rock group Queen. Written by guitarist Brian May, it is the opening track on the band's debut album Queen . It was released as Queen's first single along with "Son and Daughter" as the B-side...
", is included.
After the band performed it on Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
it became their first hit, peaking at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. The song became a live favourite throughout Queen's existence, and is recorded in 1985's Queen: Live in Rio
Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio is a series of music festivals held in three cities: Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Lisbon in Portugal and Madrid in Spain.Four incarnations of the festival were in Rio de Janeiro, in 1985, 1991, 2001 and 2011, four in Lisbon, in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010, and two in Madrid in 2008 and 2010....
, and Queen at Wembley 1986. It features a distinctive arpeggiated
Arpeggio
An arpeggio is a musical technique where notes in a chord are played or sung in sequence, one after the other, rather than ringing out simultaneously...
piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
introduction. The piano runs are sampled in "It's a Beautiful Day (reprise)", on the album Made In Heaven
Made in Heaven
Made in Heaven is the fifteenth studio album by British rock group Queen and the final one to feature lead singer Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon, released on 6 November 1995...
.
The version on Queen II ends with a cross fade, instruments blending into several people singing "I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside
I Do Like To be Beside the Seaside
"I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside" is a popular British music hall song. It was written in 1907 by John A. Glover-Kind and made famous by music hall singer Mark Sheridan who first recorded it in 1909. It speaks of the singer's love for the seaside, and their wish to return there for their summer...
", accompanied by a stylophone played by producer Roy Thomas Baker
Roy Thomas Baker
Roy Thomas Baker is a multiple award-winning Anglo-American music producer, songwriter, arranger and Recording Academy Governor, who has produced Platinum and Gold certified pop and rock records from the 1970s to the present.- Career :Baker began his career at Decca Records in England at the age...
. . Its inclusion here on the final track of Queen II is briefly mirrored in the first few seconds of "Brighton Rock", which opens their next album, Sheer Heart Attack
Sheer Heart Attack
Sheer Heart Attack is the third album by the British rock group Queen, released in November 1974. It was produced by Queen and Roy Thomas Baker and distributed by EMI in the United Kingdom, and Elektra in the United States....
.
In a 1977 radio interview, Freddie Mercury described the subject of the song as a "figment of his imagination." In the Queen musical We Will Rock You
We Will Rock You (musical)
We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical, based on the songs of Queen and named after their hit single of the same name. The musical was written by British comedian and author Ben Elton in collaboration with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor...
, the Seven Seas of Rhye is a place where the Bohemians are taken after they are brainstormed by Khashoggi.
External links
- Queenpedia - detailed worldwide release information
- [ "Seven Seas of Rhye" Song Review] at Allmusic
- "Queen II videos, detailed description"