Why is this a TFM20 Top feature? Because it is a perfect "Road Trip" album. The tracklisting is sequenced like a setlist. It opens with the chant of "One Vision," journeys through the pop perfection of "Under Pressure" (the David Bowie collaboration), and ends with the grand finale of "The Show Must Go On."
It represents a band at their absolute peak of technical proficiency. By 1991, they weren't just a rock band; they were a genre unto themselves.
Missing from GHII but notable: No Bohemian Rhapsody (that’s on Greatest Hits I).
When fans talk about Queen’s "Greatest Hits," they are usually referring to the 1981 compilation—the one with the austere gold border and the band members in silhouette. It is the best-selling album in UK history. But if the 1981 album is the band’s crown, the 1991 sequel—specifically the 2011 Remastered edition—is the jewel inside it.
As part of our TFM20 Top selection, we are revisiting this monumental record. While the first Greatest Hits was a stadium-rock party, Greatest Hits II is a cinematic epic. It chronicles the band’s "imperial phase" of the 80s, where Queen stopped trying to fit into the zeitgeist and decided to become the zeitgeist.
Here is why this remastered edition deserves a top spot in your collection.
It sounds like you’re looking for a focused report on Queen’s Greatest Hits II, specifically the 2011 remastered edition (often labeled as part of the Universal/Island remasters) and perhaps the TFM20 (likely a typo or catalog reference, possibly meaning TFM2 or a specific pressing code). Since “TFM20” isn’t a standard Queen release code, I’ll interpret it as a possible reference to a 20-track edition or a 20th-anniversary tie-in — but to be useful, I’ll base the report on the widely available 2011 remaster. queen greatest hits ii 2011remasteredtfm20 top
Below is a concise, useful report.
| Aspect | 1991 CD | 2011 Remaster | |--------|---------|----------------| | Dynamic range | Moderate (loudness war era) | Improved, less compression | | Low-end clarity | Slightly muddy | Tighter bass, better separation | | High frequencies | Harsh on some tracks | Smoother, less sibilance | | Noise floor | Noticeable tape hiss | Reduced without over-processing |
To prove why this is the top version, listen to these tracks on the 2011 TFM20 pressing:
If you are listening to the album, pay special attention to these tracks which benefit most from the 2011 treatment:
Summary: Queen - Greatest Hits II (2011 Remastered) is not just a collection of B-sides; it is the soundtrack to the end of an era. It stands as a testament to Queen's ability to evolve, dominate, and ultimately leave the stage on their own terms. A definitive "Top" entry for any serious music lover.
The Definitive Review: Queen’s Greatest Hits II (2011 Remastered Edition) Why is this a TFM20 Top feature
When Queen released the original Greatest Hits in 1981, it became a cultural juggernaut. However, for many fans, the band’s second act—spanning from the stadium-shaking anthems of the early '80s to the poignant finality of the early '90s—is where the band truly solidified their status as rock royalty. The 2011 Remastered edition of Greatest Hits II stands as the definitive document of this era. A Sonic Evolution: The 2011 Remaster
The 2011 remastering project, overseen by legendary engineers Bob Ludwig and the Queen production team, was more than just a volume boost. Using state-of-the-art digital technology, they returned to the original analog master tapes to breathe new life into tracks that had previously suffered from the "thin" sound of early CD transfers.
In this edition, the bass frequencies are punchier, and the intricate vocal harmonies—a Queen signature—are separated with surgical precision. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, this version removes the "fuzz" of time, making songs like "A Kind of Magic" and "Breakthru" sound as if they were recorded yesterday. Tracklist Highlights: The Hits That Defined an Era
While the first volume focused on the operatic rock of the '70s, Greatest Hits II captures Queen’s mastery of the pop-rock hybrid and the music video medium.
"Under Pressure" (feat. David Bowie): The remaster highlights the iconic bassline and the soaring interplay between Freddie Mercury and Bowie.
"Radio Ga Ga": A synth-heavy masterpiece that became a live staple, sounding crisper and more expansive in the 2011 mix. Missing from GHII but notable: No Bohemian Rhapsody
"The Show Must Go On": As the final track on the album (and the final single released in Freddie’s lifetime), the remaster brings a haunting clarity to Freddie’s powerhouse vocal performance, recorded while he was gravely ill.
"Innuendo": The flamenco-inspired guitar work and epic structure are given a wider soundstage, allowing the complexity of the arrangement to shine. Why It’s a "Top" Essential Collection
The "tfm20 top" designation often refers to high-fidelity enthusiasts looking for the peak versions of classic albums. This 2011 remaster earns its spot at the top for several reasons:
Consistency: Unlike earlier pressings, the volume levels across the 17 tracks are balanced, ensuring a seamless listening experience.
Historical Significance: It covers the period of Queen’s massive global dominance, including their legendary Live Aid era.
Modern Accessibility: Whether you’re listening on high-end monitors or modern streaming platforms, the 2011 master is the source for the highest quality audio currently available.
Queen’s Greatest Hits II (2011 Remaster) isn't just a compilation; it's a testament to a band that refused to slow down. From the funk-driven "Invisible Man" to the cinematic "Who Wants to Live Forever," this collection is an essential pillar for any music library. It captures the theatricality, the innovation, and the sheer heart of Queen’s second golden age.