Freddie Mercury - Messenger of the Gods: The Singles (Compilation) (2016) | Album Review, Fun Facts & Trivia

Freddie Mercury - Messenger of the Gods: The Singles (Compilation) (2016)

🎤 Freddie Mercury – Messenger of the Gods: The Singles (Compilation, 2016)

Messenger of the Gods: The Singles is an expansive singles‑collection compilation celebrating the solo singles of Freddie Mercury — the iconic frontman of Queen — spanning 1973–1993. Released on 2 September 2016, just days before what would have been Mercury’s 70th birthday, the compilation exists as both a two‑CD set and a limited deluxe box of 13 individually coloured 7″ vinyl singles.

Rather than being a standard greatest‑hits package, Messenger of the Gods: The Singles collects Mercury’s solo singles in chronological order, offering a panoramic journey through his solo path — from early studio experiments under a pseudonym to bold 1980s pop/dance hits and operatic duets.

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📀 Album Credits

• Artist: Freddie Mercury

• Title: Messenger of the Gods: The Singles

• Type: Compilation / Singles anthology

• Released: 2 September 2016 — timed to coincide with Mercury’s 70th birthday celebrations.

• Recorded: 1973–1993 (original singles)

• Label: Mercury, Universal (Worldwide); Hollywood Records (North America)

• Length: Approx. 97:05 (2‑CD edition)

• Producer: Various (original recordings and mixes)

• Formats:

  • 2‑CD Compilation with 20+ tracks

  • 13×7″ Coloured Vinyl Box Set with booklet and download voucher

The package highlights Freddie’s versatility — from rock‑tinged solo work to dance and operatic crossover — illustrating his wide creative scope outside Queen.

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🎶 Tracklist (2‑CD Edition Highlights)

Disc One – The Singles

1. Living On My Own (Single Mix)

2. The Great Pretender

3. In My Defence (2000 Remix)

4. Love Kills

5. Barcelona (Single Version)

6. Made In Heaven (Single Remix)

7. Time (2000 Remix)

8. Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow

9. I Was Born To Love You

10. The Golden Boy (7″ Edit)

11. I Can Hear Music

12. How Can I Go On (Single Version)

13. Living On My Own (No More Brothers Radio Mix)

Disc Two – B‑Sides & Rarities

1. Goin’ Back

2. Let’s Turn It On

3. My Love Is Dangerous

4. She Blows Hot And Cold

5. Living On My Own (Julian Raymond Album Mix)

6. Stop All The Fighting

7. Time (Instrumental)

8. Exercises In Free Love (Freddie Vocal)

9. Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat Vocal)

10. The Fallen Priest (7″ Edit)

11. Overture Piccante

12. Love Kills (Wolf Euro Mix)

Note: The vinyl box set mirrors these singles as individual 7″s — a treat for collectors.

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⭐ Notable Singles & Highlights

“I Can Hear Music” (as Larry Lurex)

Freddie’s earliest solo single, recorded under the pseudonym Larry Lurex in 1973, is a lush Beatles‑inspired cover that foreshadows his playful vocal flair.

“Living On My Own” (No More Brothers Radio Mix)

Originally from Mr. Bad Guy (1985), this remix became Mercury’s first solo No. 1 single and one of the biggest European hits of 1993.

“The Great Pretender”

A fan favourite, this cover of the Platters’ classic showcases Mercury’s theatrical and melodramatic vocal style.

“Barcelona”

His legendary duet with opera singer Montserrat Caballé — blending rock and opera — remains one of his most ambitious solo statements.

“Made In Heaven” & “I Was Born To Love You”

Both original solo singles that later found new life in Queen’s catalogue, highlighting Mercury’s songwriting prowess.

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🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

🎙️ Timeline Coverage: The compilation spans 20 years of Mercury’s solo work, from 1973 to 1993.

📦 Collector’s Vinyl Set: The 13×7″ coloured vinyl edition replicates original single artwork and includes previously unpublished photos in its booklet.

🎧 Multiple Mixes: Several singles on the set appear in their remixed forms (e.g., Time, In My Defence), reflecting how Mercury’s solo work evolved in reissue and remix culture.

🎼 Solo Beyond Queen: The collection shows how Mercury explored styles outside the Queen band — from disco and synth‑pop to operatic fusion and dance remixes.

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💡 Did You Know?

• Messenger of the Gods was released three days before Freddie’s 70th birthday and celebrates his solo legacy in a way no previous compilation had done.

• The compilation chronologically arranges Mercury’s solo singles, giving listeners a historical overview of his work as a solo artist.

• The box set’s vinyl editions are each colour‑coded, making it a standout collectors’ item for fans of Mercury’s solo career.

• Singles like “Living On My Own” became hits years after their original releases due to remixes included in compilations like this one.

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📊 Legacy & Impact

Messenger of the Gods: The Singles stands as a definitive singles anthology of Freddie Mercury’s solo career — not merely a greatest‑hits compilation but a historical document of how Mercury explored musical identity outside Queen. It’s beloved by collectors for its nostalgic vinyl format and appreciated by listeners for tracing the arc of Mercury’s evolving solo artistry — from early experiments to dance‑floor classics and operatic collaborations.

This release shows the breadth of his work and reaffirms his status as one of rock’s most versatile and charismatic voices, both within and beyond the context of Queen.

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)