Another One Bites the Dust
Encyclopedia
"Another One Bites the Dust" is a song by the English rock
band Queen
. Written by bass guitar
ist John Deacon
, the song featured on the group's eighth studio album
The Game
(1980). The song was a worldwide hit
, charting number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100
, number two on the R&B charts and the Disco Top 100, and number seven in the United Kingdom Singles Chart
. The song is credited as Queen's best selling single, with sales of over 7 million copies. This version was ranked at number 34 on Billboard's All Time Top 100.
group Chic
. In an interview with New Musical Express, Chic
co-founder Bernard Edwards
stated, "...that Queen record came about because that Queen bass player... spent some time hanging out with us at our studio".
Recording sessions were produced by Reinhold Mack
at Musicland Studios in Munich
(West Germany) and consisted of Deacon playing almost all the instruments: bass
, piano
, rhythm and lead guitar
s and handclap percussion. Roger Taylor added a drum loop and Brian May
contributed some noises with his guitar and an Eventide Harmonizer. There are no synthesisers used in the song: all effects are created with pianos, guitars, and drums, with subsequent tape playback performed in reverse at various speeds. Finally, some sound effects were run through the harmonizer for further processing. The effect of the harmoniser can be heard clearly in the "swirling" nature of the sound immediately before the first lyric. After attending a Queen concert in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson
suggested to Freddie Mercury backstage that "Another One Bites the Dust" be released as a single. The earlier live performances of the song had drummer Roger Taylor on lead vocals during the chorus, as opposed to the album version which was sung by Mercury in its entirety. In later performances, parts of the chorus were sometimes not sung by any member of the band, letting the audience sing it instead.
The song garnered Queen a Grammy
nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
. The band lost to Bob Seger
's album Against the Wind
. The music video
for "Another One Bites the Dust" was filmed at Reunion Arena
in Dallas, Texas.
. It was claimed that the chorus, when played in reverse, will be heard as "decide to smoke marijuana" or "It's fun to smoke marijuana". A spokeswoman for Hollywood Records (Queen's current US label) has denied that the song contains a backward message
.
covered and remixed the song for the film Small Soldiers
. His version also features rap verses from Pras Michel and Free
, and music by Queen. The track appears on Queen's compilation Greatest Hits III
released in 1999. It enjoyed the most success in the UK, where it entered the chart at #5, it's highest chart position, going on to spend six weeks on the chart. It also reached the top ten in Finland. It charted #18, #23, #50 and #62 in New Zealand, Austria, Sweden and France, respectively. The music video for this version was directed by Michel Gondry
. The song became Pras' third UK Top 10 hit from his debut solo album Ghetto Supastar
, following the title track
and follow-up single Blue Angels. However, Pras was not available for the filming of the video, and rapper Canibus
recorded a new verse to take his place. This version was used only for the promotional video.
UK CD Single
of the Detroit Lions
did a parody of the song. Their version came after the Lions, who went 2-14 in 1979, started the 1980 season 3-0.
In 1981, parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic
wrote a parody of the song titled, "Another One Rides the Bus
". This version was recorded live on the Dr. Demento Show and was released on his debut album.
In 1993, American street gangs the Bloods & Crips
collaborated on and album called Bangin' on Wax in which the Crips
did a cover entitled "Another Slob Bites the Dust" about the Bloods
. Slob being a degrading name for the Bloods.
In 1997, the original track was sampled by Foxy Brown and Jay-Z
on the Trackmasters
Remix of her single "I'll Be
".
In 2004, the song was covered by Greek-American singer Kalomoira for her debut self titled
album.
In 2010, the song was covered by the cast of Glee
. The episode "Funk
" aired June 1.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
. Written by bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
ist John Deacon
John Deacon
John Richard Deacon is a retired English multi-instrumentalist and song writer, best known as the bassist for the rock band Queen. Of the four members of the band, he was the last to join and also the youngest, being only 19 years old when he was recruited by the other members of the band...
, the song featured on the group's eighth studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
The Game
The Game (Queen album)
The Game is the eighth studio album by British rock band Queen released on 30 June 1980. It was the only Queen album to reach #1 in the US and became Queen's best selling studio album in the US with four million copies sold to date, tying News of the Worlds US sales tally. The album received very...
(1980). The song was a worldwide hit
Hit record
A hit record is a sound recording, usually in the form of a single or album, that sells a large number of copies or otherwise becomes broadly popular or well-known, through airplay, club play, inclusion in a film or stage play soundtrack, causing it to have "hit" one of the popular chart listings...
, charting number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, number two on the R&B charts and the Disco Top 100, and number seven in the United Kingdom Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. The song is credited as Queen's best selling single, with sales of over 7 million copies. This version was ranked at number 34 on Billboard's All Time Top 100.
History
The bass line was inspired by the song "Good Times" by the DiscoDisco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
group Chic
Chic (band)
Chic was an African American disco and R&B band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It is known best for its commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " , "Everybody Dance" , "Le Freak" , "I Want Your Love" , "Good Times"...
. In an interview with New Musical Express, Chic
Chic (band)
Chic was an African American disco and R&B band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It is known best for its commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " , "Everybody Dance" , "Le Freak" , "I Want Your Love" , "Good Times"...
co-founder Bernard Edwards
Bernard Edwards
Bernard Edwards born in Greenville, North Carolina, was a bass player and record producer, both as a member of the Funk/Disco band Chic and on his own. He died of pneumonia while touring in Japan.-History:...
stated, "...that Queen record came about because that Queen bass player... spent some time hanging out with us at our studio".
Recording sessions were produced by Reinhold Mack
Reinhold Mack
Reinhold Mack is a German record producer and sound engineer, mostly known for his collaborations with rock bands Electric Light Orchestra and Queen. Most of this work took place at Giorgio Moroder's Musicland Studios in Munich...
at Musicland Studios in Munich
Munich
Munich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
(West Germany) and consisted of Deacon playing almost all the instruments: bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, rhythm and lead guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s and handclap percussion. Roger Taylor added a drum loop and Brian May
Brian May
Brian Harold May, CBE is an English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the guitarist and a songwriter of the rock band Queen...
contributed some noises with his guitar and an Eventide Harmonizer. There are no synthesisers used in the song: all effects are created with pianos, guitars, and drums, with subsequent tape playback performed in reverse at various speeds. Finally, some sound effects were run through the harmonizer for further processing. The effect of the harmoniser can be heard clearly in the "swirling" nature of the sound immediately before the first lyric. After attending a Queen concert in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
suggested to Freddie Mercury backstage that "Another One Bites the Dust" be released as a single. The earlier live performances of the song had drummer Roger Taylor on lead vocals during the chorus, as opposed to the album version which was sung by Mercury in its entirety. In later performances, parts of the chorus were sometimes not sung by any member of the band, letting the audience sing it instead.
The song garnered Queen a Grammy
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
The Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal was awarded between 1980 and 2011.The award was discontinued after the 2011 award season in a major overhaul of Grammy categories...
. The band lost to Bob Seger
Bob Seger
Robert Clark "Bob" Seger is an American rock and roll singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist.As a locally successful Detroit-area artist, he performed and recorded as Bob Seger and the Last Heard and Bob Seger System throughout the 1960s...
's album Against the Wind
Against the Wind (album)
Against the Wind is the 11th album by American rock singer Bob Seger and his third with The Silver Bullet Band. It was released in 1980 . It is Seger's only Number 1 album to date, spending six weeks atop the Billboard 200, and knocking Pink Floyd's massive-selling The Wall from the top spot...
. The music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for "Another One Bites the Dust" was filmed at Reunion Arena
Reunion Arena
Reunion Arena was an indoor arena, in the Reunion district of downtown Dallas, Texas . It held 18,293 for basketball and 17,001 for ice hockey.It was demolished in November 2009 and the site was cleared by the end of the year.-History:...
in Dallas, Texas.
Alleged backward masking
In the early 1980s, "Another One Bites the Dust" was one of many popular rock songs that Christian evangelists alleged contained subliminal messages through a technique called backward maskingBackmasking
Backmasking is a recording technique in which a sound or message is recorded backward on to a track that is meant to be played forward...
. It was claimed that the chorus, when played in reverse, will be heard as "decide to smoke marijuana" or "It's fun to smoke marijuana". A spokeswoman for Hollywood Records (Queen's current US label) has denied that the song contains a backward message
Backmasking
Backmasking is a recording technique in which a sound or message is recorded backward on to a track that is meant to be played forward...
.
Queen comments on the record
Personnel
- John DeaconJohn DeaconJohn Richard Deacon is a retired English multi-instrumentalist and song writer, best known as the bassist for the rock band Queen. Of the four members of the band, he was the last to join and also the youngest, being only 19 years old when he was recruited by the other members of the band...
– bass, lead and rhythm guitars, hand-claps, piano and tape effects - Roger Taylor – drums and backing vocals (live only)
- Freddie MercuryFreddie MercuryFreddie Mercury was a British musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. As a performer, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and powerful vocals over a four-octave range...
– lead and backing vocals - Brian MayBrian MayBrian Harold May, CBE is an English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the guitarist and a songwriter of the rock band Queen...
– guitar
Charts
| Country | |Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina Argentina Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires... |
1 | |
| Canada | 1 | |
| Guatemala Guatemala Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast... |
1 | |
| Spain | 1 | |
| US | 1 | Platinum |
| New Zealand | 2 | |
| US R&B | 2 | |
| Ireland Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... |
4 | |
| Australia | 5 | |
| Austria | 6 | |
| Belgium | 7 | |
| Germany | 6 | |
| UK | 7 | |
| South Africa | 3 | |
| Sweden | 12 | |
| Switzerland | 8 | |
| Italy | 10 | |
| Netherlands | 14 | |
| France | 24 | |
| Finland | 4 |
Wyclef Jean version
In 1998, American rapper Wyclef JeanWyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean is a Haitian musician, record producer, and politician. At age nine, Jean moved to the United States with his family and has spent much of his life in the country...
covered and remixed the song for the film Small Soldiers
Small Soldiers
Small Soldiers is a 1998 American action/science fiction film directed by Joe Dante starring Gregory Smith and Kirsten Dunst. The film revolves around two teenagers , who get caught in the middle of a war between two factions of sentient action figures, the Gorgonites and the Commando...
. His version also features rap verses from Pras Michel and Free
Free (rapper)
Antoinette Marie Wright, better known by her stage name, "Free" , is an American media personality, television producer and philanthropist. She rose to fame as the first host of BET's 106 & Park...
, and music by Queen. The track appears on Queen's compilation Greatest Hits III
Greatest Hits III (Queen)
- Charts :- Certifications :...
released in 1999. It enjoyed the most success in the UK, where it entered the chart at #5, it's highest chart position, going on to spend six weeks on the chart. It also reached the top ten in Finland. It charted #18, #23, #50 and #62 in New Zealand, Austria, Sweden and France, respectively. The music video for this version was directed by Michel Gondry
Michel Gondry
Michel Gondry is an Academy Award winning filmmaker, whose works include being a commercial director, music video director, and a screenwriter. He is noted for his inventive visual style and manipulation of mise en scène. - Life and career :...
. The song became Pras' third UK Top 10 hit from his debut solo album Ghetto Supastar
Ghetto Supastar
Ghetto Supastar is Pras' debut album released in 1998. The chorus of the title track is a reworking of the 1983 Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit "Islands in the Stream", which was written by The Bee Gees - Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb...
, following the title track
Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)
"Ghetto Supastar " is a Hip-Hop song by American rapper Pras, featuring rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard and recording artist Mýa. The track was produced by Wyclef Jean and Jerry 'Wonda" Duplessis for Pras' debut solo studio album, Ghetto Supastar. It also features on the soundtrack for the motion picture...
and follow-up single Blue Angels. However, Pras was not available for the filming of the video, and rapper Canibus
Canibus
Germaine Williams , better known by his stage name Canibus, is a Jamaican-born American rapper. He is a part of supergroup The HRSMN. Canibus rose to fame in the mid-nineties...
recorded a new verse to take his place. This version was used only for the promotional video.
Tracklisting
American CD Single- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Radio Edit) (4:00)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (LP version) (4:20)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Instrumental) (4:17)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Acappella) (4:45)
UK CD Single
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (LP Version) (4:20)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Team 1 Black Rock Star Main Pass Mix) (4:46)
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Team 1 Black Rock Star Radio Edit) (4:17)
The Miami Project Remixes
The song was remixed again in 2006. The single reached the UK top 40, credited to Queen vs The Miami Project.- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Cedric Gervais & Second Sun Radio Edit) - 3:22
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Cedric Gervais & Second Sun Vocal Mix) - 7:17
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Oliver Koletzki Remix) - 6:14
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (A Skillz Remix) - 5:34
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (Soul Avengerz Remix) - 7:12
- "Another One Bites the Dust" (DJ Pedro & Olivier Berger Mix) - 6:29
Cover Versions
In 1980, Jimmy "Spider-Man" AllenJimmy Allen
James Allen is a former American football player who was drafted in the 4th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1974 NFL Draft. A 1970 graduate of Los Angeles High School, Allen played college football at Pierce College and UCLA. Allen was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in their...
of the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
did a parody of the song. Their version came after the Lions, who went 2-14 in 1979, started the 1980 season 3-0.
In 1981, parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic
"Weird Al" Yankovic
Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist. Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts...
wrote a parody of the song titled, "Another One Rides the Bus
Another One Rides the Bus
"Another One Rides the Bus" is a parody of Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" by "Weird Al" Yankovic. It originally was released on Yankovic's first EP and was later re-released on Yankovic' debut album.-Track listing:...
". This version was recorded live on the Dr. Demento Show and was released on his debut album.
In 1993, American street gangs the Bloods & Crips
Bloods & Crips
Bloods & Crips was a musical collaboration between members of the Bloods & Crips gangs formed by Tweedy Bird Loc, Redrum 781 and Ronnie Phillips in 1993.-History:...
collaborated on and album called Bangin' on Wax in which the Crips
Crips
The Crips are a primarily, but not exclusively, African American gang. They were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1969 mainly by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams...
did a cover entitled "Another Slob Bites the Dust" about the Bloods
Bloods
The Bloods are a street gang founded in Los Angeles, California. The gang is widely known for its rivalry with the Crips. They are identified by the red color worn by their members and by particular gang symbols, including distinctive hand signs...
. Slob being a degrading name for the Bloods.
In 1997, the original track was sampled by Foxy Brown and Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
on the Trackmasters
Trackmasters
The Trackmasters are the successful production duo of Poke and Tone , sometimes credited as Poke & Tone, best known for their commercial hit records in the late 90s and early 2000s. Throughout their career they have worked with various hip-hop and R&B artists including R...
Remix of her single "I'll Be
I'll Be (Foxy Brown song)
"I'll Be" was the second single released from Foxy Brown's debut album, Ill Na Na, produced by the Trackmasters and featuring Jay-Z.Released on January 28, 1997, "I'll Be" quickly became a huge hit, peaking at 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, at the time becoming both Foxy Brown and Jay-Z's highest...
".
In 2004, the song was covered by Greek-American singer Kalomoira for her debut self titled
Kalomoira (album)
Kalomira is the first album by popular Greek-American artist Kalomira that was released in September, 2004 by Heaven Music. The album was certified Gold.-Track listing:Standard Edition track list# "Kathe Mοu Skepsi ...Esi " - 3:07...
album.
In 2010, the song was covered by the cast of Glee
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
. The episode "Funk
Funk (Glee)
"Funk" is the 21st episode of the American television series Glee. The episode was written by series creator Ian Brennan and directed by Elodie Keene. It premiered on the Fox network on June 1, 2010 and was watched by 9 million viewers. In "Funk", New Directions is intimidated by rival glee club...
" aired June 1.