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Entertainment • Rock Music

Under Pressure

"Under Pressure" is a 1981 rock song by Queen and David Bowie.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Under Pressure" is a 1981 rock song by Queen and David Bowie. Released as a single in October 1981, it later appeared on Queen's 1982 album *Hot Space* and became a number-one hit in the United Kingdom.

Background

"Under Pressure" was created as a collaboration between Queen and David Bowie and released in 1981. It became one of the best-known songs associated with both acts.

Release and chart performance

The song was issued as a single in October 1981 and later included on Queen's 1982 album *Hot Space*. It reached number one in the United Kingdom and was a major international hit.

Composition and writing

The song is credited to Queen and David Bowie as songwriters. It is generally described as a rock duet with lyrics about human pressure and stress.

Legacy

"Under Pressure" remains one of the most recognizable Queen and Bowie recordings. It has continued to appear in later releases and performances and is widely associated with both artists.

Key facts

  • "Under Pressure" is a collaboration between Queen and David Bowie.
  • It was released as a single in October 1981 and later included on Queen's album *Hot Space*.
  • The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
  • It became Queen's second UK number-one single and Bowie's third.
  • The song also charted in the top 10 in more than 10 other countries.
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Canadian context

The song is relevant to Canadian readers as a classic international rock collaboration that has remained widely known in Canada through radio play, streaming, and popular culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "Under Pressure"?
It was performed by Queen and David Bowie.
When was "Under Pressure" released?
It was released as a single in October 1981.
What album is "Under Pressure" on?
It was later included on Queen's 1982 album *Hot Space*.
Did "Under Pressure" reach number one?
Yes. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Who wrote "Under Pressure"?
It is credited to Queen and David Bowie.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Pressure
    Supports: Song title, artists, release date, album inclusion, chart performance
  2. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a01QQZyl-_I
    Supports: Official video title and artist attribution
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Pressure
    Supports: Release and chart details, songwriting attribution
  4. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoltXDoVYFQ
    Supports: Collaborative attribution and 1981 song identification