Complete List Of Brian May Albums And Songs

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Brian May, best known as the lead guitarist for Queen, began his solo career in the 1980s during breaks from the band’s activities. His first notable solo release was the Star Fleet Project EP in 1983, a collaboration with Eddie Van Halen and other musicians. However, his first full solo studio album, Back to the Light, came in 1992 after Queen had largely slowed down following the death of Freddie Mercury. This album reached number six on the UK Albums Chart, driven by the success of singles like “Too Much Love Will Kill You” and “Driven by You.” May’s second studio album, Another World, was released in 1998 and peaked at number 23 in the UK.

In addition to his studio albums, Brian May has released live and collaborative albums as well as soundtrack work. His solo catalog includes Live at the Brixton Academy (1994), which captured a performance from his 1993 tour, and the soundtrack for the 1999 French film Furia, released as an album in 2000. Although he is best known for his work with Queen, May’s solo output has let him showcase his distinct guitar style and voice. While he has not achieved the same level of international success as with Queen, May’s solo work has earned respect for its musicality, and he remains a highly influential figure in rock music.

BRIAN MAY SOLO ALBUMS

Back to the Light (1992)

Released 1992

Back to the Light marked Brian May’s debut solo studio album, a deeply personal and emotional project released in September 1992 in the UK and early 1993 in the US and Canada. As Queen’s legendary guitarist, May’s solo venture came during a transitional time in his life, following Freddie Mercury’s death and his personal struggles. The album was co-produced with Justin Shirley-Smith and recorded over four years, from March 1988 to November 1992. Most of the recording took place at May’s home studio, Allerton Hill, with Metropolis Studios handling the mixing.

Featuring top 10 singles like “Too Much Love Will Kill You” and “Driven by You,” the album reached number six on the UK Albums Chart and number 159 on the US Billboard 200. These singles stand out for their emotional depth, with “Too Much Love Will Kill You” later performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992. “Driven by You,” originally composed for a Ford advertisement, became an anthem in its own right and helped establish May’s solo career.

Musically, Back to the Light reflects a wide range of emotions, from the despair of personal loss to the hope of new beginnings. “The Dark” opens the album with a moody, atmospheric introduction, setting the stage for the title track, “Back to the Light,” a soaring expression of resilience. “Resurrection,” a high-energy collaboration with drummer Cozy Powell, celebrates friendship and life, while “Last Horizon” showcases May’s melodic guitar playing in one of his most serene compositions.

The album also dives into personal struggles, with “I’m Scared” directly addressing May’s fears and anxieties. The more introspective tracks, such as “Just One Life,” written as a tribute to actor Philip Sayer, reveal May’s sensitive and reflective side. The album closes with a cover of the Small Faces’ “Rollin’ Over,” a blistering guitar-driven track that nods to May’s rock roots.

Overall, Back to the Light stands as a testament to May’s musical versatility and personal resilience. Though deeply connected to his journey of self-discovery after the loss of his Queen bandmate and the challenges in his personal life, the album resonates universally with its themes of loss, hope, and renewal. It may not have reached the commercial heights of his work with Queen, but it remains a powerful solo statement from one of rock’s greatest guitarists.

Track Listing

1. “The Dark” – 2:20
2. “Back to the Light” – 4:59
3. “Love Token” – 5:55
4. “Resurrection” – 5:27
5. “Too Much Love Will Kill You” – 4:28
6. “Driven by You” – 4:11
7. “Nothin’ But Blue” – 3:31
8. “I’m Scared” (Justin’s Mix ’92) – 4:00
9. “Last Horizon” – 4:10
10. “Let Your Heart Rule Your Head” – 3:51
11. “Just One Life” – 3:38
12. “Rollin’ Over” – 4:36

Another World (1998)

Released 1998

Another World is Brian May’s second solo studio album, released on June 1, 1998, in the UK by Parlophone Records, and on September 15, 1998, in the US by Hollywood Records. Recorded at May’s home studio, Allerton Hill, the album follows Queen’s final studio album, Made in Heaven. This album is a personal project for May, dedicated to his mother, and showcases his signature guitar work along with introspective lyrics about love, loss, and life’s challenges.

The album was initially conceived as a cover project, with May planning to record some of his favorite songs by artists he admired. However, the concept quickly evolved into a full-length album that mixes original material with select covers. Tracks like “Business” and “On My Way Up” gained additional recognition, with “Business” being used as the theme song for the TV series Frank Stubbs Promotes. Notably, the track “The Guv’nor” features legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, adding to the album’s diverse and powerful sound.

The album was also deeply impacted by the death of Cozy Powell, the drummer who collaborated with May on several tracks. Powell passed away in a car accident before the album’s completion, and “Business” was later released as a tribute to him. Along with Powell’s drum work, the album features contributions from other notable musicians, including Neil Murray on bass and Steve Ferrone on drums. Taylor Hawkins also makes a memorable appearance on the track “Cyborg,” adding further rock credibility to the project.

On April 22, 2022, Another World was reissued as the second release in the Brian May Gold Series, with expanded editions including a second disc of bonus material titled Another Disc. The original 1998 release peaked at number 23 on the UK Albums Chart, while the 2022 reissue returned the title to the chart and reached number 14.

The production of Another World was handled by Brian May himself, with Justin Shirley-Smith co-producing and engineering the album. The majority of the recording took place at Allerton Hill Studio, May’s personal recording space. Kevin Metcalfe mastered the album at Townhouse Studios, while Richard Gray was responsible for the album’s design and photography.

Another World is a testament to Brian May’s ability to blend his rock prowess with deeply personal storytelling. Through his guitar work, soulful lyrics, and collaborations with other musicians, the album captures a moment in time when May was exploring new musical directions while reflecting on his past.

Track Listing

1. “Space” – 0:47
2. “Business” – 5:07
3. “China Belle” – 4:01
4. “Why Don’t We Try Again” – 5:24
5. “On My Way Up” – 2:57
6. “Cyborg” – 3:54
7. “The Guv’nor” – 4:13
8. “Wilderness” – 4:52
9. “Slow Down” (Larry Williams) – 4:18
10. “One Rainy Wish” (Jimi Hendrix) – 4:05
11. “All the Way from Memphis” (Ian Hunter) – 5:16
12. “Another World” – 7:30

Furia (2000)

Released 2000

Furia is Brian May’s soundtrack album for the 1999 French film Furia, directed by Alexandre Aja. The soundtrack album was released in 2000 and represents May’s first full venture into composing a movie soundtrack. Largely instrumental, it features the track “Dream of Thee,” which includes vocals by May himself, adding a personal touch to an otherwise cinematic experience.

The album was recorded primarily at May’s home studio, Allerton Hill, with orchestral contributions recorded in London. May worked closely with Justin Shirley-Smith, who co-produced and engineered the project, while Michael Reed conducted the London Musicians Orchestra, whose performances helped bring May’s compositions to life. The album features a diverse array of instrumental tracks, including solos on flute, violin, guitar, and the reggae-influenced “Bird in Hand” by The Upsetters, written by Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Furia tells a dramatic story through music, matching the film’s themes of rebellion, love, and emotional turmoil. Tracks such as “Furia Theme – Opening Titles” and “The Meeting (Solo Guitar)” highlight May’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through his guitar work, while “Storm” and “Pursuit” bring tension and excitement to the soundtrack. The standout track, “Dream of Thee,” closes the main program with a haunting vocal performance by May.

The soundtrack was produced by Brian May, who also contributed guitars, keyboards, and vocals. Justin Shirley-Smith co-produced and engineered the project, with orchestration handled by Michael Reed, who conducted the London Musicians Orchestra. Key musicians include Phillipa Davies on solo flute, Rolf Wilson on first violin, and Dave Lee on solo horn. Emily May, Brian May’s daughter, provided the “apparition” vocals on the track “Apparition.”

Although Furia was not a commercial blockbuster, it stands as a deeply personal and expressive work, showcasing May’s diverse musical talents. His ability to blend cinematic scoring with his signature guitar style results in a powerful and haunting soundtrack that complements the film’s emotional narrative.

CD Track Listing

1. “Furia Theme – Opening Titles” – 4:40
2. “First Glance (Solo Flute)” – 1:35
3. “Landscape” – 1:14
4. “Tango: ‘Cuesta Abajo'” – 2:59
5. “The Meeting (Solo Guitar)” – 1:35
6. “First Kiss” – 2:03
7. “Storm” – 2:19
8. “Phone” – 1:07
9. “Pursuit” – 3:45
10. “Diner” – 1:18
11. “Apparition” – 1:36
12. “Arrest” – 1:28
13. “Father and Son” – 1:34
14. “Aaron” – 0:49
15. “Fire” – 0:55
16. “Gun (Solo Violin)” – 1:55
17. “Reggae: ‘Bird in Hand'” – 3:30
18. “Killing” – 1:13
19. “Escape” – 1:50
20. “Go On” – 2:19
21. “Dream of Thee” – 4:36
22. “Alternative Gun” – 1:33 (bonus track)

Live at the Brixton Academy (1994)

Live at the Brixton Academy is a vibrant live album by The Brian May Band, capturing their performance on June 15, 1993, at Brixton Academy in London. Released in 1994, the album marks an important moment in Brian May’s solo career, as it showcases him leading his own touring band. It remains the principal official live album release from The Brian May Band.

The concert features a diverse mix of material, blending May’s solo songs with Queen classics. Highlights include “Back to the Light,” “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” and Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down.” Some tracks were edited for the album release, but the performance retains the energy of the tour, including Cozy Powell’s extended drum spotlight during “Resurrection.” The band featured Jamie Moses on guitar, Neil Murray on bass, Spike Edney on keyboards, Cozy Powell on drums, and backing vocalists Catherine Porter and Shelley Preston.

The album peaked at number 20 on the UK Albums Chart and serves as a testament to May’s ability to captivate audiences both as a solo artist and as a guitarist for Queen.

CD Track Listing

1. “Back to the Light”
2. “Driven by You”
3. “Tie Your Mother Down”
4. “Love Token”
5. “Headlong”
6. “Love of My Life” (Freddie Mercury)
7. “’39” / “Let Your Heart Rule Your Head”
8. “Too Much Love Will Kill You” (May, Frank Musker, Elizabeth Lamers)
9. “Since You’ve Been Gone” (Russ Ballard)
10. “Now I’m Here”
11. “Guitar Extravagance”
12. “Resurrection” (May, Cozy Powell, Jamie Page)
13. “Last Horizon”
14. “We Will Rock You”
15. “Hammer to Fall”

Collaborations

Star Fleet Project (1983)

Released 1983

Star Fleet Project is a collaboration that brought together Brian May and Eddie Van Halen, along with Alan Gratzer of REO Speedwagon on drums, Phil Chen on bass, and Fred Mandel on keyboards. Produced by May, it was recorded over two days in April 1983 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. The project grew from May’s enthusiasm for the Star Fleet television series, which he watched with his son Jimmy.

The three-track mini-album blends guitar solos, blues jams, and spontaneous studio energy. The title track is a hard-rock adaptation of the theme to the Star Fleet television series. “Let Me Out” offers a bluesier approach, while “Blues Breaker” is a lengthy jam dedicated to Eric Clapton.

The project was released on October 31, 1983 in the UK, reaching number 35 on the UK Albums Chart and number 125 on the US Billboard 200. In 2023, it was revisited in the Brian May Gold Series as Star Fleet Sessions, an expanded archival release containing newly mixed material, alternate takes, studio conversations, and previously unreleased recordings from the original sessions.

Track Listing

1. “Star Fleet” – 8:04
2. “Let Me Out” – 7:13
3. “Blues Breaker” – 12:48

El Vampiro Bajo el Sol (with Os Paralamas do Sucesso) (1994)

Severino, released in 1994, is the seventh studio album by Brazilian rock band Os Paralamas do Sucesso. Produced by Phil Manzanera, the album showcases the band’s exploration of northeastern Brazilian musical influences, political themes, and diverse melodies. It also received a Latin American release under the title Dos Margaritas.

One of the album’s highlights is “El Vampiro Bajo el Sol,” which features Brian May on guitar. Other guest musicians appear elsewhere on the album, including Argentine musician Fito Páez and Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, making Severino a notably international collaboration in the band’s catalog.

Feedback ’86 (with Steve Hackett) (2000)

Feedback ’86, released in 2000, is an album by guitarist Steve Hackett built from material originally written and recorded around 1986 during the period surrounding the proposed second GTR album. The project includes several prominent guests, including Bonnie Tyler and Brian May.

Brian May contributes to the album on “Slot Machine” and “Cassandra.” The record combines 1980s rock elements with Hackett’s progressive approach, offering listeners material that had remained unreleased for years before finally appearing in 2000.

Anthems (with Kerry Ellis) (2010)

Anthems is the debut studio album by actress and singer Kerry Ellis, released on September 13, 2010, by Decca Records. Produced by Brian May, the album showcases Ellis’ versatility as a performer, blending rock, theatrical, and orchestral elements. May’s production and arrangements give the album a strong rock character, while orchestral elements add a cinematic quality.

The album reached number 15 on the UK Albums Chart. Its track list includes theatrical material, original songs, and songs associated with Ellis’ career, including “Anthem,” “Defying Gravity,” and “I’m Not That Girl,” alongside original compositions involving May.

Acoustic by Candlelight (with Kerry Ellis) (2013)

Acoustic by Candlelight: Live on the Born Free Tour is a live album by Kerry Ellis and Brian May, released in 2013. The collection captures the intimate atmosphere of their late-2012 Born Free Tour, which combined Ellis’ vocals with May’s acoustic guitar and occasional keyboards while also raising awareness for the Born Free Foundation.

The album features stripped-down versions of Queen classics, musical theater material, and other songs associated with May and Ellis. The minimalist arrangements place the focus on the duo’s voices, guitar work, and live chemistry.

Acoustic by Candlelight captures the close, conversational quality of their performances and remains an important document of the May-Ellis partnership.

Golden Days (with Kerry Ellis) (2017)

Golden Days is the studio collaboration by Brian May and Kerry Ellis released on April 7, 2017. Their recording partnership had already produced Ellis’ debut studio album Anthems in 2010, which May produced, as well as extensive touring and the live album Acoustic by Candlelight. Golden Days brought both artists’ names to the project as a full creative collaboration.

The album was initially going to be titled Anthems II, but the title was later changed to Golden Days. May and Ellis worked as co-producers, and the thirteen-track set combines original compositions with new arrangements of established songs. The album reached number 27 on the UK Albums Chart.

The production features May on multiple instruments and arrangements, Ellis on lead vocals, and contributions from musicians including Neil Fairclough, Rufus Taylor, and John Miceli.

We Are One (with Jayce Lewis) (2018)

Released 2018

Blue on Black (with Five Finger Death Punch, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Brantley Gilbert) (2019)

Released 2019

Floating in Heaven (with Graham Gouldman) (2022)

Released 2022

Fought & Lost (with Sam Ryder) (2023)

Released 2023

Precious (with Ian Hunter) (2024)

Released 2024

Brian May contributed electric rhythm and lead guitars and bass to Ian Hunter’s “Precious,” which also features Taylor Hawkins on drums and Joe Elliott on backing vocals. The song appeared on Hunter’s Defiance Part 2: Fiction.

Going Home (Theme From Local Hero) (with Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes) (2024)

Released 2024

Brian May was one of the many major guitarists who contributed to Mark Knopfler’s all-star charity recording of “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero),” released to benefit Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.

Too Much Stress (with Steve Cropper and The Midnight Hour) (2024)

Released 2024

“Too Much Stress” features Brian May on guitar and vocals alongside Steve Cropper and was released as the first single from Friendlytown. The recording also includes Billy Gibbons.

You Made Your Bed (with Talia Dean) (2024)

Released 2024

Talia Dean and Brian May reunited for “You Made Your Bed,” with May contributing his Red Special guitar work and a featured solo.

Could Have Been Me (with The Struts) (2025)

Released 2025

The Struts recorded a new 2025 version of their anthem “Could Have Been Me” featuring Brian May, whose guitar appears prominently throughout the reworked track.

Praise Your Name (with Talia Dean) (2025)

Released 2025

“Praise Your Name” reunited Brian May with Talia Dean for a Christmas-themed recording featuring May’s guitar and production involvement alongside a gospel choir.

Eternia (with Daniel Pemberton) (2026)

Released 2026

Brian May joined composer Daniel Pemberton on “Eternia,” the principal theme from the 2026 Masters of the Universe soundtrack. May’s Red Special guitar is featured throughout the piece.

The Legend of Eternia (with Daniel Pemberton and The Darkness) (2026)

Released 2026

“The Legend of Eternia” brought together Brian May, Daniel Pemberton, and The Darkness for the expanded Masters of the Universe soundtrack.

Masters of the Universe: Deluxe Edition (with Daniel Pemberton) (2026)

Released 2026

The deluxe edition of Daniel Pemberton’s Masters of the Universe soundtrack features Brian May on guitar across several pieces. “Eternia” and “Folding Space (Eternia)” directly credit Pemberton and May, while “The Legend of Eternia” features May with Pemberton and The Darkness.

My Angels Are Calling (with Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour and Billy Gibbons) (2026)

Released 2026

“My Angels Are Calling,” released August 28, 2026 on Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour’s posthumous album Watching The Tide, features Brian May on lead vocals and Billy Gibbons on guitar. May wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music, reshaping the song as a tribute to Cropper following his death in December 2025.

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