Queen
Released
Fading in on a galloping guitar part from Brian May, then a sturdy rhythm charge from John Deacon and Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury’s exuberant lead vocal over Taylor and May’s harmonies, “Keep Yourself Alive” kicked off Queen’s self-titled debut and full length career with gusto, the sound of an early 70s prog/proto-metal band just going for it. Their full range had yet to emerge, but whether the piano-touched balladry opening “Doing All Right” or early examples of their distinct overdubbed harmonies on “Son & Daughter” and “Liar,” it’s still a pleasure.