Freddie Mercury - Lover of Life, Singer of Songs - The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo (Compilation) (2006)

🎤 **Freddie Mercury – Lover of Life, Singer of Songs: The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo (Compilation, 2006)**

Lover of Life, Singer of Songs: The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo is an expansive solo career retrospective released in 2006, on what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 60th birthday. It’s one of the most comprehensive compilations of his work outside Queen — spanning early recordings, main solo albums, notable singles, operatic collaborations, remixes, alternate versions, and rarities — all showcasing Mercury’s range as an artist beyond his role as Queen’s iconic frontman.

Unlike many greatest‑hits albums, Lover of Life, Singer of Songs was issued in multi‑disc formats (single CD, 2‑CD set, and CD/DVD releases), and included material from Mr. Bad Guy (1985), Barcelona (1988), standalone singles, and rare early work under aliases like Larry Lurex.

📀 Album Credits

Artist: Freddie Mercury
Title: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs: The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo
Type: Compilation / Greatest Hits
Release Date: 4 September 2006 (Europe/Most of world); 21 November 2006 (U.S.)
Label: EMI / Parlophone / Hollywood Records
Recorded: 1973–1988 (original recordings); remixes and edits through 2006
Genre: Rock, Pop Rock, Synth‑pop, Opera Crossover
Formats: 1‑CD standard, 2‑CD deluxe, CD/DVD package (with documentaries and videos)

The title Lover of Life, Singer of Songs is a tribute drawn from words etched on Freddie’s statue in Montreux, reflecting his zest for life and music.

🎶 Tracklist (2‑CD Deluxe Edition Highlights)

The 2‑CD edition brings together 33 tracks spanning his solo era. Below is a representative rundown with key songs from both discs:

Disc One – Solo Essentials

In My Defence (2000 Remix)
The Great Pretender (Original 1987 single version)
Living on My Own (1993 Radio Mix)
Made in Heaven
Love Kills (Original 1984 version)
There Must Be More to Life Than This
Guide Me Home (with Montserrat Caballé)
How Can I Go On (with Montserrat Caballé)
Foolin’ Around (Steve Brown Remix)
Time
Barcelona (with Montserrat Caballé)
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow
I Was Born to Love You
The Golden Boy (with Montserrat Caballé)
Mr. Bad Guy
The Great Pretender (Malouf Remix)
Love Kills (Star Rider Remix)
I Can Hear Music (Larry Lurex)
Goin’ Back (Larry Lurex B‑side)
Guide Me Home (Piano Version)

Disc Two – Remixes, Rarities & Alternate Takes

Love Kills (Sunshine People Radio Mix)
Made in Heaven (Extended Version)
Living on My Own (The Egg Remix)
… and other extended mixes, alternate versions, and rarities from the Solo Collection era.

(Note: Exact sequencing varies slightly between regions and formats.)

🌟 Notable Songs Featured

“In My Defence” (2000 Remix)

A dramatic, emotive ballad originally from the musical Time, remixed for clarity and cohesion on this compilation — it anchors the set with theatrical flair.

“The Great Pretender”

Mercury’s cover of the classic Platters tune showcases his flair for dramatic interpretation and became one of his most beloved solo tracks.

“Living on My Own” (1993 Radio Mix)

A dance‑friendly, upbeat hit that reached international popularity in its remixed form years after its original release.

“Made in Heaven”

A poignant love song later re‑imagined by Queen, reflecting Mercury’s warmth and melodic sensibilities.

“Love Kills”

One of his earliest solo singles, co‑written with Giorgio Moroder for the Metropolis soundtrack, included here in original and remixed forms.

“Barcelona” & Other Montserrat Caballé Collaborations

These operatic crossover classics highlight Mercury’s adventurous musical reach and his chemistry with the legendary soprano.

Larry Lurex Tracks

“In My Defence” and “I Can Hear Music” under his early alias Larry Lurex give rare insight into his work before Queen’s global breakthrough.

🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

🎼 A Tribute for His 60th Birthday:
The compilation was timed to coincide with what would have been Freddie’s 60th birthday — 4 September 2006 — and in the U.S. released on 21 November 2006, just before the 15th anniversary of his death.

📀 Multi‑Format Release:
Beyond CDs, a DVD package included The Untold Story documentary and a second disc of music videos and bonus footage — making it also a visual retrospective.

💿 Remixes & Rarities:
Disc two highlights extended remixes and alternate takes, bringing a fresh angle on familiar solo tracks and deeper cuts from Mercury’s catalog.

🎤 Broad Solo Survey:
The compilation draws from all phases of his solo work — from early pre‑Queen recordings through studio albums and operatic collaborations — making it one of the most thorough overviews of his independent output.

💡 Did You Know?

The title Lover of Life, Singer of Songs comes from words etched on Mercury’s statue in Montreux — a tribute phrase capturing his passionate artistic spirit.
The compilation includes tracks initially spanning over 15 years of solo work (1973–1988), all remastered for consistent sound quality.
Several tracks here later helped reinforce Freddie’s solo legacy for newer generations who first discovered his music after his death.

📊 Legacy & Impact

Lover of Life, Singer of Songs stands as one of the definitive solo anthologies for Freddie Mercury. By assembling classic solo hits, genre‑expanding collaborations, remix reinterpretations, and rarer early tracks, the compilation captures the range and versatility of Mercury’s voice and artistry outside of Queen. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer exploring his solo work, the album offers a rich, curated listening experience that celebrates his musical legacy.

Freddie Mercury - Lover of Life, Singer of Songs - The Very Best of Freddie Mercury Solo (Compilation) (2006) dvd cover

Freddie Mercury Full Discography

Download Freddie Mercury Albums from Amazon

More Albums:

Freddie Mercury - Mr. Bad Guy (1985)

Freddie Mercury - Barcelona (with Montserrat Caballé) (1988)

Freddie Mercury - The Freddie Mercury Album (Compilation) (1992)

Freddie Mercury - The Great Pretender (Compilation) (1992)

Freddie Mercury - Remixes (Compilation) (1993)

Search Artist / Band Alphabetical

Full Megapacks Collections

Monday, May 23, 2022