I think the band Queen, like Prince, is a monument for popular music. They're really two of my all-time favorites, and it's really hard to decide on which artist I like better.

Of course, Queen had the songwriting-input of 4 very, very talented songwriters. It's truly amazing that all four of them had the gift to write classics. I'd have to say that Queen's all-time classic songs are stronger than that of Prince.

And also, Prince is no match for Freddie Mercury as a vocalist, 'cause Freddie just was one of the best popsingers in the world. Prince, well...

But, Prince was more of a visionary, I guess. Queen weren't really that musically inovative, even if they made 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Also, I think Prince has always been a lot better at staying true to his unique sound, where Queen shifted to a more synth-rock sound in the '80's (even though they refused to use keyboards (and were proud of it!) on albums like 'A Day At The Opera').

Overall, I think Prince doesn't win this one. Even though I totally love Prince's music, there are maybe three or four artist I would list above him in my all time Top 10 Artists. The Beatles are one of them. Maybe U2. Queen, definatly.

Each to their own I guess. But I gotta disagree completely. Prince is a better musician than all 4 queen members, including the guitar. Prince is a better performer on the stage. Prince’s vocal harmonies are better than Queen’s and there are four of them, he is but one man. Prince is so much more diverse in his musical style. I grant you Queen, or rather Freddie Mercury wrote Bohemian Rhapsody, but then prince has written long, meandering songs which go off in all directions many many times. Queen very much stuck to radio friendly, crowd pleasing tunes whereas Prince has not been afraid to go off on tangents many a time to the detriment of his popularity.

Don’t get me wrong. I like Queen. They have written some incredible songs over the years and were extremely gifted. But Prince artistically is on a completely different level to them. Im sure Queen would be the first to admit that too.

As for hit songs and the longevity of classic songs, well that’s more down to personal taste. In my opinion the Hits/B Sides is far far better than Queens greatest hits I, II & III. But with radio being a lot more Queen friendly than Prince friendly, Queen tunes may have a longer lasting hold in peoples memories. Especially as a lot of queen songs are used in sporting events, tribute concerts, reality shows and karaoke bars around the world.

Man.....love who you love as an artist but comparing Queen to Prince is a bit absurd.

Queen = Chevy Camero
Prince = Saleen

Rebeljuice said:

I disagree with you on, well almost everything, but most with the above made statement. I truly wonder if there is a band or artist in the world that creates/created better harmony vocals than Queen. I mean, they practically wrote the book on that. Also, I don't think the harmony vocals are Prince's strongest side, and that's understating. Hell, I even think The Backstreet Boys do better harmony vocals than Prince (okay, I guess I'm really in trouble now....)

Rebeljuice said:[quote]Each to their own I guess. But I gotta disagree completely. Prince is a better musician than all 4 queen members, including the guitar. Prince is a better performer on the stage.

I think Brian May kills Prince on guitar and as far as a better performer, me and a friend just had this discussion last week. I would say I appreciate Prince's music much more than Queen's but have to give Mercury the nod on performance as did my friend.
Prince is MUCH better than Rick James onstage though.
Vocal harmonies? Hmmm. Yeah I like them but I often wondered in the past if some of them were processed.
The thing that can't be denied is that Prince is a complete solo artist. He didn't seem to need much help putting his albums together over the years whereas most other artists collaborated with the writing.

No-one will ever compare to Freddie Mercury...

70sLove said:[quote]

Rebeljuice said:

You're insane. Brian May is an average guitarist at best.

Gomp said:

You rank U2 higher than Prince?

Militant said:[quote]

70sLove said:

I think average might be severe, but I agree with the comparison. I think May gets a lot of mileage from using a distinctive effect that has become synonymous with Queen's sound...

On the other hand, he has managed to create a solo (We Will Rock You) that is imprinted on the public's conscious. Sure, repetition helps...but it begs the question whether execution is the last word on greatness.

Gomp said:

4 very talented songwriters?

I dont think so. It was Freddy and the rest.

bublebath said:

Obviously, you have no idea what you're talking about.

Freddie wrote 'Bohemian Rhapsody'...
May wrote 'Who Wants To Live Forever'...
Taylor wrote 'Radio GaGa'...
Deacon wrote 'I Want To Break Free'...

Just 4 absolute classics, and it shows how truly talented each member was as a songwriter.

Gomp said:

And Gary Barlow wrote 'Relight my fire'

I love Prince I have great respect for him musically... but IMO he doesn't compare to Freddie and Queen

Rebeljuice said:

no, Dan Hartman did

Rebeljuice said:

That's not true. What's your point anyway?

My pal Dave says Queen are for kids and retarded people. I don't agree but I can see his point. Me, I loved them when I was 12/13 alopng with Bon Jovi and Roxette. Says it all, I suppose.
Still love Night At The Opera, Day At The Races and their 80's videos though, but only in a hollow smug sneering ironic way. I like Freddie. He didn't give a single proton of a fuck. But if you stood Queen on their side they would fall over. No serious weight, but for flashy exterior and fast-food culture cheap thrills, Freddie was yer man I suppose. The best moustache in rock too.

Gomp said:

I have no point.

Number23 said:

To mention Queen along with Roxette and Bon Jovi is just stupid, no offense. To claim Queen had no serious weight, and were only about "flashy exterior and fast-food culture cheap thrills" is just as stupid. Queen are considered to be one of the very best artists in the history of popular music, and are generally ranked high in any Top 10, even higher than Prince, while an act like Roxette would never make a Top 100, let alone a top 10.

Oh, and about what your Pal Dave said: you see his point..? Well, quess it says more about you and your friend than about Queen-fans...

Rebeljuice said:

My point exactly.

Gomp said:

Thanks for that. You're American, aren't you?

Queen are good, but I find their sound to be superficial and shallow. Great singer and talented songwriters? Yes. Yet I feel that the sum is less than its parts.

I know this will sound ridiculous on a Prince board, but I find their level of camp to be way beyond the pale. I can't take them seriously when I see their videos. That's probably the point, though.

Gomp said:

Whats the point?

Is this the real life or is it just fantasy !!?????

People can say what they want about the BAND, but Freddie Mercury was bad-ass.. let's not kid ourselves.

Gomp said:

But... is it Radio Gaga or I Want to Break Free or Another thay Bites the Dust as great as Mercury`s songs?