The movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, opened earlier this month to rave reviews. This Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic is currently the second highest grossing music biopic of all time (behind Straight Outta Compton). It’s lead actor, Rami Malek, is being touted for a Oscar nomination (and possibly a win). But this post isn’t about the movie, the lead actor or even the title song. It’s about another song that first appeared on Queen’s fifth album, A Day at the Races. The song is Somebody to Love, written by lead singer Freddie Mercury.
Somebody to Love has been covered by practically every living recording artist on the planet. The song speaks to a basic question of human existence: “What is a life without love?” I was glad to see the song in Bohemian Rhapsody because even though it asks a very serious question, it does so in a very upbeat manner which is why the song is a winner and often sang in movies and on TV.
That said, I’ve found a couple of examples to share. First, we’ll start with the original song performed by Queen live in Montreal in 1981. I chose it because it doesn’t have all of the overdubbing chorus that the album track has. It’s the way the song should be sung because it’s the way you and I would sing it if we could sing it. It’s Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor – their song their way. Oh, by the way, I am not responsible for any earworms you get.
1. From the 2006 movie, Happy Feet, comes a stirring version of the song sung by the late Brittany Murphy. If you only knew her from her voice acting as Luanne on King of the Hill, you had no idea that she had such a strong singing voice. She rocks this song and the gospel choir background preaches to a toe tapping conclusion broken up only by Mumble’s horrible singing voice.
2. From the 2004 movie, Ella Enchanted, comes Anne Hathaway’s version of the song. I’ll be honest and say that I like this version the least of all of them. Yes, I know that the premise of the movie is that she must obediently and without hesitation do EXACTLY as she is told which has comedic consequences. I get that, but my point is that this song requires enthusiasm and her delivery is not as energetic as others and that sadly comes across. You can make up your own mind.
3. From the TV show, Glee, comes a version of the song that is upbeat and typical TV fare. The production is designed not to offend and it doesn’t, but it also doesn’t excite you either.
4. Finally from the Voice Academy of Brazil (https://academiadavoz.com/) comes a “FlashMob” version of the song. It is an excellent rendition of the song that will give you chills and take you to church. It’s all the more amazing when you realize that the primary language of Brazil is Portuguese.
Queen’s performance is the gold standard, but there are plenty of stellar performances of Somebody to Love out there. You just have to look for them, but they are worth it. Again, beware of the earworm!
