The original 1991 CD release was loud but somewhat flat. The 2011 Remaster (done by Bob Ludwig and the band) changed the game.
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.
When discussing the pantheon of rock royalty, few bands command the same reverence as Queen. While their debut Greatest Hits (1981) is often cited as the UK’s best-selling album of all time, its successor—Greatest Hits II—is arguably the superior artistic statement. Covering the band’s most critically acclaimed and sonically adventurous period (1981–1991), this compilation is essential.
However, for audiophiles and Queen fanatics, not all versions of Greatest Hits II are created equal. The holy grail for collectors and high-fidelity listeners today is the specific pressing known as "Queen Greatest Hits II 2011remasteredtfm20 top."
But what does this string of code mean? Why is this particular version rising to the "top" of collector charts? This article dives deep into the history, the remastering process, the "TFM20" enigma, and why this 2011 version is the definitive way to experience hits like "Under Pressure," "The Show Must Go On," and "Radio Ga Ga." queen greatest hits ii 2011remasteredtfm20 top
In 2011, Queen’s entire catalog was meticulously remastered at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios. Unlike the 1991 versions, the 2011 remaster aimed for dynamic range. Engineers used high-resolution digital transfers from the original analog tapes. The result? Bass lines (John Deacon) became punchier, cymbals (Roger Taylor) shimmered without distortion, and Freddie’s voice floated in a natural, airy soundstage.
The Context While Queen’s first Greatest Hits album (1981) is the UK's best-selling album of all time, its sequel is often argued by fans to be the stronger musical collection. Released originally in 1991—just weeks before the passing of Freddie Mercury—Greatest Hits II chronicles the band's "second era" (1982–1991). This was a period where the band moved from glam rock to stadium anthems, synth-pop, and emotional ballads.
The 2011 Remastered version was released as part of Queen’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. This remastering project was overseen by band archivists and engineers (including Bob Ludwig and Joshua J. Macrae) to bring modern sonic clarity to the catalog.
The Sonic Upgrade For years, Queen fans complained that early CD releases were quiet and lacking dynamic range, while later "remasters" were too loud and compressed.
The 2011 remaster struck a near-perfect balance.
The Track Highlights Unlike the first hits album, which was a mix of eras, Greatest Hits II feels like a cohesive journey through the 80s. The original 1991 CD release was loud but somewhat flat
The Verdict If you own the original 1991 CD, the 2011 Remaster is a significant upgrade. It brings a "live" feel to studio recordings. It is the definitive digital version for casual listeners and audiophiles alike, correcting the tonal imbalances of the past and preserving the legacy of the band's final decade with Freddie Mercury.
Note on "TFM" Tags:
If you are seeing "TFM" or similar tags (often seen as 2011 Remastered TFM in file metadata), this typically refers to a specific high-quality vinyl transfer or a specific encoding profile used by ripping groups. The "Vinyl" sound is often preferred by purists who believe early digital CDs were too brittle. However, the official 2011 studio digital remasters are generally considered excellent and do not necessarily require a vinyl transfer to sound good.
In 2011, to mark Queen’s 40th anniversary, the legendary Greatest Hits II was digitally remastered by the renowned engineer Bob Ludwig. This collection captures the band’s transformative decade from 1981 to 1991, featuring some of their most symphonic and experimental works. The Sound of a Legend Reborn
The remastering brought a fresh clarity to the 17 tracks, which range from the pop perfection of "A Kind of Magic" to the haunting, epic scale of "Innuendo". For many fans, the 2011 version—often found in The Platinum Collection—provided the definitive way to experience the band's later stadium-rock era. Key Tracks on Greatest Hits II (2011 Remaster)
Under Pressure: The iconic collaboration with David Bowie that topped the UK charts.
Radio Ga Ga: A synth-heavy anthem that became a staple of their live performances. The Track Highlights Unlike the first hits album,
I Want It All: Presented in its punchy single version for this compilation.
The Show Must Go On: A poignant finale, released just weeks before Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991. Collector's Editions
If you're looking to own this piece of music history, the 2011 remasters are available in several formats:
Greatest Hits II (2011 Remaster) - Compilation by Queen - Spotify
To understand why this specific version is trending as "top," let’s dissect the keyword:
Missing from GHII but notable: No Bohemian Rhapsody (that’s on Greatest Hits I).