Queen’s second album, Queen II (1974), returns in a newly remixed and expanded Collector’s Edition, arriving March 27th. The release features a new 2026 mix alongside studio sessions, live recordings and previously unheard material.
The 2026 Collector’s Edition of Queen II is available to pre-order through The Record Hub.
A Landmark Album Revisited
Originally released in March 1974, Queen II marked a pivotal moment in the band’s development. The album expanded on the ambition hinted at on their 1973 debut and laid the groundwork for the sound that would define Queen’s future.
Now, more than fifty years on, the album has been remixed, remastered and expanded for a comprehensive Collector’s Edition. The new 2026 mix has been overseen by Brian May and Roger Taylor as executive producers, with mixing handled by Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J Macrae and Kris Fredriksson.
Side White / Side Black
In typically flamboyant fashion, Queen II is divided into Side White and Side Black. The White side features Brian May compositions including “Father To Son” and “White Queen (As It Began)”, while the Black side showcases Freddie Mercury’s more complex musical excursions, including “Ogre Battle”, “The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke” and the early fan favourite “Seven Seas Of Rhye”.
At the centre of the album sits “The March Of The Black Queen”, a multi-part mini epic.
2026 Collector’s Edition
The new 5CD + 2LP Collector’s Edition includes:
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The 2026 mix of the original album
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Previously unreleased studio outtakes and demos
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Backing track versions
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BBC sessions
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Live recordings from the Rainbow Theatre and Hammersmith Odeon
The box set also features a 112-page book containing unseen photographs, handwritten lyrics and archival memorabilia, offering a detailed look at the creation of the album.
In addition to the box set, the 2026 mix will also be available as a 180g vinyl.
A Defining Step Forward
Reflecting on the album, Brian May described Queen II as:
“the single biggest leap we ever made. That’s when we really started making music the way we wanted to, rather than the way we were being pushed into recording it.”
With Roger Taylor adding:
“With Queen II, I couldn’t believe how much work we put into it. I think we felt we were evolving our own sound. We were pioneering this sort of multitracking thing. It gave you a tremendous palette, massive choral effects with just three of us singing.”
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