Brian May has reflected on how "Bohemian Rhapsody" overshadowed other Queen compositions, particularly lamenting that "The Prophet's Song" from the same 1975 album has never achieved comparable recognition. Speaking to Vulture, the guitarist described the two tracks as "the antithesis" of each other, despite both being ambitious, unconventional works that showcase Queen's defining qualities.

"The Prophet's Song," written by May and stretching beyond eight minutes, employs apocalyptic lyrics inspired by his dream of a great flood, moving between acoustic passages and heavy riffs with layered vocal arrangements. Whilst "Bohemian Rhapsody" has sold over ten million copies in the United States alone and amassed 2.4 billion Spotify streams, "The Prophet's Song" remains a cult favourite among dedicated fans rather than a mainstream hit. The disparity stems from radio's preference for "Bohemian Rhapsody," whose immediate theatrical appeal made it a commercial phenomenon, whilst May's composition, equally unconventional on paper, required deeper engagement from listeners to reveal its encyclopaedic nature as a Queen work.