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 |
|
Packaging |
Picture Sleeve |
Sound |
Stereo |
|
Vocals |
Freddy Mercury |
Guitar |
Brian May |
Bass |
John Deacon |
Drums |
Roger Taylor |
Musician |
Queen |
Vocals |
David Bowie |
Producer |
David Bowie; Queen |
|
Index |
#
2747 |
Owner |
Dave |
Tags |
Pop Rock |
|
|
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)