Queen is by far my favorite rock group.  The reasons are many.  Their live performances were both a music and theatrical experience.  To this day I've yet to see any band command the stage with the level of greatness that Queen achieved. 

Freddie's vocals were inspired and his performances were truly made of magic.  He was special and could hold an audience in the palm of his hand with grace and power.

Roger's drums were commanding and precise.  His drums were not lost in the background like so many bands I see today.   His sound was unique and hit backbeats with a flare that is rarely heard.  The fact that he could hit high notes with his sultry vocals all whilst playing the drums was exciting to watch and listen to. 

Brian, ah Brian, was and remains one of the most important rock guitarists to ever grace our rock music scene.  His double stop guitar technique and handmade guitar are only part of what makes him a legend.  His fingering technique and rocker sound puts him at the top of a very special and rare list of greatest guitar players to ever grace the music world.  Not to mention his style of composition and lyrical vocals.  Brian is in my book the best guitarist in the rock world. 

Last but certainly not least is Deacon.  What a talent.  His bass playing is by far one of the most overlooked strengths of what tied Queen together.  His rhythm and style was one of the reasons Queen’s music stands the test of time.  Perhaps the quietest of rock musicians Deacon has gifted audiences with some of the most enduring Queen compositions of all time: Another One Bites the Dust and You're My Best Friend.

To try and come up with only 5 songs is an arduous task given the body of work those four men created and produced.  I know that while I can name 5 favorite Queen songs, there are so many that should be on the list and perhaps when my mood changes I will change my mind.

5 Favorite Queen songs:
 
Radio Ga Ga- because when Freddie sang  that live, he really connected with his audiences.
 
Killer Queen - great lyrics and terrific vocals.
 
I'm In Love with My Car - because Roger's voice is sublime in that song and the song is fun and the drums have an intense quality to them.
 
Ogre Battle - because it was inspired (I've heard) by a Hieronymus Bosch painting and the lyrics are poetic and magical, unlike any other song.
 
Another One Bites the Dust - because the bass and drums on that song are so very difficult and played to perfection, shows off the great musicianship of John and Roger.

There are many songs I love, but those 5 clearly show the range of styles that Queen embraced.

-Janine