SEVEN SEAS OF RHYE

The band's first big national hit (top 10); not the most commercial song off the album but certainly a very original one, and relatively simple in terms of arrangements, instrumentation and backing vocals compared with most of the black side.

General Information:

Music & Lyrics by: Freddie Mercury
Arranged by: Freddie Mercury

Written: 1973
Length: 2:48
Released on: 8th March 1974

Produced by: Queen & Roy Thomas Baker
Mixed by: Mike Stone
Engineered by: Mike Stone

Recorded: August 1973
Recorded at: Trident Studios, 17 St Annes Court, Soho, London

Keys: D, Bb, G
Metre: 4/4
Form: Cyclic

Acoustic Drums: Roger Taylor
Tambourine: Uncredited
Electric Bass: John Deacon
Electric Guitars: Brian May
Acoustic Piano: Freddie Mercury

Lead Vocals: Freddie Mercury
Backing Vocals: Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor & Brian May
Soprano Vocals: Roger Taylor

Songwriting:

Although it's a clever composition, it wasn't at all commercial. Fred hadn't learnt how to combine the two aspects yet.

Recordings:

Piano, bass and drums were the backing track.

Equipment:

Bechstein Concert Grand Piano

Fender P-Bass

Ludwig Drums

Ludwig Tambourine

Red Special Electric Guitar