Oh, the 70s. Queen was one of those bands that, in their early days, got caught up in the middle earthian mythologies that groups like Zeppelin were dabbling in. Sandals, middle ages, pomp, etc. While Great King Rat is not about that, per se, it sounds like it should be. It’s just a goofy prog-metal tune about an evil dude who died from syphilis. The lyrics are insipid but they work. Because Queen was about not the content as much as the spectacle. They would pretty much invent stadium rock, along with many other greats of the era and this smells of that.
It’s also noteworthy in that it changes so many times throughout, tempos, styles, it’s less a song than it is a tryout for what would become their signature song, a template for one of the biggest tracks in rock history. It’s not the last time this would happen, either.
Great King Rat is Freddie’s first written song in the band’s catalog. It’s got a lot going for it, if it’s not a pure success. Like much of their work, it’s a showcase for what they could and would be able to do.
Grade: B+
