Top 20 Classic Queen Tracks

3. Under Pressure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXOOwNS2qk0 Recorded and released as a single in 1981, this song was added to the album 'Hot Space' post-release, although musically the song has nothing to do with the composition or tone of that album. The song was recorded as a duet with David Bowie, whom the band met in Switzerland, while both were recording for their respective releases. Queen had begun collaborating with a number of artists during their New York residency in the early 80's such as Bowie and Michael Jackson, however, little to no material would ever be released. The story goes that Queen invited Bowie out to dinner following Bowie recording backing vocals on another Queen song, 'Cool Cat' (which is also on the 'Hot Space' album) and afterwards they decided to go back to their studio and write/record some material together; 'Under Pressure' being the result of a few hours work. Although it's most recognisable characteristic is the defining bass sound throughout, there is some ambiguity as to where this piece came from, with John Deacon crediting Mercury and Bowie for its invention while other sources cite Deacon as the originator. The song was a high selling point for the band and many sources state it is one of the reasons the 'Hot Space' album sold so well despite being badly and controversially received by long time fans. Due to touring commitments neither Bowie nor Queen were available for a dedicated music video and so stock footage, defining the theme of pressure, was used to create the now iconic video for the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoDh_gHDvkk In 1999, as part of their 'Greatest Hits 3', stock footage was used to create a video of Mercury performing with Bowie on the song live at Wembley Stadium. This was helped due to Mercury's performance there in 1986 and Bowie's subsequent performance at Mercury's tribute concert in the same venue in 1992.