10 Best Songs With The Word ‘King’ In The Title

# 10 – “Speed King” – Deep Purple

Released as the opening track on Deep Purple in Rock in 1970, “Speed King” captures the unrelenting energy of Deep Purple’s hard rock sound. Written by all five members of the Mark II lineup—Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice—the song was recorded at IBC Studios in London and produced by the band. Known for its blistering guitar riffs and Gillan’s powerful vocals, “Speed King” is a bold statement of the band’s newfound heaviness, departing from their earlier psychedelic leanings. While it wasn’t released as a single, the track has become a cornerstone of Deep Purple’s catalog, showcasing their groundbreaking contribution to heavy metal.

Read More: Steve Morse Interview: Deep Purple Road Stories

# 9 – “Your Love Is King” – Sade

A highlight of Sade’s 1984 debut album, Diamond Life, “Your Love Is King” blends smooth jazz and soul with stunning elegance. Written by Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, the song was recorded at The Power Plant Studios in London and produced by Robin Millar. Sade’s sultry vocal performance glides effortlessly over the lush instrumentation, which features Matthewman on saxophone and a crisp rhythm section. The song reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and became Sade’s first hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Your Love Is King” remains a signature track in Sade’s discography, radiating timeless sophistication.

Read More: Top 10 Sade Songs

# 8 – “Great King Rat” – Queen

“Great King Rat,” from Queen’s self-titled debut album released in 1973, showcases the band’s dynamic early sound. Written by Freddie Mercury and recorded at Trident Studios in London, the track was produced by Roy Thomas Baker alongside the band. Mercury’s flamboyant storytelling pairs with Brian May’s intricate guitar work and Roger Taylor’s thundering drums to create a layered, theatrical rock experience. Though not released as a single, the song has become a cult favorite among fans, offering a glimpse of the band’s future mastery of epic narratives and genre-defying musicianship.

Read More: Brian May of Queen: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 7 – “It’s Good To Be King” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty’s “It’s Good to Be King,” from the 1994 album Wildflowers, is a contemplative track that merges wistful lyrics with lush instrumentation. Produced by Rick Rubin and recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, the song features Petty’s signature drawl alongside contributions from Mike Campbell on guitar and Benmont Tench on piano. The track didn’t chart as a single but has earned lasting admiration for its introspective tone and orchestral arrangement. “It’s Good to Be King” highlights Petty’s knack for blending vulnerability with poetic craftsmanship, cementing its place as a standout from his celebrated solo efforts.

Read More: Top 10 Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Songs