With the stress of election day now behind us, everyone in the US and beyond is blowing a collective sigh of relief (well, not everyone). Until the result was announced, the tension seemed almost at boiling point. Karen O and Willie Nelson’s duet cover of Queen’s classic hit “Under Pressure,” released just recently, attempts to provide a cool salve to the psyche.
In large part it works. The track is known for its high energy and powerful, belt-out-able lyrics, but O and Nelson slow it down, adding a smooth Country and Western angle, transforming the track into a song of reassurance and calm. Their vocals dance around each other, and the acoustic guitar playing the main riffs and melody is the perfect touch to soften this track.
Karen O said of the track “I hope the song brings as much light to the listener as it has to me in dark times” and it certainly does. As the craziness of the last few weeks dies down, I’ll keep returning to this track again and again for a calming presence. Listen to the track below.
Check out many more Queen covers here.
