Complete List Of Roger Taylor Solo Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Roger Taylor, born in Norfolk, England, is best known as the legendary drummer for Queen, one of the most iconic rock bands in history. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist, Taylor’s contributions to Queen helped shape their unique sound. While his work with Queen is celebrated worldwide, Taylor has also enjoyed a prolific solo career that showcases his versatility as a musician. His distinct blend of rock, pop, and experimental sounds is evident across his solo albums, allowing him to explore different musical avenues outside of the larger-than-life Queen stage.

Taylor’s solo discography began with Fun in Space in 1981, followed by Strange Frontier in 1984. Both albums highlighted Taylor’s knack for blending powerful rock rhythms with introspective, thought-provoking lyrics. He further pushed boundaries with his involvement in The Cross, a band he formed in the late ’80s, in which he took on the role of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The Cross released three albums—Shove It, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know, and Blue Rock—which showcased a mix of rock and dance influences, with Taylor leading the charge in songwriting and production.

After his work with The Cross, Taylor returned to his solo career with Happiness? in 1994, followed by Electric Fire in 1998, both of which exhibited his growth as a solo artist with more mature themes and complex compositions. In 2013, he released Fun on Earth, and more recently, in 2021, Outsider, which was influenced by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflected his deep, contemplative side.

Throughout his career, Roger Taylor has demonstrated his ability to evolve musically while staying true to his rock roots. Whether with Queen, as the frontman of The Cross, or as a solo artist, Taylor’s legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and boundless passion for music. His discography reflects not only his immense talent but also his adventurous spirit, always willing to push the boundaries of his sound while keeping his unmistakable style intact.

Fun In Space

Fun in Space is the debut solo album by Roger Taylor, the renowned drummer of Queen, released on April 6, 1981 in the UK and May 9, 1981 in the US. Recorded during breaks from Queen’s extensive tours for The Game and Flash Gordon soundtracks, the album showcases Taylor’s multifaceted talent as he wrote, produced, and performed every track, handling all instruments and vocals himself. The record stands out for its playful energy and distinct space-themed concept, fully reflective of the album’s title. Despite reaching number 18 on the UK Albums Chart, the album had a limited commercial impact in the United States.

The recording took place at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, with Taylor working alongside engineer David Richards, who contributed to approximately half of the keyboards on the album. The production of Fun in Space also allowed Taylor to explore a more personal and experimental approach, diverging from Queen’s highly polished sound. Known for his involvement in Queen’s creative processes, this solo venture allowed him to push the boundaries of his own musical expression, resulting in an eclectic mix of rock and new wave with a distinctive futuristic feel.

Critically, the album received mixed reviews, with some praising Taylor’s ambition and his ability to craft a unique soundscape, while others found it less cohesive than his work with Queen. The track “Future Management” was released as the lead single in Europe, while “Let’s Get Crazy” was released in the United States. Though neither single made a significant mark on the charts, the album remains a fan favorite, especially among Queen enthusiasts who appreciate Taylor’s artistic ventures outside of the band.

The artwork of Fun in Space is equally memorable. Created by American artist Jim Laurier, the cover features a fantastical alien reading a magazine, which Roger Taylor himself is seen holding on the back cover. The magazine on the cover uses upside-down Hebrew characters, adding an air of mystery to the imagery. Interestingly, the alien on the cover was designed by Taylor’s former bandmate from Smile, Tim Staffell, unbeknownst to him until he saw the cover displayed in Taylor’s home.

Track Listings:

Side one:

“No Violins” – 4:30
“Laugh or Cry” – 3:07
“Future Management” – 2:57
“Let’s Get Crazy” – 3:42
“My Country I & II” – 6:55

Side two:

“Good Times Are Now” – 3:28
“Magic Is Loose” – 3:24
“Interlude in Constantinople” – 2:04
“Airheads” – 3:41
“Fun in Space” – 6:25

Bonus Tracks (2015 Reissue):

“I Wanna Testify” (1977 non-album single version) – 3:45
“Turn on the TV” – 3:27
“My Country” (1981 single version) – 3:50

Strange Frontier

Released 1984

Strange Frontier is Roger Taylor’s second solo album, released in 1984. Following the eclectic and experimental tone of his debut album, Fun in Space, this record takes a heavier, more rock-oriented approach, reflecting Taylor’s growing creative confidence as a solo artist. The album blends original songs with covers of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street” and Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War,” giving Taylor the chance to showcase his own interpretations of these influential tracks. Like his previous work, Taylor played most of the instruments on the album, including drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards, while also handling the lead vocals.

The recording of Strange Frontier took place during breaks from Queen’s The Works sessions in 1983, leading to noticeable stylistic similarities between this album and Queen’s 1984 release. Taylor’s Queen bandmates make appearances, with Brian May contributing rhythm guitar on “Man on Fire,” John Deacon on bass for “It’s an Illusion,” and Freddie Mercury providing backing vocals on “Killing Time.” Producer David Richards also played a significant role, contributing synths and piano, and co-writing a couple of tracks.

Critically, Strange Frontier was noted for its darker, more introspective lyrics, with many songs addressing political and social issues. The title track “Strange Frontier” reflects a sense of existential uncertainty, while “Killing Time” offers a sharp commentary on the passage of time and the futility of waiting for change. The album also deals with themes of love, hope, and confusion, most evident in tracks like “I Cry for You (Love, Hope and Confusion).” Taylor’s cover of Dylan’s “Masters of War” highlights his anti-war stance, lending an aggressive tone to the album that resonated with the political climate of the time.

Though Strange Frontier didn’t perform as well on the charts as some of Taylor’s other work, it has since gained recognition for its bold sound and its personal, reflective lyrics. The heavier rock elements, combined with Taylor’s familiar melodic touch, create a dynamic listening experience that showcases his musical versatility.

Track Listings:

Side one:

“Strange Frontier” – 4:16
“Beautiful Dreams” – 4:23
“Man on Fire” – 4:05
“Racing in the Street” (Bruce Springsteen) – 4:28
“Masters of War” (Bob Dylan) – 3:51

Side two:

“Killing Time” – 4:58
“Abandonfire” (Taylor, David Richards) – 4:12
“Young Love” – 3:22
“It’s an Illusion” (Taylor, Rick Parfitt) – 4:03
“I Cry for You (Love, Hope and Confusion)” (Taylor, Richards) – 4:16

Happiness?

Released 1994

Happiness? is the third solo album by Roger Taylor. This album marked Taylor’s return to solo work after his time with The Cross and his involvement with Queen. The album is notable for its deep personal reflections, politically charged lyrics, and collaborations, particularly with Japanese musician Yoshiki on the song “Foreign Sand.” While Happiness? touches on themes such as loneliness, existentialism, and socio-political issues, it also showcases Taylor’s versatility as a songwriter and musician.

The album was recorded throughout 1994, and Taylor took on a central role in its production, handling vocals, drums, and guitars on most tracks. He enlisted several key musicians, such as Jason Falloon on guitars and Phil Spalding on bass, to contribute to the album’s dynamic sound. One of the standout tracks, “Foreign Sand,” is a collaboration with Yoshiki, the drummer and pianist of X Japan, who also co-wrote and arranged the track, bringing a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The song’s orchestral arrangement, led by Yoshiki, adds depth to the introspective lyrics, while Jim Cregan’s guitar work and Phil Chen’s bass provide a rich, textured backdrop.

One of the more controversial tracks on the album, “Nazis 1994,” stirred quite a bit of attention due to its sharp critique of neo-Nazism. Though many radio stations in the UK banned it, and several stores refused to stock the single, the backlash ironically helped the album’s visibility, leading to increased sales. The song’s biting lyrics and aggressive sound stand in stark contrast to some of the album’s softer, more melancholic tracks like “Loneliness…” and “Old Friends,” which explore themes of sorrow and loss. Taylor’s commentary on societal issues continued with “Dear Mr. Murdoch,” a pointed criticism of media magnate Rupert Murdoch, adding a layer of bold political commentary to the album.

Critically, Happiness? was recognized for its mature themes and well-crafted songs. Taylor’s ability to fuse personal reflection with wider political and social issues created an album that stood apart from typical rock releases of the time. The album’s lead single, “Nazis 1994,” reached number 22 on the UK charts, followed by “Foreign Sand,” which peaked at number 26, and the title track “Happiness?” which reached number 32. The album’s success was aided by its provocative themes, proving that Taylor’s solo career had its own distinct voice outside of his work with Queen.

Track Listing:

“Nazis 1994” – 2:35
“Happiness” – 3:17
“Revelations” – 3:44
“Touch the Sky” – 5:04
“Foreign Sand” – 6:53
“Freedom Train” – 6:12
“You Had to Be There” – 2:55
“The Key” – 4:25
“Everybody Hurts Sometimes” – 2:52
“Loneliness…” – 2:25
“Dear Mr. Murdoch” – 4:19
“Old Friends” – 3:33

Electric Fire

Released 1998

Electric Fire is Roger Taylor’s fourth solo album, and it represents a slight shift in tone compared to his previous release, Happiness?. Released in 1998, this album balances the darker, introspective mood of its predecessor with more upbeat, energetic tracks, though it still retains some of the gloomy, socially conscious elements for which Taylor had become known. The album is widely recognized for its eclectic mix of rock and electronic influences, demonstrating Taylor’s continued evolution as a solo artist distinct from his work with Queen.

One of the notable aspects of Electric Fire is Taylor’s cover of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” a poignant, politically charged song that aligns with the socially aware themes present throughout the album. The track reflects Taylor’s admiration for Lennon’s work, while his interpretation adds a layer of modern rock energy. The album also showcases Taylor’s versatile musicianship, as he performed vocals, drums, percussion, keyboards, bass, and guitars on most tracks. The album features a team of musicians including Keith Prior on drums, Jason Falloon on guitars and bass, and Mike Crossley on keyboards, adding depth and variety to the record’s sound.

Two singles from Electric Fire managed to chart in the UK: “Pressure On” and “Surrender,” peaking at number 45 and 38, respectively. “Pressure On” opens the album with a powerful, driving rhythm, capturing the frustration of societal pressures and personal struggles. The song sets the tone for the album’s exploration of modern life, disillusionment, and resilience. In contrast, “Surrender” offers a more emotional, introspective take, with Treana Morris contributing haunting backing vocals that enhance the song’s reflective mood.

Critically, Electric Fire was praised for its thoughtful lyricism and Taylor’s willingness to tackle complex themes, such as identity, self-belief, and the state of society. Tracks like “A Nation of Haircuts” and “People on Streets” delve into social commentary, while songs like “Believe in Yourself” and “No More Fun” touch on personal empowerment and frustration. The album’s soundscape is a blend of rock and electronic elements, showcasing Taylor’s ability to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining his signature rock sensibility.

Track Listing:

“Pressure On” – 4:56
“A Nation of Haircuts” – 3:32
“Believe in Yourself” – 5:00
“Surrender” – 3:36
“People on Streets” – 4:11
“The Whisperers” (Taylor, Nicholas Evans) – 6:05
“Is It Me?” – 3:23
“No More Fun” – 4:13
“Tonight” – 3:44
“Where Are You Now?” – 4:48
“Working Class Hero” (John Lennon) – 4:41
“London Town – C’mon Down” – 7:13

Fun on Earth

Released 2013

Fun on Earth is the fifth solo studio album by Queen drummer Roger Taylor, released on November 11 2013. It marked Taylor’s return to solo work after 15 years, following his 1998 album Electric Fire. This album was recorded between 2008 and 2009, after the conclusion of Queen + Paul Rodgers’ Rock the Cosmos Tour. While Fun on Earth features some socially charged and reflective content, it also displays Taylor’s characteristic wit and musical versatility, offering fans a diverse listening experience.

The album opens with “One Night Stand!,” a track that immediately sets a playful, energetic tone. However, as you move deeper into the record, you find tracks like “The Unblinking Eye,” which confronts heavy social and political issues. Taylor made no secret of his frustration with the state of the world at the time, tackling themes of war, government surveillance, and national disillusionment. In interviews, he expressed his anger over issues like the war in Afghanistan and increasing governmental control, which are reflected in the lyrics of “The Unblinking Eye” and other tracks.

Musically, Fun on Earth features a variety of sounds. While Taylor plays most of the instruments himself, including drums, guitar, and keyboards, the album also includes notable collaborations. One of the standout tracks is “Say It’s Not True,” which features guitar legend Jeff Beck. The song, which had previously been performed live with Queen + Paul Rodgers, is a poignant anthem with stirring instrumentation. The track “Be with You,” co-written with Taylor’s son Rufus Taylor, adds a personal touch to the album, demonstrating the family collaboration within the music.

Critically, Fun on Earth received praise for its eclectic nature. Songs like “Sunny Day” and “I Am the Drummer (In a Rock n’ Roll Band)” offer lighter, fun moments in contrast to the more serious tracks like “The Unblinking Eye” and “Dear Mr. Murdoch.” The album’s variety of tones and styles keeps listeners engaged throughout, with Taylor effortlessly switching between rock, pop, and more reflective acoustic sounds.

Track Listing:

“One Night Stand!” – 4:22
“Fight Club” – 3:02
“Be with You” – 3:10
“Quality Street” – 4:25
“I Don’t Care” – 3:24
“Sunny Day” – 3:38
“Be My Gal (My Brightest Spark)” – 2:45
“I Am the Drummer (In a Rock n’ Roll Band)” – 2:47
“Small” – 3:51
“Say It’s Not True” (feat. Jeff Beck) – 4:58
“The Unblinking Eye” (abridged version) – 4:54
“Up” – 3:10
“Smile” – 3:01

Outsider

Released 2021

Outsider is the sixth studio album by English musician Roger Taylor. This album reflects Taylor’s experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown, capturing the sense of isolation and reflection that many people felt during that time. The songs span a range of emotions, from introspection to political commentary, while maintaining the rock foundation Taylor is known for. With its blend of reimagined older tracks and new material, Outsider offers a deeply personal journey for both Taylor and his listeners.

Several songs on Outsider revisit Taylor’s past work. “Absolutely Anything” is a re-recorded version of his theme for the 2015 film Absolutely Anything, and “Foreign Sand” returns as an acoustic “English mix” of Taylor’s 1994 single, co-written with Japanese musician Yoshiki. “Journey’s End,” originally released as a single in 2017, receives a 2021 remix for the album. These reimagined tracks sit comfortably alongside new songs like “Gangsters Are Running This World,” which offers two versions on the album. The song critiques political leaders, including Russian president Vladimir Putin and Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, with the “purple version” delivering a more aggressive edge.

Taylor supported Outsider with a 14-date UK tour, which began on 2 October 2021 in Newcastle and concluded on 22 October 2021 in London. This tour saw Taylor return to the basics with a stripped-down band of “musical pals,” playing both Queen classics and solo material, including new songs from Outsider. Fans were treated to a live album released on 30 September 2022, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of this tour.

Track Listing:

“Tides” – 3:39
“I Know, I Know, I Know” – 3:51
“More Kicks (Long Day’s Journey into Night… Life)” – 4:56
“Absolutely Anything” – 5:04
“Gangsters Are Running This World” – 4:04
“We’re All Just Trying to Get By” (featuring KT Tunstall) – 2:52
“Gangsters Are Running This World” (purple version) – 2:37
“Isolation” – 3:24
“The Clapping Song” – 2:55
“Outsider” – 3:41
“Foreign Sand” (English mix) – 3:01
“Journey’s End” (2021 mix) – 6:58

ROGER TAYLOR & THE CROSS ALBUMS

Shove It

Released 1988

Shove It is the debut album by the British rock band The Cross, formed and fronted by Roger Taylor. Released on 13 April 1988 by Virgin Records, this album marked Taylor’s transition into the role of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the new group. Musically, Shove It blends dance and rock elements, reflecting Taylor’s interest in experimenting with different genres. While it is technically a band effort, much of the instrumentation and production was handled by Taylor himself, making the album feel like a natural extension of his solo career, particularly following his 1984 album Strange Frontier.

Initially conceived as a solo project, Shove It features Taylor playing the majority of the instruments, including drums, guitar, keyboards, and bass, with the help of producer David Richards. As the recording progressed, Taylor decided to form The Cross, recruiting Spike Edney (keyboards), Clayton Moss (guitar), Peter Noone (bass), and Josh Macrae (drums) to round out the lineup. The album also features guest appearances by Taylor’s Queen bandmates: Freddie Mercury contributed lead vocals to the track “Heaven for Everyone” on the UK release, while Brian May played lead guitar on “Love Lies Bleeding,” and John Deacon added bass to several tracks.

While Shove It didn’t fare well commercially, peaking at number fifty-eight on the UK Albums Chart and failing to chart in the US, it remains a notable example of Taylor’s versatility as a musician. The album’s title track is a dance-rock hybrid that highlights Taylor’s biting lyrical wit, while “Heaven for Everyone” is a reflective, anthemic piece that foreshadows the larger Queen sound. Although it did not receive widespread acclaim, Shove It offers a snapshot of Taylor’s creative energy during this period and his desire to explore new musical territories.

CD Track Listings:

“Shove It” – 3:28
“Cowboys and Indians” – 5:53
“Contact” – 4:54
“Heaven for Everyone” – 4:54 (featuring Freddie Mercury on lead vocals on the UK version)
“Stand Up for Love” – 4:22
“Love on a Tightrope (Like an Animal)” – 4:49
“Love Lies Bleeding (She Was a Wicked, Wily Waitress)” – 4:25
“Rough Justice” – 3:22
“The 2nd Shelf Mix” (Bonus Track) – 5:50
Hidden Track: Outro of “Rough Justice” starts at 0:45

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Released 1990

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know is the second studio album by The Cross, released in 1990. In contrast to their debut album, Shove It, this record leans more heavily into a traditional rock sound, reflecting a more collaborative effort from the entire band. Each member contributed to the songwriting, with guitarist Clayton Moss taking on lead vocal duties for the track “Better Things.” The result is an album that displays the individual talents of the band, rather than focusing primarily on Roger Taylor’s contributions.

Though Taylor was still a key figure in the band, his involvement in this album was reportedly reduced due to his commitments with promoting Queen’s The Miracle. This shift allowed the rest of the band—Spike Edney, Clayton Moss, Peter Noone, and Josh Macrae—to take a more prominent role in shaping the sound of the album. The songs range from the energetic “Top of the World, Ma,” a collaborative composition by the entire band, to more introspective tracks like “Sister Blue,” written by Peter Noone. The album even includes a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady,” adding another dimension to its rock credentials.

Despite the band’s clear effort and creative contributions, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know struggled to find commercial success in the UK, leading to the band being dropped by EMI. Nevertheless, the album remains a showcase of the band’s evolution and their ability to work together in a more cohesive way compared to their debut. While it didn’t achieve the widespread recognition it perhaps deserved, the album is appreciated by fans for its raw energy and diverse sound.

CD Track Listings:

“Top of the World, Ma” – 3:31
“Liar” – 4:32
“Closer to You” – 3:15
“Breakdown” – 3:53
“Penetration Guru” – 3:45
“Power to Love” – 4:03
“Sister Blue” – 4:13
“Foxy Lady” – 3:26 (CD version only)
“Better Things” – 2:45
“Passion for Trash” – 2:35
“Old Men (Lay Down)” – 4:52
“Final Destination” – 3:36
Bonus non-album track:
“In Charge of My Heart” – 2:18

Blue Rock

Released 1991

Blue Rock is the third and final studio album by The Cross, released in 1991. Like its predecessor, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know, this album leans heavily into the rock genre. However, unlike their previous efforts, Blue Rock was only released in a limited number of countries—Germany, Japan, Italy (on vinyl), and France (on cassette)—making it a rare and hard-to-find collector’s item. The album marks a more collaborative effort, with Spike Edney stepping up as a major songwriter, contributing to seven of the ten tracks.

Roger Taylor, while still the frontman, allowed his bandmates to shine more prominently on Blue Rock, which resulted in a diverse yet cohesive rock sound. Songs like “Bad Attitude” and “New Dark Ages” capture the gritty edge the band had been developing, while tracks like “The Also Rans,” penned by Taylor, delve deeper into the more introspective side of his writing. Edney’s contributions, particularly on tracks like “Dirty Mind” and “Put it All Down to Love,” show his increasing influence over the band’s direction.

Despite the stronger group dynamic and solid songwriting, Blue Rock failed to generate significant sales, much like the band’s previous albums. This commercial disappointment, coupled with limited distribution, contributed to The Cross disbanding two years later. Nonetheless, the album remains an important chapter in Roger Taylor’s side project, reflecting both the growth of the band and their struggles in achieving mainstream success.

CD Track Listings: