Released in October 1979, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is one of Queen’s most playful and stylistically surprising hits. Written by Freddie Mercury as a tribute to Elvis Presley, the song blends rockabilly, early rock ‘n’ roll, and Queen’s signature flair to create a catchy, toe-tapping classic that highlighted the band’s versatility.
Freddie Mercury reportedly wrote the song in about ten minutes while taking a bath at a hotel in Munich. Inspired by the simplicity and energy of 1950s rock, Mercury composed it as a loving nod to the music of Elvis Presley and the early rock legends. The track was recorded during sessions for Queen’s 1980 album The Game but was released ahead of the album in October 1979. It became a worldwide success, marking Queen’s first No. 1 hit in the United States and gaining popularity across numerous international charts.
Musically, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” channels the sound and spirit of classic rock ‘n’ roll. Brian May used a Fender Telecaster instead of his usual custom-built Red Special guitar to capture the authentic tone of the era, while the song itself follows a simple 12-bar blues pattern. The production is clean and minimal, focusing on crisp rhythm guitars, upright-style bass, and handclap-driven percussion. Mercury’s vocals are a standout—lighthearted, confident, and delightfully reminiscent of Elvis, yet still imbued with his own theatrical charisma.
Lyrically, the song is a fun and flirtatious take on the overwhelming power of love. Mercury sings about being swept off his feet by a girl who knows how to “rock and roll,” admitting that he just can’t handle this “thing called love.” The lyrics don’t aim for complexity but instead capture the universal mix of thrill and confusion that comes with falling for someone, all wrapped in a playful, retro mood.
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” climbed to No. 1 in Australia, Canada and on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, peaked at No. 2 in the United Kingdom, and charted in the top ten across multiple countries. Its success in the U.S. helped expand Queen’s mainstream appeal and set the stage for further hits like “Another One Bites the Dust.” The song became a staple in Queen’s live performances, with Mercury often playing rhythm guitar during the song, one of the few times he did so on stage.
Even decades later, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” remains a fan favorite and a shining example of Queen’s ability to masterfully jump across genres. It’s a joyful, energetic homage to the rock ‘n’ roll of the past, but unmistakably delivered with Queen’s own style and charisma. Simple, catchy, and full of charm, it’s a song that continues to inspire smiles—and dancing feet—all over the world.