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Back Chat
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Back Chat
| cover = Queen-Back Chat.jpg
| alt =
| caption = UK single picture sleeve
| type = single
| artist = Queen
| album = Hot Space
| A-side = "Back Chat" (Extended Version) (A Side for the 12" version)
| B-side = Staying Power
| released = *9 August 1982 (UK)
*22 November 1982 (US)
| recorded = 1981 – 1982
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Funk rock
| length = * 4:31 (album version)
* 4:10 (single version)
* 6:55 (12" extended version)
| label = *EMI (UK)
*Elektra (US)
| writer = John Deacon
| producer =
| prev_title = Staying Power
| prev_year = 1982
| next_title = Radio Ga Ga
| next_year = 1984
| misc =
}}
"'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. It reached #40 on the UK Singles Chart, #18 in South Africa and a #19 entry in Ireland.
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". 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."John Milward, [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/hot-space-19820610 "Queen: Hot Space"], 'Rolling Stone', 10 June 1982
In 2022 'Far Out' magazine named the song as one of the 40 best songs released in 1982 alongside such songs as 'Come On Eileen' and '1999.'
Track listings
'7" Single'
A Side. "Back Chat" (Single Version) - 4:10
B Side. "Staying Power" - 4:10
'12" Single'
A Side. "Back Chat" (Extended Version) - 6:55
B Side. "Staying Power" - 4:10
Personnel
*Freddie Mercury - lead and backing vocals
*Brian May - guitar solos
*Roger Taylor - electronic drums
*John Deacon - bass guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, synthesizer, drum machine
Chart performance
References
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