Back Chat
1982 single by Queen
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"Back Chat", written by the bass guitarist John Deacon, is the track most influenced by funk on the 1982 Queen album Hot Space. The song is a prime example of how Deacon was strongly pulling the band into dance orientated genres such as R&B, disco, and funk.[4] It reached #40 on the UK Singles Chart, #18 in South Africa[5] and a #19 entry in Ireland.
- 9 August 1982 (UK)
- 23 November 1982 (US)[1]
| "Back Chat" | ||||
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UK single picture sleeve | ||||
| Single by Queen | ||||
| from the album Hot Space | ||||
| B-side | "Staying Power" | |||
| Released |
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| Recorded | 1981 – 1982 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length |
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| Label | ||||
| Songwriter | John Deacon | |||
| Producers |
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| Queen singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Back Chat" on YouTube | ||||
The track was performed on the Hot Space Tour at a faster tempo, with a more rock-oriented arrangement. "Back Chat", the title, is an English idiom referring to "impertinent or impudent replies, especially to a superior".[6] In a Rolling Stone album review, critic John Milward described the musical style of the song as: "a hot rock-funk tune, with guitar tracks as slick as an icy dance floor."[2]
Critical reception
Upon its release, Johnny Waller of Sounds called "Back Chat" "custom made disposable pop in a sense", but believed it would be a "huge hit and deservedly so". He continued, "It's a great little pop song, with a deft guitar ripple intro, a bass line that Grandmaster Flash will liberate as soon as he hears it, and a simple, catchy danceable tune."[7]
Track listings
Personnel
Instruments sourced from Queenvinyls.[10]
- Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals
- Brian May – electric guitar solos
- Roger Taylor – Simmons drums
- John Deacon – bass guitar, electric guitars, Jupiter-8, Linn LM-1
