Complete List Of Brian May Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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 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, though it did not achieve the same level of chart success, peaking at number 23 in the UK.

In addition to his studio albums, Brian May has also released several live albums and compilations. His solo work includes live albums such as Live at the Brixton Academy (1994), which captured performances from his 1993 tour. May’s solo career also includes soundtrack work, notably for the French film Furia in 1999. Despite being primarily known for his work with Queen, May’s solo output has allowed him to 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 continues to be a highly influential figure in rock music.

BRIAN MAY SOLO ALBUMS

Back to the Light

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 the legendary guitarist of Queen, May’s solo venture came during a transitional time in his life, following the death of Freddie Mercury and May’s 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 mixing handled at Metropolis Studios.

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

Released 1998

Another World is Brian May’s second solo 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.

In February 2022, Another World was reissued as part of the ongoing Brian May Gold Series, with a second disc of bonus tracks titled Another Disc. This reissue introduced new listeners to May’s personal and heartfelt work, as well as providing additional material for long-time fans to enjoy.

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, ensuring that the intricate guitar work and emotional depth were captured perfectly for release. Richard Gray was responsible for the album’s design and photography, rounding out the team that brought May’s vision to life.

In terms of chart performance, the album reached number 23 on the UK Albums Chart and made a modest impact in other countries such as Germany and Austria. The 2022 reissue, Another Disc, featured a collection of bonus tracks, including live performances and alternate versions, giving new and returning listeners an expanded view of May’s work during this period.

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

Released 1999

Furia is Brian May’s third solo album and the official soundtrack to the 1999 French film Furia, directed by Alexandre Aja. This album represents May’s first full venture into composing a movie soundtrack and showcases his ability to craft instrumental music that complements the intensity and emotion of the film. Released in October 1999, Furia remains May’s final solo album to date, and while it is 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 the flute, violin, guitar, and even a bit of reggae influence with the track “Bird in Hand” by The Upsetters, written by Lee Scratch Perry. These varied styles make Furia a unique addition to May’s body of work, reflecting both his signature guitar sound and his adaptability as a composer.

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 with their energetic compositions. The album’s orchestration, performed by the London Musicians Orchestra and arranged by Michael Reed, complements May’s rock sensibilities, creating a rich, atmospheric soundscape that elevates the storytelling in Furia. The standout track, “Dream of Thee,” closes the album with a haunting vocal performance by May, adding a sense of melancholy and reflection to the soundtrack’s finale.

The album was well-received by fans of both Brian May and film soundtracks, although it did not achieve significant commercial success on the charts. Nevertheless, Furia remains a testament to May’s versatility as a musician and his ability to blend rock elements with orchestral music. The album also served as a tribute to key influences in May’s life, including a dedication to the author Julio Cortázar, whose novel Graffiti inspired elements of the film.

The soundtrack for Furia was produced by Brian May, who also contributed guitars, keyboards, and vocal elements. Justin Shirley-Smith co-produced and engineered the project, with orchestration handled by Michael Reed, who conducted the London Musicians Orchestra. Key musicians featured on the album 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.” The orchestral recording sessions were engineered by Dick Lewzey, while Kevin Metcalfe and Gordon Vicary handled the mastering at The Soundmasters in London. The cover art for the album was designed by Richard Gray in collaboration with Brian May, featuring an illustration by Jerome Trebois.

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 Listings:

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

Live at the Brixton Academy is a vibrant live album by The Brian May Band, capturing their electrifying performance on June 15, 1993, at the iconic Brixton Academy in London. This album marks an important moment in Brian May’s solo career, as it showcases him stepping out of the shadow of Queen and leading his own band with confidence and power. The album was released in 1994 on CD, cassette, LP, and VHS, and it remains the only official release from The Brian May Band as a collective.

The concert features a diverse mix of material, blending May’s solo songs with beloved Queen classics. Highlights of the show include powerful renditions of “Back to the Light,” “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” and Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down.” The album captures the raw energy of the live performance, though some tracks were slightly edited for the CD release. Nevertheless, the essence of the show, complete with Cozy Powell’s explosive drum solo during “Resurrection,” remains intact. May’s guitar work is exceptional, and the band, consisting of Jamie Moses on rhythm guitar, Neil Murray on bass, Spike Edney on keyboards, and vocalists Catherine Porter and Shelley Preston, delivers an outstanding performance.

The production of the album was top-tier, capturing the live atmosphere of the Brixton Academy perfectly. May’s signature guitar sound shines through on tracks like “Last Horizon” and “Love of My Life,” offering moments of both power and reflection. 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. It’s a must-listen for fans of May’s solo work and Queen alike.

CD Track Listings:

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

Released 1983

Star Fleet Project is a thrilling collaboration that brought together Brian May of Queen and guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, along with a team of seasoned musicians. This unique mini-album, produced by May himself, was recorded over just two days in April 1983 at the Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles, during a period of downtime for both May and Van Halen. The project came together from May’s inspiration, drawn from watching the Star Fleet television series with his son Jimmy. A fan of the show’s theme music, May envisioned creating a hard-rock arrangement, and the result was a spontaneous jam session that evolved into this memorable album.

The core lineup features May on guitar and vocals, Van Halen delivering his signature guitar pyrotechnics, Alan Gratzer of REO Speedwagon on drums, Phil Chen on bass, and Fred Mandel on keyboards. The album comprises three tracks, blending blistering guitar solos, blues jams, and a mix of spontaneous energy. The title track, “Star Fleet,” is a high-energy rock adaptation of the theme song from the Star Fleet TV series. It highlights the extraordinary interplay between May and Van Halen, with their guitar solos bouncing off one another. “Let Me Out” offers a raw, bluesy feel, while “Blues Breaker” is a 12-minute jam dedicated to Eric Clapton, showcasing the improvisational prowess of the musicians.

The album was released in October 1983 and, while it didn’t achieve significant commercial success, it became a cult favorite among guitar enthusiasts. It reached No. 35 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 125 on the US Billboard 200. In 2023, Star Fleet Project was re-released as Star Fleet Sessions, including alternate takes and unreleased material, reigniting interest in this spirited collaboration between two rock guitar icons.

Tracklisting:

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

El Vampiro Bajo el Sol (with Paralamas do Sucesso and Fito Paez) (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 deep exploration of northeastern Brazilian musical influences, incorporating political themes and diverse melodies. While the album didn’t achieve significant commercial success, selling around 55,000 copies, it resonated strongly in Argentina and Latin America, where it was released under the title Dos Margaritas. The band embarked on a successful tour following the release, laying the foundation for their next project.

One of the album’s highlights is the track “El vampiro bajo el sol,” which features a standout collaboration with British guitarist Brian May. The album also benefits from the contributions of other notable guest musicians such as Argentine pianist Fito Páez, who appears on the track “Vamos Bater Lata,” and Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, who adds his piano and synthesizer skills to “Quase Um Segundo.” With this blend of international collaborations and rich Brazilian cultural references, Severino remains a unique entry in Os Paralamas do Sucesso’s discography, appreciated for its artistic depth and ambitious musical experimentation.

Feedback 86 (with Steve Hackett)

Feedback 86, released in 2000, is the fifteenth studio album by guitarist Steve Hackett. The album consists of tracks originally written in 1986, during a period when Hackett was working on material for a potential second GTR album, a project that was ultimately canceled. These songs were shelved for over a decade before finally seeing the light of day in this release. The album is notable for its guest appearances by several prominent musicians, including Bonnie Tyler, Queen’s guitarist Brian May, and members of Marillion, lending a unique blend of musical influences to the project.

The album features a diverse range of styles, from rock to more orchestral and experimental compositions. Tracks like “Prizefighters,” which features Bonnie Tyler and Chris Thompson on vocals, and “Slot Machine,” where Brian May lends his guitar skills and voice, stand out as collaborative highlights. Hackett himself provides vocals on tracks like “Stadiums of the Damned” and “The Gulf,” while also showcasing his signature guitar work throughout. With its combination of 1980s rock energy and Hackett’s progressive tendencies, Feedback 86 offers fans a fascinating glimpse into a period of Hackett’s career that had remained largely unheard until its release.

Anthems (with Kerry Ellis) (2010)

Acoustic by Candlelight (with Kerry Ellis) (2013)

Acoustic by Candlelight: Live on the Born Free Tour is the first live album by actress and singer Kerry Ellis and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May, released on June 17, 2013. This 15-track collection captures the intimate atmosphere of the first leg of their Born Free Tour, a series of acoustic performances that took place in late 2012. The tour was created to raise awareness and funds for the Born Free Foundation, blending Ellis’ theatrical vocal prowess with May’s virtuosic acoustic guitar playing.

The album features a diverse selection of songs, including stripped-down versions of Queen classics, musical theater numbers, and original compositions by the duo. The acoustic arrangements bring a raw and personal feel to tracks such as “Somebody to Love,” “I Who Have Nothing,” and “Born Free.” The minimalist nature of the performances highlights the chemistry between Ellis and May, offering listeners a unique experience far removed from the grandeur of full-band rock concerts.

Acoustic by Candlelight is a celebration of both Ellis’ vocal talents and May’s intricate guitar work, creating an intimate listening experience that reflects the deep emotional connection they share with their audience and with the causes they support. The live album captures not only the music but also the passion and authenticity of the performances, making it a special moment in their collaboration.

Golden Days (with Kerry Ellis) (2017)

We Are One (with Jayce Lewis)

Released 2018

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

Released 2019

Floating in Heaven (single with Graham Gouldman)

Released 2022

Fought & Lost (single with Sam Ryder)

Released 2023

Brian May of Queen: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

Complete List Of Brian May Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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