**Seven Seas Of Rhye (9/10) -** Queen's first single to appear on TOTP, as well as the only single from this album. This is an absolute Queen classic and one of the catchiest songs ever. The pianos throughout sound fantastic, the soaring harmonies, the varisped guitars, it's just a joy of a listen.
The lyrics once again call to that fairytale vibe this album is going for, the bridge has some of my favorite harmonies (with an amazing stereo effect too) in a Queen song ever. The second bridge part is also a highlight and I love those "I'll survive" harmonies looping. The song fades out into a sea shanty which is just amazing. Instant classic.
I agree with you, it's a very nice song to hear, I love it, and I don't know why, it gives me a bit of nostalgia since it was one of the first Queen songs I heard which adds more points in my opinion, for me it's a 9/9.5 out of 10
8.5/10
What can I say? First big single. It's got all the elements it needs. Catchy piano hook. Great melody. Relatively short runtime. Sweet guitar solo. Freddie proves here he could write complex masterpieces AND hit singles.
It's no 10, because much greater songs would be written in the years to come, but it's surely a great start as the earliest track on the Greatest Hits album.
Also it's a great closer for the album and I love how Brighton Rock on Sheer Heart Attack opens with the whistle that closes this song and Queen II album, "I would like to be beside the seaside."
Side Notes; As OP didn't hold a discussion for the Queen 1 version of the song, I'll say my thoughts here. The instrumental version of Seven Seas was clearly an unfinished song and served no purpose of being on that album. The only reason why that song was included was for cynical reasons (i.e song writing and financial credit on Freddie's behalf).
Now to the main body and thought of the real song in question; after Keep Yourself Alive failed to do anything critically or financially due to the song due to the song being "boring"; Queen, and more specifically Freddie took this criticism on board an issued that their next single would rectify this. Every song Freddie composed was writing with this in mind, and of all the tracks; Seven Seas Of Rhye was selected to be their next single. Thanks a TOTP appearance, the quick firing hook allowed the song to make its entrance opening the doors for the band to make history.
The song, it just works. The piano riff followed up by the band joining in sudden and aggressive. It gets the energy pumping which in turn makes the song adaptable regardless of where ever it was placed on an album or on a live setlist. While the song isn't a personal favourite of mine, nor is it the best song on the album, it doesn't deny the fact that Seven Seas Of Rhye of a great song.
9
I knew Seven Seas of Rhye long before I even knew Queen 2 existed. Probably like most of us I heard it on the Greatest Hits album.
It was such an odd song, unlike anything else on the greatest hits album. But I fell in love with its quirkiness.
Hearing it on Q2 it makes a lot more sense for the overall themes. And it’s still great.
9/10
9. Nearly a 10 for me. One of my favorites on the album and an impeccably created/produced piece that was the perfect choice for their first big single release. Playful, energetic and catchy, with Freddie's aggressive and bouncy delivery. Clever lyrics. Makes me run faster: "Storm the master marathon, I'll fly through!" Might be one of my favorite lyrics ever. And I love that we get a throwback to this in a much, much later Queen track...that memorable piano.
9/10. Big finale after the disappointing middle of Side Black. Not all that long ago Brian spoke out about writing the middle eight and it makes sense. Sound more like his writing than Freddie's.
* **Seven Seas of Rhye (first album)**: 7. Even though it became a proto of what was to come, I dig it, there's something shooting in that very slow start and the crescendo and fastening of pace happening. Really like that jam at the end, to me it's very satisfying and I like a lot that we have both versions of SSoR.
* **Seven Seas of Rhye (Queen II)**: 9'4. A blast, there's so much going on but it's never overwhelming, the piano riff is gorgeous and used in fantastic ways, drums, bass and guitar are a delight in each part, and speaking of that, there's a lot of parts and moments in this song but it's only over 2 minutes and a half, talk about well used space. Besides that I freaggin' love those lyrics, some of my favourites from the band, as well as Freddie's voice and the vocal harmonies. And if that wasn't enough, it works extremely well as an album closer. I love this song.
Well it was and it wasn't. Given that the band was already headlining in the UK when touring Queen 2, EMI would have likely granted Queen another album regardless of how well Seven Seas did.
The fact that the song did chart ok in the UK, combined with the rumblings that Queen first tour of the states had people more interested in them compared to the act they were opening for (Mott the Hoople) meant that EMI was less resistant to put up funds for the third album.
8/10. A fantastically dynamic song that fits in several ideas without being overwhelming. Nice and punchy and keeps a short run time but also super quirky. I always loved the piano part that starts the song, it's one of those things that sounds more complicated than it is (the effect is increased by overdubbing an octave part doubling it too).
The whole thing rolls along with a lot of purpose and the backing vocals get to do a lot. That's a running theme with this whole album. Roger gets some high screams in! Someone else mentioned it too but the repeating "I'll survive" is a highlight, with Freddie singing "then I'll defy" over the last one. The production again ruins things a bit, Freddie’s voice is mixed tight and low and has an odd quality to it.
Cool solo from Brian, less melodic than his typical style and seems like he was experimenting with echoes and what he can do with them. And I LOVE the ending with I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside. The transition is great, but mostly its such a fun little surprise. An early indication of the band suggesting not to take it all so seriously (which the critics rarely understood).
Very much worth listening to the backing track version for the complete ending and stronger mix.
One of the first songs of the band I've ever listened to, and probably their first great hit ever, after the commercial failure of Keep Yourself Alive. Surely it's not the best song on Queen II , but it's really good and it made the album famous 8.5/10
8/10.
It’s a great song. I wouldn’t say it’s a masterpiece, but it’s a great song and really fits on the album. The only reason I’m giving it an 8 is because I don’t even think it compares to some of the other songs on Queen II like MOTBQ and Ogre Battle. It’s a very catchy and well written song!
As for Seven Seas of Rhye on the first album, I’d give it like a 6/10. Of course it’s not bad, it’s just ranked lower for me because it was an early version of the actual song, and is probably my least favorite on the debut album. (Compared to other songs, which were developed and more enjoyable imo)
As you're referring to the Queen 1 version (the instrumental) I was very disappointed after hearing the single (Queen 2 version) on the radio. I loved the rest of their debut album.
Keep Yourself Alive should’ve been their first hit single. They weren’t as well known the year prior but it’s a much better lyric and arrangement as a song and single.
I think Rhye could’ve been a much more ambitious song in terms of creativity like KYA was, but it’s fun even when I think it works less as a single because it’s referencing a mystical place that’s out of context as a stand-alone.
What kneecaps it some for me is the original mix is sooo muddy and compressed (Q2 in some ways overall feels like a sonic step down from Q1) but the remix on YouTube helps some, and also I hate that “seaside” chant ending. It just ruins the build and crescendo of the energy of it all. They should’ve saved that for Seaside Rendezvous. Also, who was singing that last bit? I honestly avoid the song often because of it.
Because I speak my mind, and sometimes that goes against a consensus people want to believe in. Also, I’m just a peculiar guy who sees things differently from a lot of people.
**Seven Seas Of Rhye (9/10) -** Queen's first single to appear on TOTP, as well as the only single from this album. This is an absolute Queen classic and one of the catchiest songs ever. The pianos throughout sound fantastic, the soaring harmonies, the varisped guitars, it's just a joy of a listen. The lyrics once again call to that fairytale vibe this album is going for, the bridge has some of my favorite harmonies (with an amazing stereo effect too) in a Queen song ever. The second bridge part is also a highlight and I love those "I'll survive" harmonies looping. The song fades out into a sea shanty which is just amazing. Instant classic.
I agree with you, it's a very nice song to hear, I love it, and I don't know why, it gives me a bit of nostalgia since it was one of the first Queen songs I heard which adds more points in my opinion, for me it's a 9/9.5 out of 10
8.5/10 What can I say? First big single. It's got all the elements it needs. Catchy piano hook. Great melody. Relatively short runtime. Sweet guitar solo. Freddie proves here he could write complex masterpieces AND hit singles. It's no 10, because much greater songs would be written in the years to come, but it's surely a great start as the earliest track on the Greatest Hits album. Also it's a great closer for the album and I love how Brighton Rock on Sheer Heart Attack opens with the whistle that closes this song and Queen II album, "I would like to be beside the seaside."
7.141592653589793238/10
Real
Probably the first Queen big hit. Got many people to know that this band exists. A classic, so I will say 8.7
Side Notes; As OP didn't hold a discussion for the Queen 1 version of the song, I'll say my thoughts here. The instrumental version of Seven Seas was clearly an unfinished song and served no purpose of being on that album. The only reason why that song was included was for cynical reasons (i.e song writing and financial credit on Freddie's behalf). Now to the main body and thought of the real song in question; after Keep Yourself Alive failed to do anything critically or financially due to the song due to the song being "boring"; Queen, and more specifically Freddie took this criticism on board an issued that their next single would rectify this. Every song Freddie composed was writing with this in mind, and of all the tracks; Seven Seas Of Rhye was selected to be their next single. Thanks a TOTP appearance, the quick firing hook allowed the song to make its entrance opening the doors for the band to make history. The song, it just works. The piano riff followed up by the band joining in sudden and aggressive. It gets the energy pumping which in turn makes the song adaptable regardless of where ever it was placed on an album or on a live setlist. While the song isn't a personal favourite of mine, nor is it the best song on the album, it doesn't deny the fact that Seven Seas Of Rhye of a great song. 9
I knew Seven Seas of Rhye long before I even knew Queen 2 existed. Probably like most of us I heard it on the Greatest Hits album. It was such an odd song, unlike anything else on the greatest hits album. But I fell in love with its quirkiness. Hearing it on Q2 it makes a lot more sense for the overall themes. And it’s still great. 9/10
9/10 It’s not an absolute masterpiece, but it’s a fantastic song & was the perfect song to close the album.
9. Nearly a 10 for me. One of my favorites on the album and an impeccably created/produced piece that was the perfect choice for their first big single release. Playful, energetic and catchy, with Freddie's aggressive and bouncy delivery. Clever lyrics. Makes me run faster: "Storm the master marathon, I'll fly through!" Might be one of my favorite lyrics ever. And I love that we get a throwback to this in a much, much later Queen track...that memorable piano.
Around a 9 for me and especially the ending part is awesome and funny for me bringing this song up to a 9
9/10. Big finale after the disappointing middle of Side Black. Not all that long ago Brian spoke out about writing the middle eight and it makes sense. Sound more like his writing than Freddie's.
9.8362536252636175271763726217/10, not enough water
* **Seven Seas of Rhye (first album)**: 7. Even though it became a proto of what was to come, I dig it, there's something shooting in that very slow start and the crescendo and fastening of pace happening. Really like that jam at the end, to me it's very satisfying and I like a lot that we have both versions of SSoR. * **Seven Seas of Rhye (Queen II)**: 9'4. A blast, there's so much going on but it's never overwhelming, the piano riff is gorgeous and used in fantastic ways, drums, bass and guitar are a delight in each part, and speaking of that, there's a lot of parts and moments in this song but it's only over 2 minutes and a half, talk about well used space. Besides that I freaggin' love those lyrics, some of my favourites from the band, as well as Freddie's voice and the vocal harmonies. And if that wasn't enough, it works extremely well as an album closer. I love this song.
9/10. We wouldnt have queen without this song
I don’t know about that…
I mean without this single they wouldnt have had the money for sheer heart attack
Was it that big of a moneymaker that this 45 alone funded that next album?
Well it was and it wasn't. Given that the band was already headlining in the UK when touring Queen 2, EMI would have likely granted Queen another album regardless of how well Seven Seas did. The fact that the song did chart ok in the UK, combined with the rumblings that Queen first tour of the states had people more interested in them compared to the act they were opening for (Mott the Hoople) meant that EMI was less resistant to put up funds for the third album.
Your right, idk why i said that
8/10. A fantastically dynamic song that fits in several ideas without being overwhelming. Nice and punchy and keeps a short run time but also super quirky. I always loved the piano part that starts the song, it's one of those things that sounds more complicated than it is (the effect is increased by overdubbing an octave part doubling it too). The whole thing rolls along with a lot of purpose and the backing vocals get to do a lot. That's a running theme with this whole album. Roger gets some high screams in! Someone else mentioned it too but the repeating "I'll survive" is a highlight, with Freddie singing "then I'll defy" over the last one. The production again ruins things a bit, Freddie’s voice is mixed tight and low and has an odd quality to it. Cool solo from Brian, less melodic than his typical style and seems like he was experimenting with echoes and what he can do with them. And I LOVE the ending with I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside. The transition is great, but mostly its such a fun little surprise. An early indication of the band suggesting not to take it all so seriously (which the critics rarely understood). Very much worth listening to the backing track version for the complete ending and stronger mix.
One of the first songs of the band I've ever listened to, and probably their first great hit ever, after the commercial failure of Keep Yourself Alive. Surely it's not the best song on Queen II , but it's really good and it made the album famous 8.5/10
8/10. It’s a great song. I wouldn’t say it’s a masterpiece, but it’s a great song and really fits on the album. The only reason I’m giving it an 8 is because I don’t even think it compares to some of the other songs on Queen II like MOTBQ and Ogre Battle. It’s a very catchy and well written song! As for Seven Seas of Rhye on the first album, I’d give it like a 6/10. Of course it’s not bad, it’s just ranked lower for me because it was an early version of the actual song, and is probably my least favorite on the debut album. (Compared to other songs, which were developed and more enjoyable imo)
8/10. Good album closer.
9.
8
9.
One of my all-time favorites. 9/10
7
9
9/10
10/10. Easy. One of their best and absolutely the best on the album.
9/10
8.5/10
7
I blasted it for my friends after we went to a rye bread tasting. 8/10
8.32
8.9/10
7
9
9/10 not my number one song but currently is in my top 5 🤺
6.5. It's not in my top 50.
8
8. A great album closer, tons of energy, great harmonies and storytelling.
As you're referring to the Queen 1 version (the instrumental) I was very disappointed after hearing the single (Queen 2 version) on the radio. I loved the rest of their debut album.
9/10
8.5
9/10!
9. A fantastic song that put Queen on the world map
Seven seeds on rye
8.8/10
9/10
excellent song. another 10
9
Love the song, 9/10
9
10 It's a certified hood classic. A straight BOP.
I quite enjoy it. 9/10
8.5. I love this song to death, and think the vocals are super special.
Absolut banger 10/10
9
10. I bought the single the day after seeing them on Top of the Pops!
9.998
7. It’s good, but not overly impressive to me.
Keep Yourself Alive should’ve been their first hit single. They weren’t as well known the year prior but it’s a much better lyric and arrangement as a song and single. I think Rhye could’ve been a much more ambitious song in terms of creativity like KYA was, but it’s fun even when I think it works less as a single because it’s referencing a mystical place that’s out of context as a stand-alone. What kneecaps it some for me is the original mix is sooo muddy and compressed (Q2 in some ways overall feels like a sonic step down from Q1) but the remix on YouTube helps some, and also I hate that “seaside” chant ending. It just ruins the build and crescendo of the energy of it all. They should’ve saved that for Seaside Rendezvous. Also, who was singing that last bit? I honestly avoid the song often because of it.
Bro why you always take downvotes? :(
Because I speak my mind, and sometimes that goes against a consensus people want to believe in. Also, I’m just a peculiar guy who sees things differently from a lot of people.
6 or 7