Written by Queen bassist John Deacon, “Another One Bites the Dust” was recorded by Queen for their 1980 album The Game. Deacon’s bass line was inspired by Chic’s “Good Times,” giving the track a lean, dance-oriented rock groove. Producer Reinhold Mack recorded it at Musicland Studios in Munich, with Deacon playing bass, piano, electric guitar and handclaps; Roger Taylor added a drum loop, while Brian May contributed guitar textures and Eventide Harmonizer effects. Despite its processed sound, the recording uses no synthesizers. Freddie Mercury sings the studio lead and backing vocals.
Released as a single after Michael Jackson suggested it to Mercury, the song became a worldwide hit and Queen’s second and final US Billboard Hot 100 number one, holding the position for three weeks. Its insistent bass riff, clipped drum feel, sparse arrangement and sing-along chorus make it especially effective for groove-based performance. Early live versions had Taylor singing the chorus, while later audiences often took that role. The song received the American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Single and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
