“Innuendo” by Queen is a dramatic, genre-blending epic released in January 1991 with “Bijou” on the B-side as the lead single and title track from their album Innuendo. It was one of the band’s final major works before Freddie Mercury’s death later that year, and it stands as one of their most ambitious and artistically daring songs.
Written by Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, “Innuendo” is a sprawling piece that fuses progressive rock, flamenco, hard rock, and operatic elements, echoing the complexity of Bohemian Rhapsody. It features heavy guitar riffs by Brian May, intricate percussion, and a striking flamenco guitar section played by Yes guitarist Steve Howe. The track shifts tempos and moods dramatically, moving from ominous verses to a soaring, majestic chorus.
Lyrically, the song grapples with life’s absurdities, existential questions, and the need to carry on in the face of uncertainty or suffering. Given Mercury’s declining health at the time, many interpreted it as a reflection on mortality and perseverance, though the band always presented it as a collaborative effort, not solely autobiographical.
“Innuendo” was a commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart—Queen’s first since Under Pressure in 1981—and was praised for its ambition and power. In many ways, it marked a creative high point for the band in their final chapter.
The song’s grand scale, haunting beauty, and fearless experimentation have helped it gain cult status among Queen fans. It’s a reminder of their artistic range and refusal to be predictable, even at the end of their journey.