Album: Messenger of the Gods: The Singles

Introduction
"Messenger of the Gods: The Singles" is a compilation album by the famous British artist and Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Launched on September 2nd, 2016, this collection includes 13 of Mercury's solo songs, covering his profession from the 1980s to the 1990s. The album was launched by Mercury Records and Hollywood Records to commemorate what would have been the singer's 70th birthday. The title of the album is a fitting tribute to the guy often thought about a "messenger" of rock, pop, and artistic innovation.

Background
Freddie Mercury at first started his solo profession during his time with Queen, releasing his very first solo single, "I Can Hear Music", under the pseudonym Larry Lurex in 1973. In spite of Queen's immense success throughout the '70s and '80s, Mercury continued to check out and try out various musical categories outside of the band. He teamed up with numerous artists throughout his career, from opera to disco and even released a full-length solo album, "Mr. Bad Guy", in 1985.

The concept behind "Messenger of the Gods" was to bring together the songs from Mercury's solo career, showcasing his flexibility and genius as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer. The album also includes some lesser-known songs and posthumously launched tracks, making it an important collection for fans thinking about checking out Mercury's non-Queen output.

Track Listing and Highlights
"Messenger of the Gods: The Singles" features 13 singles, each accompanied by their B-side equivalent, producing a total of 26 tracks. Some highlights of the album include:

1. "Living on My Own"-- Originally launched in 1985, this song is a reflection of Mercury's feelings of isolation regardless of his success and popularity. The song gained brand-new life and commercial success when it was remixed and re-released as the "No More Brothers Mix" posthumously in 1993.

2. "The Great Pretender"-- This cover of The Platters' traditional from 1955 was released in 1987 and showcased Mercury's vocal range and capability to go beyond categories. The accompanying music video, including Mercury in various iconic clothing and scenes from Queen's profession, pays homage to his past while standing as an effective solo performance.

3. "Barcelona"-- A partnership with Spanish opera vocalist Montserrat Caballé, this track originally released in 1987 and later became the main anthem for the 1992 Summer Olympics kept in Barcelona. The pairing of Mercury's rock background with Caballé's operatic prowess creates a special and captivating piece.

4. "I Was Born to Love You"-- A love tune featuring contagious energy and memorable melody, "I Was Born to Love You" was initially released in 1985. The song ended up being a fan preferred and was ultimately remodelled by the surviving members of Queen for their 1995 album, "Made in Heaven".

5. "Time Waits for No One"-- A previously unreleased version of Mercury's 1986 track "Time", this song was remastered and released as a single in 2019. The stripped-down piano arrangement highlights the raw beauty and emotion in Mercury's voice.

Legacy
"Messenger of the Gods: The Singles" acts as a testimony to Freddie Mercury's tremendous talent and contribution to the world of music. Beyond his deal with Queen, this collection demonstrates the artist's limitless imagination, unyielding enthusiasm, and amazing adaptability. This album is not simply a compilation of songs; it is an event of Freddie Mercury's extraordinary journey as a solo artist and a tip of the effect he continues to have on fans and musicians alike.