🔘 The Miracle – Single: Nov. 1989

Released: November 27, 1989 (UK)

Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: QUEEN 15

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

The fifth and final single from Queen’s 1989 album, pairing the title track with a blistering live cut from the band’s early‑’70s prime.

A late‑’80s highlight, The Miracle showcased Queen’s polished pop‑rock sound while its B‑sides reached back to the band’s hard‑edged roots. Despite strong promotion and multiple formats, the single achieved modest chart success, peaking at No. 21 in the UK.

🔘 Overview

Produced by Queen and David Richards, The Miracle served as the closing chapter of the album’s single campaign. Its optimistic, harmony‑rich arrangement contrasted with the raw power of the B‑side Stone Cold Crazy, recorded live at the Rainbow in 1974. Expanded 12" and CD formats added the Houston 1977 performance of My Melancholy Blues, offering collectors a rare glimpse into Queen’s live versatility. Although not a major chart hit, the single remains a fan favourite for its blend of eras and archival depth.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — QUEEN 15

A. The Miracle

B. Stone Cold Crazy (Live at the Rainbow, 1974)

12" Vinyl — 12QUEEN 15

A. The Miracle

B1. Stone Cold Crazy (Live at the Rainbow, 1974)

B2. My Melancholy Blues (Live in Houston, 1977)

CD Single — CDR 6225

1. The Miracle

2. Stone Cold Crazy (Live at the Rainbow, 1974)

3. My Melancholy Blues (Live in Houston, 1977)

Cassette Single — TCQUEEN 15

Side A: The Miracle

Side B: Stone Cold Crazy (Live)

Written by: Queen

Produced by: Queen & David Richards

🔘 Release Details

Label: Parlophone Records

Formats: 7" Vinyl / 12" Vinyl / CD Single / Cassette / Holographic Poster Edition

Country: UK

Year: 1989

Notes:

- Fifth and final single from The Miracle album

- 7" issued in paper and silver injection labels

- Limited holographic poster edition available

- 12"/CD formats include Houston 1977 live track

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Parlophone – QUEEN 15 (1989)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Paper Label / Injection Label)

Variant 2

UK – Parlophone – 12QUEEN 15 (1989)

Format: 12" Vinyl

Variant 3

UK – Parlophone – CDR 6225 (1989)

Format: CD Single

Variant 4

UK – Parlophone – QUEEN P 15 (1989)

Format: 7" Vinyl, Holographic Poster Edition

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No. 21

Weeks on Chart: 5

Chart Run (Official Charts):

03 Dec 1989 — No. 21

10 Dec 1989 — No. 28

17 Dec 1989 — No. 36

24 Dec 1989 — No. 48

31 Dec 1989 — No. 63

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

The Miracle was recorded during the band’s late‑’80s sessions in Switzerland, blending layered vocals, synth textures, and Brian May’s melodic guitar work.

Music Video

A playful video featured child actors performing as the band, with Queen appearing only at the end — a creative choice reflecting Mercury’s declining health.

Collector Notes

The holographic poster edition is the most sought‑after variant. The inclusion of two vintage live recordings on 12"/CD formats adds significant archival value.

Legacy

Though not a major chart hit, The Miracle stands as a polished late‑period Queen single, bridging their ’80s pop sound with their ’70s live ferocity.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Scandal (1989)

Next Single

Innuendo (1991)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

The Miracle — 1989

Innuendo — 1991

I’m Going Slightly Mad — 1991

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1974 — Stone Cold Crazy live recording

1977 — My Melancholy Blues live recording

Nov. 27, 1989 — UK single released

🔘 Glam Flashback

A late‑’80s shimmer with a blast of ’70s fire — Queen past and present in one single.

🔘 Sources

Parlophone Records

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Queen archival documentation

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Parlophone Records.

Formats: Vinyl 7" (paper/silver injection labels), 12", CD, cassette (plays same both sides).

Full Track Listing by Format

7" Vinyl (QUEEN 15) – all UK pressings

Side A

The Miracle (5:02) – Producer, Arranged By, Engineer: David Richards, Queen

Side B

Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, London ’74) (2:11) – Written-By: Queen

12" Vinyl (12 QUEEN 15) & CD Single (CD QUEEN 15)

Side A / Track 1

The Miracle (5:02)

Side B / Tracks 2–3

1. Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, London ’74) (2:11)

2. My Melancholy Blues (Live At Houston, Texas ’77) (3:48)

Cassette Single (TCQUEEN15)

Both sides identical

1. The Miracle

2. Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, London ’74)

UK Variants

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Paper Labels – Parlophone QUEEN 15 – UK – 1989

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Silver Injection Labels – Parlophone QUEEN 15 – UK – 1989

- 7", Single, Limited Edition, Paper Sleeve – Parlophone QUEENH 15 – UK – 1989

- 12", 45 RPM – Parlophone 12 QUEEN 15 – UK – 1989

- CD, Single – Parlophone CD QUEEN 15 – UK – 1989

- Cassette, Single – Parlophone TCQUEEN15 – UK – 1989

Production and Context

“The Miracle” produced/arranged/engineered by Queen & David Richards. Live tracks from *Rare Live* video. Last single of the 1980s for Queen.

Official Singles Chart Data

Peak position: 21

5 weeks – December 9, 1989 to January 6, 1990

21 → 27 → 44 → 46 → 73

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DaY8-Mui0I

Legacy and Collectibility

“The Miracle” is Queen’s final ‘80s single — a majestic title track with classic live B-sides. Original UK pressings (especially poster edition) fetch £10–£40 on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue QUEEN 15. Streams on Spotify preserve the miracle. This single is a must-have for Queen collectors.

Do you have The Miracle in your vinyl stack? Did it work its magic? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube