Feel the Roar: Enjoy “I’m In Love With My Car” by Queen (1975)
Queen has long been celebrated as one of the most eclectic and theatrical rock bands in popular music history. Best known for their genre-defying sound and flamboyant style, their 1975 album A Night at the Opera is often cited as one of their crowning achievements. While much of the attention surrounding the album tends to focus on the epic operatic rock saga “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the ninth track on the record, “I’m In Love With My Car”, offers a compelling and rather humorous window into Queen’s versatility and musical character. Performed and written by drummer Roger Taylor, the song represents a fascinating departure from the more polished and complex arrangements led by Freddie Mercury. Instead, it channels raw horsepower, both literally and musically.
Released in 1975, “I’m In Love With My Car” is often remembered for its driving guitar riffs and roaring vocals, and perhaps most notably, Taylor’s decision to rev the engine of his own Alfa Romeo at the end of the track. Far from being a novelty song, it captures a deep affection that car enthusiasts everywhere will relate to — a bold ode to the freedom, passion, and personal identity that driving can evoke. The track is anchored by Taylor’s gritty and heartfelt lead vocals, which, while rawer than Mercury’s signature stylings, lend sincerity and intensity to the song’s message. Behind him, the band injects its usual tight musicianship, with Brian May’s guitar work giving the song a rich, gravelly backbone, and John Deacon’s bass lines adding muscular rhythm.
What makes this piece fascinating is not just its subject matter, but how earnestly it embraces it. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, yet there’s a genuine sense of reverence hidden beneath their surface. Taylor, a known auto aficionado, originally intended the song as a tribute to a friend and roadie who was completely enamored with his Triumph car. In many ways, the track serves as a testament to the idea that passion—whatever its object—can be profound, inspiring, and even a little obsessive. There’s musical poetry in that metaphor: love not just for a person, but for a machine that symbolizes liberty, identity, and motion.
“I’m In Love With My Car” remains a fan favorite more than four decades after its release. It’s something of a hidden gem in Queen’s expansive discography. With its wry humor, explosive energy, and unmistakable rock swagger, the song reminds us of the boundless creativity that defined Queen during its peak years. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a devoted fan of 70s rock, or simply someone intrigued by music that dares to be different, this track stands as a delightful and powerful experience well worth revisiting.