Unboxing and Reviewing the Queen Super Deluxe Box Set: A Fresh Look at a Classic
Queen’s debut album has always held a special place in my heart, so when the Super Deluxe Box Set for Queen (1973) was released, it stirred up plenty of excitement—and a touch of controversy.
In this review, I explore what this box set brings to the table and address the criticisms surrounding its use of AI to tweak Freddie Mercury’s vocals. Spoiler alert: The results are nothing short of spectacular.
A Quick Look Inside the Box
The Queen Super Deluxe Box Set is an expansive collection featuring:
6 CDs and 1 vinyl LP
A brand-new 2024 remix of the album
Previously unreleased demos, outtakes, and live performances
A 108-page book packed with photos, handwritten lyrics, and memorabilia
Collectibles like a reproduction poster and high-quality prints
The presentation is impeccable, with the CDs housed in a gatefold vinyl-style sleeve and the vinyl record pressed on heavyweight material with a polylined inner sleeve—something I always appreciate for long-term preservation.
The Remix: A Game-Changer
The most talked-about aspect of this release is the 2024 remix. Rumors about AI-assisted tweaks to Freddie Mercury’s vocals caused an uproar online, but here’s the thing: it’s incredible.
Listening to the remix is like hearing this album for the first time all over again. The clarity, the depth, and the power of the mix are breathtaking. Tracks like “Liar” and “Keep Yourself Alive” are monumental in scope, with the drums and guitars brought to the forefront in a way that truly honors the band’s original intent.
For those hesitant about the AI controversy, let me put your fears to rest. There’s no hint of artificiality here—Freddie Mercury sounds as timeless and emotive as ever. If anything, the remix enhances the brilliance of his performance.
This set isn’t just about the remix. It’s packed with material that Queen fans will cherish:
Previously Unreleased Demos: The raw versions of tracks like “The Night Comes Down” and “Liar” showcase the band’s creative process in fascinating detail.
Live Performances: Highlights include sessions from the BBC archives and a rough yet electrifying recording from Imperial College in 1970.
The “Karaoke Disc”: While I haven’t attempted to sing along (you’re welcome!), this CD strips the lead vocals, letting you experience the intricate instrumentals in a new light.
The Book: This is a gem for collectors, featuring rare photos, clippings, and handwritten notes that paint a vivid picture of the band’s early days.
The vinyl pressing included in this box is a beauty. With its high-quality sleeve and immaculate sound, it’s a joy to revisit this album on a turntable. The reinstatement of “Mad the Swine” feels natural, and the entire record plays like it was recorded yesterday.
Addressing the Price Point
At around £150, this set is an investment, but for die-hard Queen fans, it’s worth every penny. If the price feels steep, consider the single-CD or 2-CD versions, which still include the stellar remix.
Queen’s debut album is more than just a rock record—it’s a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered genius of a band on the brink of greatness. This box set doesn’t just preserve that legacy; it elevates it.
For me, Queen is their defining album. Sure, their later work is iconic, but the unrelenting energy and innovation of their early years hold a special kind of magic. My top three Queen albums?
Queen
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen II
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
