QUEEN queen EMS-81796

Queen’s Raw Debut: ‘Queen’ Rare Reissue (EMS-81796)

Today’s entry takes us back to the very beginning of the legend, examining a scarce late-period pressing of Queen’s debut album. We are looking at the 1987 Japanese White Label Promo reissue of Queen (Self-Titled), released on the EMI label with the catalog number EMS-81796.

The Genesis of a Legend

Originally released in 1973, this album introduced the world to the band’s unique “No Synthesizers” brand of heavy rock. Far rawer than their later polished pop hits, the debut is a masterclass in heavy metal and progressive rock fusion. It features the galloping rhythms of “Keep Yourself Alive,” the operatic complexity of “Liar,” and the fantasy-themed “My Fairy King” (the song that inspired Freddie Bulsara to become Freddie Mercury). It documents the sound of a hungry band combining Led Zeppelin-esque riffs with complex vocal harmonies.

The “CD Era” Rarity

This 1987 reissue is historically significant as one of the last vinyl pressings of the album in Japan before the format was largely abandoned for Compact Discs. Consequently, production numbers were incredibly low compared to the 1970s pressings, making this “EMS” series extremely difficult to find today.

Exclusive White Label Promo

This specific copy is the ultimate collector’s version of this rare reissue. It features the highly prized White Labels on the disc, bearing the Japanese “Sample (Not For Sale)” characters. This distinguishes it from the standard retail versions and suggests it was one of the very first copies pressed from the stampers. A “Sample” sticker is also affixed to the back cover.

Complete Packaging

Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the album comes with a lyric insert and the distinct 1987 reissue Obi strip. For collectors, this is a pristine artifact that captures the raw energy of Queen’s beginning with the high-fidelity manufacturing of Japan’s golden era of vinyl.