In 2011, Queen’s entire catalog was meticulously remastered at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios. Unlike the 1991 versions, the 2011 remaster aimed for dynamic range. Engineers used high-resolution digital transfers from the original analog tapes. The result? Bass lines (John Deacon) became punchier, cymbals (Roger Taylor) shimmered without distortion, and Freddie’s voice floated in a natural, airy soundstage.
The remaster avoids heavy compression, preserving the natural master tape warmth. 🏆 Top Essential Tracks on Greatest Hits II
While Queen’s first Greatest Hits album (1981) is the UK's best-selling album of all time, its sequel is often argued by fans to be the stronger musical collection. Released originally in 1991—just weeks before the passing of Freddie Mercury— Greatest Hits II chronicles the band's "second era" (1982–1991). This was a period where the band moved from glam rock to stadium anthems, synth-pop, and emotional ballads. queen greatest hits ii 2011remasteredtfm20 top
On tracks like One Vision and Hammer To Fall , Brian May’s Red Special guitar can sometimes sound compressed on older releases. The 2011 master pulls back the digital veil, revealing the woody, overdriven feedback of his custom guitar. The Synth-Pop Experiments
Basslines by John Deacon feel tighter and more pronounced. The result
Using state-of-the-art analog-to-digital converters, the 2011 reissue achieved several sonic milestones:
breathed new life into the tracks that defined Queen’s legendary 1981–1991 era. Originally released just one month before Freddie Mercury’s passing, this compilation serves as a powerful testament to the band’s creative peak. The 2011 Remaster Difference Handled by the acclaimed engineer Bob Ludwig 🏆 Top Essential Tracks on Greatest Hits II
Greatest Hits II is a chronological journey through Queen's 1980s output, featuring their biggest hits from 1981 to 1991. It includes international smashes like the David Bowie collaboration the operatic title track "Innuendo," and the defiant final single "The Show Must Go On" from the Innuendo album, as well as rockers like "One Vision" .
The 2011 remaster struck a near-perfect balance.