Produced by: Freddie Mercury, Mike Moran and David Richards
Recorded at: The Townhouse Studios and Mountain Studios
UK Polydor LP: 24 October 1988 POLH 44 / UK Chart #25
UK 1992 Polydor CD: 14 July 1992 837277-2 / UK Chart #15
USA Hollywood Records CD: 14 July 1992 HR-61366-2 / Did Not Chart
UK Island Special Edition CD: 3 September 2012 371 140 6 / UK Chart #47

Side One 1. Barcelona (Mercury/Moran) 5:38 2. La Japonaise (Mercury/Moran) 4:49 3. The Fallen Priest (Mercury/Moran/Rice) 5:45 4. Ensueño (Mercury/Moran/Caballé) 4:20

Side Two 1. The Golden Boy (Mercury/Moran/Rice) 6:04 2. Guide Me Home (Mercury/Moran) 2:41 3. How Can I Go On (Mercury/Moran) 3:59 4. Overture Piccante (Mercury/Moran) 6:40

Related Songs
Exercises In Free Love (Mercury/Moran), Rachmaninov's Revenge (Mercury/Moran/Rice), When This Old Tired Body Wants To Sing (Mercury/Moran)

UK Singles
- Barcelona (Single Version) c/w Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat's Vocal) 7" / UK Chart #8
- Barcelona (Single Version) / Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat's Vocal) c/w Barcelona (Extended Version) 12"
- Barcelona (Single Version) / Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat's Vocal) c/w Barcelona (Extended Version) 12" picture disc
- The Golden Boy (Edit) c/w The Fallen Priest (Edit) 7" / UK Chart #86
- The Golden Boy c/w The Fallen Priest / The Golden Boy (Instrumental Version) 12"
- The Golden Boy / The Fallen Priest / The Golden Boy (Instrumental Version) CD single
- How Can I Go On (Single Version) c/w Overture Piccante 7" / UK Chart #95
- How Can I Go On (Single Version) c/w Overture Piccante 7" picture disc
- Guide Me Home / How Can I Go On c/w Overture Piccante 12"
- Guide Me Home / How Can I Go On / Overture Piccante CD single
- Barcelona (Single Version) c/w Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat's Vocal) / Barcelona (TV Edit) 7"
- Barcelona (Single Version) / Exercises In Free Love (Montserrat's Vocal) / Barcelona (Extended Version) / Barcelona (TV Edit) CD single
- How Can I Go On (Single Version) c/w The Golden Boy 7" / Did Not Chart
- How Can I Go On (Single Version) / The Golden Boy / The Fallen Priest CD single

In 1987, Freddie had great success with his cover of The Great Pretender, which reached #4 in the UK chart. To follow up his successful hit single, Freddie, joined by Mike Moran, began writing and recording his second studio album in February and March 1987 at Townhouse studios. Those sessions were quickly abandoned after Freddie met Montserrat Caballé. Caballé, a Spanish operatic soprano, had a voice with incredible power and range, described by Freddie as the "best in the world." She asked Freddie to write and perform a duet with her about Barcelona, Montserrat's hometown.

Barcelona, the single and eventually the album, was a successful crossover combination of rock and opera. The Barcelona album was released by Polydor in the UK in October 1988, reaching #25 in the UK charts. The Barcelona single was released almost a year earlier on October 24, 1987 in the UK, charting at #8, impressive for a song of its kind. The Golden Boy was released as a single on the same day as the album reaching #83. How Can I Go On, featuring bass by John Deacon, followed in January 1989, only reaching #95.

After Freddie's death on November 24, 1991, interest was renewed not only for Queen but also for Freddie's solo output. The album was re-released in July 1992 in the UK, reaching #15 and for the first time in the US. This time, the album cracked the top ten in the UK, landing at #8. Barcelona, the single, had even more success, going all the way to #2 in the singles charts. How Can I Go On was also re-released in October 1992.

Barcelona (Special Edition) was released in September 2012, featuring new artwork and a new audio mix. This new version replaced all of the synthesized orchestra with a new performance by the Prague FILMharmonic Orchestra, led by Stuart Morley. Roger Taylor's son, Rufus, plays drums on the new versions of The Golden Boy and How Can I Go On. The new, orchestrated special edition reached #47 in the UK.

Barcelona (Album Version) 5:38
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 1

Barcelona (Single Version) 4:27
Appears on: UK Barcelona 7" vinyl, UK Barcelona 12" vinyl, UK Barcelona 12" picture disc, UK Barcelona CD single, UK Barcelona 7" vinyl (1992), UK Barcelona CD single (1992), Queen Greatest Hits 3, The Solo Collection, Messenger Of The Gods - The Singles
Written as an homage to Montserrat Caballé's hometown of Barcelona, this epic track was an official song of the 1992 Olympics. This was actually the first version to be released, months before the album was even finished. The album has a long, grandiose and epic opening to the song not heard here. The rest of the song is the same. This version is more to the point, making it radio friendly. The single went to #8 in 1987 and went even higher to #2 when re-released in 1992. Casual fans will have this on Greatest Hits III and if it doesn't move you to seek out the Barcelona album, nothing will.

Barcelona (Extended Version) 7:07
Appears on: UK Barcelona 12" vinyl, UK Barcelona 12" picture disc, UK Barcelona CD single, UK Barcelona CD single (1992), The Solo Collection
The epic intro is here, along with some lush instrumental interludes. On reflection, it is likely that the intro heard here was made for the Extended Version and then retained for the album. Either way, it works well on both. This is definitely worth having.

Barcelona (TV Edit) 1:30
Appears on: UK Barcelona 7" vinyl (1992), UK Barcelona CD single (1992)
Released in 1992, this was probably cut together for Olympic TV ads (the 1992 Summer Games took place there). Not as choppy as you would think, but not the best representation of the song.

Barcelona (Barcelona Gold Version) 4:26
Appears on: Barcelona Gold CD
To celebrate the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Warner Brothers Records released a compilation entitled Barcelona Gold. The tracklists vary slightly depending on territory; the US even features a completely unique cover. Track one on most releases is the Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé duet Barcelona. When looking at the track length, one would assume this would be the single version, however this is not the case. The single version begins with the synthesized bells and orchestra, whereas the Barcelona Gold version begins with the choral "ahhhhhhhh" vocals. From roughly 8 seconds onward, the tracks are basically identical. Note, the Japanese version of this CD does not feature Barcelona.

Barcelona (Instrumental Version) 4:26
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Here's a full instrumental mix of the Single Version which lets you hear just how majestic the backing track for this song is. On a side note, the Instrumentals disc from The Solo Collection boxed set has almost the entire Barcelona album in instrumental form, excluding only "Overture Piccante" and "Ensueno" (see that entry).

Barcelona (2012 Orchestrated Version) 5:44
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 1, Never Boring vinyl, Never Boring CD, Never Boring Box Set

Barcelona (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 5:40
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

Barcelona (2012 Orchestrated Single Version) 4:29
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) promo CD single 1, Barcelona (Special Edition) promo CD single 2
This single version of the Special Edition of Barcelona is edited very similarly to the classic 1987 Single Version. Thus far this single version has only been made available on 2 track promo CD's and serves as the basis of the video version.

Barcelona (2012 Orchestrated Video Version) 4:28
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set
The new 2012 video of Barcelona done by Rhys Thomas is an excellent alternative to the well known version. Rhys has used alternative angles from the original rushes to edit a brand new video. The visuals are stunning compared to the original. The audio used is essentially the Single Version with some added wind effects at the beginning.

Idea (Barcelona) (Extract from Garden Lodge Tape) 1:12
Appears on: The Solo Collection
On March 29, 1987, Montserrat Caballé performs "Exercises In Free Love," accompanied by Mike Moran, as an encore at a recital at Covant Garden, London, England, with Freddie Mercury in the audience. Mercury, Caballé and Moran meet at Freddie's home after the recital (Garden Lodge, London) and sing together for a reported six hours. One hour is recorded by Peter Freestone, including the early versions of "The Fallen Priest" and "Barcelona". It is here that Caballé inquires about how many songs they could do as an album, as well as requesting a song about her home of Barcelona. This is also the point where Freddie's solo album ideas shift toward Barcelona as the prime focus. Freddie and Montserrat play around with the melody of what would become the song "Barcelona". The two sound like they they're having fun.

Idea (Barcelona) (2nd Extract from Garden Lodge Tape) 1:04
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Freddie and Montserrat coming up with a few more melody ideas. It's amusing to hear Freddie say of Montserrat: "She's inexhaustible!" after she holds a really long note.

Barcelona (Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) 4:21
Appears on: The Solo Collection
This is an early working version of Barcelona that was recorded with Mike Moran at Townhouse Studios, London on April 28, 1987. Freddie sings both parts of the duet, with early lyrics.

Barcelona (Freddie's Vocal Slave) 4:31
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Freddie recorded his vocal slave on the same day as the Early Version listed above. This is a Freddie singing to his guide track so well it nearly phases at some points. This will grab your attention almost at once.

Barcelona (Later Version: Freddie's Vocal Only) 4:26
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded May 3, 1987 at Townhouse Studios. This is Freddie's finished vocal, without Montserrat, and the backing track brought way down. You can hear some lyrics which get drowned out in the final mix.

La Japonaise (Album Version) 4:49
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 2

La Japonaise (Instrumental Version) 4:46
Appears on: The Solo Collection
This is the full backing track and makes for good listening. Without the vocals, the music carries through nicely.

La Japonaise (2012 Orchestrated Version) 4:52
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 2

La Japonaise (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 4:51
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

La Japonaise (Early Version: Freddie's Vocal only) 4:41
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on September 1, 1987. This early version has no lyrics yet, but Freddie "dee dee dee dee dees" his away along. Most of the backing track is done, though.

La Japonaise (A Capella) 4:17
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on November 9, 1987, these are Freddie and Montserrat's vocals only. If you listen closely you can hear the backing track leaking out of one or both of their headsets and getting picked up by the vocal microphones. I'm not sure anyone was clamoring for this, especially when there were a few things left off The Solo Collection which fans were looking for, but here it is.

The Fallen Priest (Album Version) 5:45
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 3

The Fallen Priest (7" Edit) 2:57
Appears on: UK The Golden Boy 7" vinyl, UK The Golden Boy 7" promo vinyl, Messenger Of The Gods - The Singles
Honestly, who would have thought cutting out more than half of the song could leave us with something that still works? Not as intense as the album version, but this does get right to the meat and potatoes. There's a lot missing, but until you play the two back to back, you won't notice just how much was removed. This is a tight little edit and taken on its own merits, it is not too bad.

The Fallen Priest (Instrumental Version) 5:50
Appears on: The Solo Collection
This instrumental retains all the strength of the original, losing nothing without Freddie and Montserrat's vocals. The backing vocals remain and add a bit of atmosphere (as if this song needed any more).

The Fallen Priest (2012 Orchestrated Version) 5:46
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 3

The Fallen Priest (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 5:47
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

The Duet (The Fallen Priest) (Extract from Garden Lodge Tape) 3:04
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded at Freddie's house on March 29, 1987. Freddie and Mike Moran had already started tinkering with "Rachmaninov's Revenge" as we hear them presenting the idea to Montserrat, who jumps right in.

Rachmaninov's Revenge (The Fallen Priest) (Early Version) 4:46
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on January 26, 1987, "Rachmaninov's Revenge" was the working title for what became "The Fallen Priest". This recording predates "The Duet" from the Garden Lodge Tape, between them you can hear the song taking shape.

Rachmaninov's Revenge (The Fallen Priest) (Later Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) 5:51
Appears on: The Solo Collection
On February 19, 1987, Freddie records another version of Rachmaninov's Revenge with Mike Moran at Towhouse Studios. This was recorded after the Garden Lodge home recordings; the song is taking shape. All that's left are the lyrics, which are still very loose and improvised. Tim Rice woudl not become involved with the project for several more months, at which point the familiar lyrics would take shape.

Ensueño (Album Version) 4:20
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 4

Ensueño (Montserrat's Live Takes) 5:36
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on March 14, 1987 at Townhouse Studios, London. The music of this song was pretty much written entirely before the Barcelona project began, in the form of Freddie's song "Exercises In Free Love." Montserrat recorded her own version of "Exercises" and then set about writing proper lyrics with Freddie and Mike Moran. This recording has her rehearsing the song and occasionally messing up.

Ensueño (Instrumental Version) 4:00
Appears on: The Solo Collection
For reasons unknown, this isn't actually the "Ensueno" instrumental, but is the solo piano track from Freddie's "Exercises In Free Love." How can you tell? Well, listen to the three tracks very carefully ("Exercises In Free Love," "Ensueno (Instrumental)" and "Ensueno (Album Version)") and right from the first note, you'll hear differences. Notice too, that "Ensueno" on Barcelona runs about twenty seconds longer than "Exercises In Free Love." Still, It is a strong piano piece and is not that much different from "Ensueno."

Ensueño (2012 Orchestrated Version) 4:22
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 4

Ensueño (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 4:01
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

The Golden Boy (Album Version) 6:04
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 5

The Golden Boy (7" Edit) 5:15
Appears on: UK The Golden Boy 7" vinyl, I Know Them So Well - The Best Of Tim Rice CD, Messenger Of The Gods - The Singles
The Golden Boy was released on 7" vinyl as the second single to the Barcelona album. The 7" edit removes the whole opening verses, jumping right into the "And then he sang to her..." I guess someone thought the song took too long to get going. The result leaves the narrative a little lacking because we don't know who the characters in the story are. Where as Barcelona (the album and single) were a success, this single stalled at #86 in the UK.

The Golden Boy (Radio Edit) 3:30
Appears on: UK The Golden Boy 7" promo vinyl
This is a major edit of the album version. This version starts with the choir singing "and then he said to her..." The track proceeds as normal from that point until it ends early at the chorus singing "take conrol..."

The Golden Boy (Instrumental Version) 6:04
Appears on: UK The Golden Boy 12" vinyl, UK The Golden Boy CD single, The Solo Collection
The full backing track, which isn't too bad, but lacks the punch of the album version. Hear and there, Freddie's lead vocal can be heard in the background, possibly from one of the gospel singer's headsets.

The Golden Boy (2012 Orchestrated Version) 6:04
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 5

The Golden Boy (2012 Orchestrated Single Edit) 5:12
Appears on: Never Boring vinyl, Never Boring CD, Never Boring Box Set

The Golden Boy (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 6:04
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

The Golden Boy (2012 Orchestrated Horn Remix) 3:40
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) promo CD single 1
What a major departure from the Special Edition album version! This remix starts on the third verse of the song with Freddie singing "I love you for your silence..". The piano is not present at the start of this remix and instead features a "churchy" organ in the background. The song continues normally until it hits the choir section, which at the point... the horns hit! The horn sections are a shock upon the first listening, but they work really well. Many may even prefer that they appeared on the proper album version. The song ends with the choir section, omitting the final verses. This is a really nice alternative version. I can see why the horns were not included on the album version; they would not have fit with the album's theme.

The Golden Boy (Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) 3:54
Appears on: The Solo Collection
This early version was recorded at Townhouse Studios on May 2, 1987. The real treat of this demo is that the gospel part is not done in the gospel choir-style. Freddie sings it straight and backs it with some synth-strings.

The Golden Boy (2nd Early Version: Extract) 2:56
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on November 9, 1987 at Townhouse Studios. This time the second movement ("and then he sang to her...") and the gospel part are done in a completely different style. This song seems to have gone through the most changes in its evolution. Interesting listening.

The Golden Boy (A Capella featuring Gospel Choir) 5:12
Appears on: The Solo Collection
On December 1, 1987 recording on The Golden Boy was completed, which included the Gospel Choir section. This is what it claims to be (with a little bleed from Montserrat's headset). This was mixed for The Solo Collection boxed set and isn't really necessary. It's not bad, just kind of pointless when you think of what was left off the boxed set.

Guide Me Home (Album Version) 2:41
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 6

Guide Me Home (2000 Single Version) 2:42
Appears on: Holland/Italy Guide Me Home CD single, Germany Guide Me Home - Lancia promo CD
In 2000, to promote The Solo Collection boxed set, Parlophone released this CD single in Holland and Italy. This is the full stand-alone version, ending properly instead of segueing into "How Can I Go On." It is nice to have a clean copy of the song. This single version was also released in Germany to promote a Lancia car.

Guide Me Home (Instrumental Version) 2:38
Appears on: The Solo Collection
A wonderful instrumental with one drawback: it is mixed the same way as on the Barcelona album, meaning it segues into "How Can I Go On (Instrumental)". As a result, it cuts off abruptly at the end.

Guide Me Home (2012 Orchestrated Version) 2:50
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 6

Guide Me Home (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 2:50
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

Guide Me Home/How Can I Go On (Alternative Versions) 6:54
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on March 2, 1987 at Townhouse Studios. These songs were written with the intention of being paired up on the album, so these too demos are mixed that way. The vocals are strong, even if the lyrics are incomplete. Freddie tries to sing Montserrat's parts in falsetto ad-lib.

How Can I Go On (Album Version) 3:59
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 7

How Can I Go On (Single Version) 4:02
Appears on: UK How Can I Go On 7" vinyl, UK How Can I Go On 7" picture disc, UK How Can I Go On 7" vinyl (1992), UK How Can I Go On CD single (1992), The Solo Collection, Messenger Of The Gods - The Singles
This full stand-alone version starts with the bridge from "Guide Me Home," but doesn't have the vocal ad-libs over it, giving this a clean little overture. This is a great song (featuring John Deacon on bass) and here is a version perfect for compilations.

How Can I Go On (Instrumental Version) 3:58
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Like the Single Version, this track starts with the bridge from "Guide Me Home" (though you can hear the last few piano notes underneath it). On the Instrumentals disc from the boxed set it was meant to recreate the album's flow from the previous track ("Guide Me Home"), but stands up by itself because it sounds complete.

How Can I Go On (2012 Orchestrated Version) 3:49
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 7

How Can I Go On (2012 Orchestrated Single Version) 3:58
Appears on: Never Boring vinyl, Never Boring CD, Never Boring Box Set

How Can I Go On (2012 Orchestrated Version featuring David Garrett) 3:59
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 10

How Can I Go On (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 3:37
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

How Can I Go On (Out-Take: Extract) 1:31
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on June 24, 1987 at Mountain Studios. Freddie started playing before the engineer was ready, so this demo starts a little ways into the song. This is Freddie singing (with Mike Moran on piano) with incomplete lyrics. It ends with some studio chatter and Freddie discovering the miscue at the beginning.

How Can I Go On (Alternative Piano Version) 3:45
Appears on: The Solo Collection
Recorded on April 9, 1987 at Townhouse Studios, this demo backing track goes way off into uncharted territory. There are no vocals, so you're left to wonder how the lyrics would have fit on this. This is certainly a highlight of the Solo Collection.

Overture Piccante (Album Version) 6:40
Appears on: Barcelona, Track 8

Overture Piccante (2012 Orchestrated Version) 6:48
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 9

Overture Piccante (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 6:45
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

Exercises In Free Love (2012 Orchestrated Version) 3:57
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition), Track 8

Exercises In Free Love (2012 Orchestrated Instrumental Version) 3:57
Appears on: Barcelona (Special Edition) 4 Disc Box Set

When This Old Tired Body Wants To Sing (Late Night Jam) 2:52
Appears on: The Solo Collection
This is an impromptu jam recorded on June 22, 1987 at Mountain Studios, Montreux. A fragment of this appeared in the middle of "Overture Piccante," the part with the rip-roaring piano that didn't seem to be from any other Barcelona track. Well, it's from this, recorded by Freddie and Mike Moran late one night during the Barcelona sessions. I guess Freddie was a little drunk, making this a fun listen.