| "Back Chat" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 UK single picture sleeve | ||||
| Single byQueen | ||||
| from the albumHot 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" onYouTube | ||||
"Back Chat", written by the bass guitaristJohn Deacon, is the track most influenced by funk on the 1982Queen albumHot Space. The song is a prime example of how Deacon was strongly pulling the band into dance orientated genres such asR&B,disco, andfunk.[4] It reached #40 on theUK Singles Chart, #18 in South Africa[5] and a #19 entry in Ireland.
The track was performed on theHot 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 aRolling 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]
Upon its release, Johnny Waller ofSounds 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 thatGrandmaster Flash will liberate as soon as he hears it, and a simple, catchy danceable tune."[7]
7" Single
A Side. "Back Chat" (Single Version) – 4:10
B Side. "Staying Power" – 4:10[8]
12" Single
A Side. "Back Chat" (Extended Version)[9] – 6:55
B Side. "Staying Power" – 4:10
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Instruments sourced from Queenvinyls.[10]
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Ireland (IRMA)[11] | 19 |
| South Africa (Springbok Radio)[12] | 18 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[13] | 40 |
| West Germany (GfK)[14] | 69 |
