Deep Cuts, Vol. 2 [1977-1982]

Released as a companion to the expanded Queen reissues of 2011, the Deep Cuts series digs deep into the classic rock band's albums, culling a collection of overlooked fan favorites. This 14-track collection covers the group's time as world-conquering superstars, the era when they released News of the World, Jazz, The Game, and Hot Space. Apart from the rampaging "Sheer Heart Attack," "Mustapha," "Spread Your Wings," and maybe "Dragon Attack," there are no outright classics here, but anybody curious about digging deep into some of Queen's better albums without purchasing the albums outright -- an admittedly small audience, to be sure -- should find this useful or at the very least entertaining. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine