# Freddie Mercury discography

**Freddie Mercury's solo discography** comprises recordings released outside his work with Queen, including the album *Mr. Bad Guy*, his collaboration with [Montserrat Caballé](https://www.edgepedia.org/montserrat-caballe) on *Barcelona*, singles, and later compilations and archival collections. His solo recording career began in 1973 under the name Larry Lurex.<sup>[1](https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-49895?docPos=1)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://freddiemercury.com/music/)</sup>

## Albums

| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | *Mr. Bad Guy* | Mercury's solo album, released in the United Kingdom on April 29. |
| 1988 | *Barcelona* | Collaboration with opera singer Montserrat Caballé; original UK release on October 10. |

The original *Barcelona* album was later reworked for a 2012 special edition. That version replaced synthesizers and drum machines with live orchestral instrumentation and percussion.<sup>[3](https://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/freddie-mercury/discography/albums.htm)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[4](https://freddiemercury.com/releases-archive/never-boring-2019/)</sup>

## Selected singles

Mercury released “I Can Hear Music” as Larry Lurex in 1973. His next major solo phase began with “Love Kills,” recorded for [Giorgio Moroder](https://www.edgepedia.org/giorgio-moroder)'s version of the film *[Metropolis](https://www.edgepedia.org/metropolis-1927-film)* in 1984. “I Was Born to Love You” followed in 1985 and reached the British top 20.<sup>[1](https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-49895?docPos=1)</sup>

His 1987 version of “The Great Pretender” reached the British top five. That year, the duet “Barcelona” with Caballé reached the top ten, preceding the album of the same name.<sup>[1](https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-49895?docPos=1)</sup>

The posthumous 1993 remix of “Living on My Own” reached number one in the United Kingdom. This was a later version of the song, distinct from its original 1985 single release.<sup>[5](https://www.charttimemachine.com/?artist_id=3363&view=artist)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[6](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/022589ac-7177-460d-a178-9976cf70e29f/releases)</sup>

## Compilations and archival releases

| Year | Release | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | *The Freddie Mercury Album* | Posthumous collection. |
| 2000 | *The Solo Collection* | Ten CDs and two DVDs, including solo recordings, rarities, and promotional videos. |
| 2006 | *Lover of Life, Singer of Songs* | Collection of solo work. |
| 2016 | *Messenger of the Gods: The Singles* | Solo A-sides and B-sides; also issued as a box of 13 colored-vinyl singles. |
| 2019 | *Never Boring* | Compilation alongside newly mixed *Mr. Bad Guy* and the orchestral *Barcelona*. |

These collections combine original releases with later mixes and archival material. *Never Boring* also included “Time Waits for No One,” produced by Dave Clark; its versions of the two albums reflect subsequent work on the original recordings.<sup>[3](https://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/freddie-mercury/discography/albums.htm)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/freddie-mercury-mn0000130028)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[8](https://freddiemercury.com/releases-archive/messenger-of-the-gods-the-singles-2016/)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[4](https://freddiemercury.com/releases-archive/never-boring-2019/)</sup>

## References

1. [Mercury, Freddie [formerly Faroukh Bulsara] — Oxford Dictionary of National Biography](https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-49895?docPos=1)
2. [MUSIC | Freddie Mercury | Official Website](https://freddiemercury.com/music/)
3. [Freddie Mercury Albums Discography | Ultimate Queen](https://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/freddie-mercury/discography/albums.htm)
4. [Never Boring - Freddie Mercury (Official Site)](https://freddiemercury.com/releases-archive/never-boring-2019/)
5. [Freddie Mercury Discography | The Chart Time Machine](https://www.charttimemachine.com/?artist_id=3363&view=artist)
6. [Freddie Mercury - Releases - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/022589ac-7177-460d-a178-9976cf70e29f/releases)
7. [Freddie Mercury | Biography & History | AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/freddie-mercury-mn0000130028)
8. [Messenger of the Gods: The Singles - Freddie Mercury (official site)](https://freddiemercury.com/releases-archive/messenger-of-the-gods-the-singles-2016/)

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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Music › Musical works and recordings › Discographies and musical catalogues › Artist and group discographies › Rock, metal, punk, and indie discographies › Classic and mainstream rock discographies*

*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*

*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*

License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license