# Sheer Heart Attack

> 1974 studio album by Queen

**Wikidata**: [Q219747](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219747)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheer_Heart_Attack)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sheer-heart-attack

## Summary
*Sheer Heart Attack* is the third studio album by the British rock band Queen, released on November 8, 1974. Produced under EMI and Parlophone, it marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, blending hard rock, glam rock, and intricate vocal harmonies, and featuring iconic tracks like *Killer Queen* and *Now I'm Here*.

## Key Facts
- Released on November 8, 1974, by Queen.
- Published under the label **EMI** (Electric and Musical Industries Ltd.), a defunct British multinational music company founded in 1931 and dissolved in 2012.
- Also associated with **Parlophone**, a German–British record label founded in 1896 and owned by Warner Music Group.
- Part of the rock music genre (inception: 1948), with influences from hard rock (inception: 1967) and glam rock (inception: 1969).
- Includes notable tracks such as *Killer Queen* (1973), *Now I'm Here*, *Stone Cold Crazy*, and *Flick of the Wrist*.
- Later included in *The Complete Works*, a 1985 box set by Queen.
- Alias: **EMC 3061**.
- Sitlink count: 50 (Wikidata).
- Wikipedia title: *Sheer Heart Attack*.

## FAQs
**What is *Sheer Heart Attack*?**
*Sheer Heart Attack* is the third studio album by Queen, released in 1974, showcasing the band’s evolving sound with a mix of hard rock, glam rock, and intricate vocal arrangements.

**Which record labels were involved in its release?**
The album was released under **EMI**, a major British record label, and **Parlophone**, a German–British label owned by Warner Music Group.

**What are some of the most famous songs on the album?**
Key tracks include *Killer Queen*, *Now I'm Here*, *Stone Cold Crazy*, and *Flick of the Wrist*, all of which became staples in Queen’s discography.

**How does *Sheer Heart Attack* fit into Queen’s broader career?**
It was a critical and commercial breakthrough for Queen, solidifying their reputation as innovators in rock music and paving the way for their later success.

**What happened to EMI after the album’s release?**
EMI, the original label, was dissolved in 2012, with its assets acquired by Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Its successor, **Virgin EMI Records**, was established in 2013.

## Why It Matters
*Sheer Heart Attack* is a landmark album in Queen’s career, demonstrating their ability to blend hard rock energy with theatrical glam influences. It helped establish the band as a major force in the 1970s music scene, influencing generations of rock and metal artists. The album’s success also underscored the importance of EMI and Parlophone in shaping global music culture, as both labels played key roles in distributing and promoting groundbreaking artists like Queen.

## Notable For
- Being Queen’s third studio album and a critical breakthrough in their career.
- Featuring iconic tracks like *Killer Queen* and *Now I'm Here*.
- Blending hard rock, glam rock, and intricate vocal harmonies.
- Released under **EMI**, one of the "Big Four" record labels of its time.
- Associated with **Parlophone**, a historic label known for signing legendary artists.
- Included in *The Complete Works*, a 1985 box set by Queen.
- Representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of 1970s rock music.

## Body

### **History and Release**
*Sheer Heart Attack* was released on **November 8, 1974**, as Queen’s third studio album. It followed their earlier works but marked a significant leap in sophistication, combining hard rock riffs with glam rock flair. The album was produced under **EMI**, a British multinational record label founded in 1931, which was one of the most influential labels in music history. EMI operated until 2012, when its assets were acquired by Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.

### **Record Labels and Distribution**
The album was also distributed by **Parlophone**, a German–British record label founded in 1896. Originally established as Parlophone Communications, it later became part of Warner Music Group. Parlophone has been associated with legendary artists such as **David Bowie, Coldplay, and The Beatles**, making it a key player in the music industry.

### **Musical Style and Influence**
*Sheer Heart Attack* is rooted in **rock music** (inception: 1948), with strong elements of **hard rock** (inception: 1967) and **glam rock** (inception: 1969). The album’s sound is characterized by powerful guitar riffs, dynamic vocal harmonies, and theatrical performances, reflecting the band’s unique blend of musical influences.

### **Notable Tracks**
The album includes several standout tracks:
- *Killer Queen* (1973) – A glam rock anthem with intricate vocal layers.
- *Now I'm Here* – A hard rock track showcasing Brian May’s guitar work.
- *Stone Cold Crazy* – A fast-paced, aggressive song that later influenced thrash metal.
- *Flick of the Wrist* – A dynamic rock track with complex arrangements.

### **Legacy and Later Compilations**
*Sheer Heart Attack* was later included in *The Complete Works*, a 1985 box set by Queen that compiled their studio albums. The album’s success helped solidify Queen’s place in rock history, influencing countless artists in the decades that followed.

### **Connected Entities**
- **EMI** – The original record label, dissolved in 2012.
- **Parlophone** – A historic label under Warner Music Group.
- **The Complete Works** – A 1985 box set featuring the album.
- **Killer Queen** – One of Queen’s most famous songs.
- **Now I'm Here** – A fan-favorite track from the album.

### **Impact on Music Industry**
The album’s release under **EMI** and **Parlophone** highlights the role of major record labels in shaping the careers of iconic artists. EMI, in particular, was known for its innovations in sound technology and its roster of legendary musicians, including **The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie**.

### **Conclusion**
*Sheer Heart Attack* remains a defining work in Queen’s discography, showcasing their musical versatility and setting the stage for their future success. Its blend of hard rock, glam influences, and theatricality continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. [Source](https://www.allmusic.com/album/sheer-heart-attack-mw0000191374)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000191374)
5. BabelNet