‘Queen Forever’ Compilation Tracklist Revealed, As Are William Orbit’s Thoughts On The Michael Jackson/Freddie Mercury Duet

Robbie Daw | September 19, 2014 10:00 am

With the Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson duet “There Must Be More To Life Than This” now out there, the full details of the upcoming compilation Queen Forever (out November 10) have also now been revealed. The release will include a 20-track single album version, as well as a 36-track two-disc version. In addition to all the hits included (some of which are “new takes on well-known songs,” per a press release) are the duet with Jackson as produced by William Orbit, a previously unfinished Queen track (with Freddie Mercury) called “Let Me In Your Heart Again” and a new, stripped-down rendition of Mercury’s 1984 Giorgio Moroder collaboration from the Metropolis soundtrack, “Love Kills.”

On the subject of Queen and Michael Jackson’s “There Must Be More To Life Than This,” William Orbit stated the following in a press release:

“I had known Roger [Taylor] for many years, now he was on the phone asking if I would get involved in this musical adventure.

“When I first played it in my studio I opened a trove of delights provided by the greatest of musicians. Hearing Michael Jackson’s vocals was stirring. So vivid, so cool, and poignant, it was like he was in the studio singing live. With Freddie’s vocal solo on the mixing desk, my appreciation for his gift was taken to an even higher level.

“The musicianship of all four members of Queen is phenomenal. Roger, an extraordinarily multi talented man I’ve always admired. John Deacon’s original bass part with its lyrical fluidity that made it easy for me to know where to put the odd reinforcement. Freddie’s original piano carried most of the song’s musical DNA. Brian, one take for the solo, a blur of fingers, and the spirits of MJ and FM fully present, in the moment, sending shivers down the spine.”

“There Must Be More To Life Than This” was originally penned in 1981 during the recording of Queen’s album Hot Space. The band recorded their backing track, then Mercury visited Jackson’s home studio in Los Angeles, where vocals were laid down.

As stated in the Queen Forever press release, “Queen revived the track during sessions for 1984’s The Works, but again it was not finished. A year later, Freddie’s own version of the song surfaced on his debut solo album, 1985’s Mr Bad Guy.”

Below is the full Queen Forever tracklist:

Queen Forever – Track Listings

Single CD: Let Me In Your Heart Again Love Kills – The Ballad There Must Be More To Life Than This (William Orbit Mix) It’s A Hard Life You’re My Best Friend Love Of My Life Drowse Long Away Lily Of The Valley Don’t Try So Hard Bijou These Are The Days Of Our Lives Las Palabras De Amor Who Wants To Live Forever A Winter’s Tale Play The Game Save Me Somebody To Love Too Much Love Will Kill You Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2-CD SET

CD1 Let Me In Your Heart Again Love Kills – The Ballad There Must Be More To Life Than This (William Orbit Mix) Play The Game Dear Friends You’re My Best Friend Love Of My Life Drowse You Take My Breath Away Spread Your Wings Long Away Lily Of The Valley Don’t Try So Hard Bijou These Are The Days Of Our Lives Nevermore Las Palabras De Amor Who Wants To Live Forever

CD2 I Was Born To Love You Somebody To Love Crazy Little Thing Called Love Friends Will Be Friends Jealousy One Year of Love A Winters Tale ‘39 Mother Love It’s A Hard Life Save Me Made in Heaven Too Much Love Will Kill You Sail Away Sweet Sister The Miracle Is This The World We Created In The Lap Of The Gods…Revisited Forever

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