Queen; David Bowie
Under Pressure

EMI    1 C 006-64 626  (1981)

Rock/Pop
7 inch, 2   Tracks, 07:40  Length
01 Under Pressure Freddy Mercury; Brian May; Roger Taylor; John Deacon; David Bowie 04:05
02 Soul Brother Freddy Mercury Queen 03:35
Music Details
Product Details
Packaging Picture Sleeve
Sound Stereo
Musicians  &  Credits
Vocals Freddy Mercury
Guitar Brian May
Bass John Deacon
Drums Roger Taylor
Musician Queen
Vocals David Bowie
Producer David Bowie; Queen
Personal Details
Index # 2747
Owner Dave
Tags Pop Rock
User Defined
Purchased New
Notes
Memorably (for some) reinterpreted after ten years after the fact as Vanilla Ice's breakout single "Ice Ice Baby," "Under Pressure" found two contemporaries -- David Bowie and Queen -- collaborating for the first and only time on a great one-off single. Bowie himself feels more like the guest on the song, understandable given that it's Queen providing the musical backing, mixing the Chic-reminiscent bassline of John Deacon with piano and a lovely Brian May guitar melody. In ways the song is almost a reworking of "Bohemian Rhapsody," with a steady opening followed by a slightly different midsong break and then a final explosive ending, though with less tempo changes and a more focused approach. Freddie Mercury handles the higher vocals in his own inimitable way, delivering some classically bravura moments, while Bowie tackles the lower register to provide the perfect balance. Anthemic, showy and warm-hearted, it's a clear standout for both acts. -- Ned Raggett (allmusic.com)