Understanding Under Pressure

In the history of music, there have been many great duets, but for my money, there's one that stands above them all: Under Pressure, by Queen and David Bowie. It's the result of two generational talents coming together to create a song neither could've made on their own, and it's absolutely brilliant, from the iconic bass riff to the lyrics to, yes, Freddie Mercury's pitch-perfect voice. It tells a timeless story both lyrically and musically, and it captures the best of everyone who helped make it.
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Script: docs.google.com/document/d/1w3XQRHkIogtIzYkMEkK3J80tqV_SOsLZFuW1AVmm7VA/edit?usp=sharing
SOURCES:
en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Antoine_de_Saint_Exup%C3%A9ry
guitaralliance.com/songs/Q/queen/under_pressure/queen-under_pressure.pdf
tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/queen/under_pressure_bass_621276
www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0063595
nicksdrumlessons.com/multimedia-archive/under-pressure-queen-sheet-music/
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Susan Jones
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And thanks as well to Corvi, Henry Reich, Gene Lushtak, Eugene Bulkin, Logan Jones, Abram Thiessen, Anna Work, Oliver, Jc Bq, Adam Neely, nico, Michael Fieseler, Rick Lees, Ben LaRose, Justin Donnell, rhandhom1, Dave Mayer, Thomás, Davis Sprague, Paul Quine, Alex, Harold Gonzales, CodenaCrow, Nikolay Semyonov, Marc Himmelberger, Chris Borland, Arnas, Sarah Spath, Skylar J Eckdahl, Daniel Gilchrist, Caroline Simpson, billy roberts, Elliot Burke, Alex Atanasyan, Alex Knauth, Michael Alan Dorman, Greg Borenstein, Tim S., David Tocknell, Elias Simon, Nathan Petchell, Blake Boyd, Trevor, Michael McCormick, Lilith Dawn, Jonathan Beck, Dmitry Jemerov, Ian Seymour, Charles Gaskell, Luke Rihn, Rob Holton, Jerry D. Brown, Elliot Jay O'Neill, Elliot Winkler, Payden Nissen, Tom Evans, Fabian, Ohad Lutzky, Kurtis Commanda, James A. Thornton, Benjamin Cooper, Kevin, Ken Bauso, Brian Dinger, Max Wanderman, Stefan Strohmaier, Adam Wurstmann, Kelsey Freese, Shadow Kat, Adam Kent, Hape Company, Lee Rennie, Richard T. Anderson, Angela Flierman, Mark Feaver, Kevin Johnson, Brian McCue, Stephan Broek, JH, Jake Lizzio, David Conrad, ml cohen, Sylvain Chevalier, Darzzr, Roger Grosse, Rodrigo Roman, Francois LaPlante, Jeremy Zolner, Rowan Fox, Paper Coelacanth, Britt Ratliff, Eddie O'Rourke, Ryan, Jon Bauman, John July, Volker Wegert, Danny, Matthew Kallend, Patrick Callier, Joshua Gleitze, Emilio Assteves, Alex Keeny, Alexey Fedotov, Charles Hill, Valentin Lupachev, Joshua La Macchia, John Paul Welsh, DSM, Chris Chapin, Gary Butterfield, Niko Albertus, Luke Wever, Elizabeth von Teig, Steve Brand, Rene Miklas, Connor Shannon, max thomas, Jamie Price, Kennedy Morrison, Red Uncle, Darrell Milton, Kirk Natoza, Doug Nottingham, Scott Howarth, Barendo, Smackdab, Nicholas Wolf, Ben Phillips, Todd Davidson, Alex Larking, Paul Guziewski, Scott Nystrom, Douglas Anderson, Greg Hodgdon, ZagOnEm, Robert Beach, veleum, Kevin Boyce, Peter Leventis, Greg, Aaron Zhu Freedman, Hexa Midine, Nicholas Steicke, John Polgreen, Tuna, Mathew Wolak, Mark Sibly, Killian Hackenschmidt, Lamadesbois, Eric J Amorelli, T, Lincoln Mendell, Vincent Engler, Noam Fields-Meyer, Luke, Blake White, Michal Mikolaj Maslowski, Cattus_ex_Machina, Todd Hauser, Phillip D Neal, Aaron Epstein, Chris Connett, Scott Frazer, salman karout, Carsten Lechte, Sam Rezek, Lucas Augusto, Matt McKegg, Dominic Montanez, Marcus Doyle, Beth Martyn, Caitlin Olsen, and Taylor Martin! Your support helps make 12tone even better!
Also, thanks to Jareth Arnold for proofreading the script to make sure this all makes sense hopefully!

[@12tone]

Some additional thoughts/corrections: 1) I have a merch store now! I'll be talking more about the specific stuff in a future episode, but in the meantime, check it out! standard.tv/12tone 2) Technically speaking, in the bridge, I'd analyze the F and G7 as secondary chords temporarily tonicizing the Ami: I don't believe it's a real key change, and if I had infinite time I probably would've gotten into that, but the distinction didn't seem that important so I'm clarifying here instead. 3) In retrospect, I think it might have been more accurate to call the repeated bass figure under the guitar chords an ostinato rather than a pedal, but eh, terminology is boring. The point is that it's not changing: Which term you use to describe that fact has very little impact on the effect of that sound. 4) Some people are objecting to the idea that Freddie was a baritone, so here's a source on that: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14015439.2016.1156737 "Analysis of six interviews revealed a median speaking fundamental frequency of 117.3 Hz, which is typically found for a baritone voice."

[@SuryanIsaac]

I LOVE that book!

[@ZipplyZane]

4) I would argue that the usual pitch with which someone speaks is not necessarily indicative of their vocal fach. What is more important is quality of the voice within certain ranges. While this usually correlates with one's speaking voice, I think singers with a broad range may wind up being outliers. I know I have known wide ranged sopranos who speak lower than some altos and nearly all mezzos I've ever met. I also know plenty of tenors who lowered their speaking voice. (Heck, I did this as a young teen, to sound more "manly.") That said, I'm not sure where Mercury's voice lies. I have no problem calling him a baritone, as he has a full chest voice in the baritone register. However, I could also see calling him a tenor due to the quality of his vocal blend in the tenor register. He may even be best classified as that elusive vocal fach colloquially known as the "baritenor." Bartenors are so named because they have the range and vocal quality to sing either part.

[@lazarus2950]

Appreciate the retrospective comments/edits. No one's perfect but your content is great and is a really engaging way of communicating musical theory in a relatable way. Hope more people find your videos

[@yetz2291]

I would still say Freddie was a tenor, despite his low speaking voice. People with nodules typically speak pretty low compared to their actual vocal classification.

[@cheriremily9360]

There were three singers for Under Pressure: David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, & Roger Taylor. Those ridiculous high notes were Taylor, not Freddie. Taylor had an amazing vocal range which is displayed throughout Bohemian Rhapsody and Under Pressure.

[@TheEyrie]

'Pointlessly low to unnecessarily high' is definitely a teacher's way of saying Freddie has ridiculous range!

[@robinw77]

F2 to F5 or something like that. Crazy!

[@meteor74]

freddie had a pretty average range, what set him apart from other singers is that he knew how to use it incredibly well

[@sayethwe8683]

@@robinw77 google says f2 to f6. three full octaves.

[@jackulstrom9150]

@@robinw77 F#2 to G5 - actually a very, very standard low tenor range. As Thomas McMurty said, Mercury's real defining feature was his tastefulness and versatility (as well as the fact that he wasn't trained).

[@jackulstrom9150]

Although, now that I'm saying that, he actually hits an A5 in Under Pressure (and when he hits hit, he sounds like he could possibly squeeze a note or two higher). I guess Google ain't as reliable as I expected it to be ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@edwardjaydonh2984]

“He didn’t need to - so he didn’t.” Yep thats John

[@user-yx9yi2kv5y]

Keegan H yup you gotta love em’

[@skylerclyne6542]

Sounds just about right

[@audigex]

John is my spirit animal

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

He always played the perfect notes just like McCartney although they are very different:)

[@str8kronic]

Classic john

[@MoniBahaa]

"Bowie offers us survival while Mercury offers us hope" I'm not crying, you are.

[@macm.3889]

You’re right... I am...

[@marquisdelafayette1929]

Should be Bernie’s campaign song.

[@eggboi8475]

So under pressure is actually about Star Wars? I thought Freddie didn’t llike it

[@lenaliu463]

i never thought i'd cry during a song analysis video...

[@halometallicalover27]

Idk why that line got to me 😭

[@heldmusic]

John Deacon is one of the most underappreciated members of Queen... heck, one of the most underappreciated musicians ever.

[@thevoid99]

agreed, he came up with the foundation of the song with that bass line and he played it for long and when he, queen, bowie, and producer mack went out for a pizza. deacon suddenly forgot the bass line until roger taylor remembered it. it must've been some damn good pizza.

[@spamsingles5948]

He's really not "one of the most underappreciated musicians ever

[@nox4298]

Agreed

[@5roundsrapid263]

thevoid99 Pizza and German beer. Lots of German beer.

[@edwardjaydonh2984]

sqrnookle he is a genius, musically and as an engineer.

[@ColWilBald]

Vanilla Ice: Hippity Hoppity, this song is now my property

[@PapaWheelie1]

Keep an eye on your AC units, he will “borrow” those too.

[@powerthrashingdeath]

ColWilBald haha very funny fuck you

[@dawson_cashwell]

RNKV 2.0 jeez, you must be a fun person in real life. Take a joke.

[@brixitz9722]

@@powerthrashingdeath vanilla ice is not a musician.

[@Andrew-qb9bi]

@@brixitz9722 He's a stand user

[@TomMilleyMusic]

I think what also makes it great is that it's a duet that isn't a love song or something cheesy. It's an actual song, and doesn't feel forced or anything. It's just a good song with two great artists.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

@Manuel Salokangas I'm talking about the duet aspect of it.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

@Manuel Salokangas Fair enough. I did consider mentioning the others actually, but decided to just stick to the duet aspect of it. Because technically, most duets also have others involved. But yes, the band should have all the praise they deserve.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

@Manuel Salokangas True enough, you too

[@sonyabladesbooty3890]

It's a bad song that happens to have one great artist in it, that being Bowie.

[@TomMilleyMusic]

@@sonyabladesbooty3890 k

[@a-dino]

I literally know nothing about music and don't understand what you're saying, but I still _understand_ what you're saying

[@poisonpotato1]

I feel the same way. Like yeah I can see how music sounds upbeat and happy or sound sad, so but I didn’t understand all of the analysis

[@chaitanya.shankar]

I don’t understand what you are saying

[@str8kronic]

I've been watching these musical theory videos all day with the same feeling u just described. I am the most musically challenged person ever, I dont know anything but I feel like I am understanding what they are saying while being clueless at the same exact time

[@Murglie]

Music is intrinsically human. Like, evolutionary and culturally, we are musical creatures. Music theory just puts words to the things we already instinctively know.

[@matthewjamestaylor]

Great video. I saw Queen in concert 5 times back in the 70s. Freddie didn't always sing the high notes live, and I got the impression that his voice was somewhat fragile. It was certainly weathered on long tours. That said, he did have great nights, and I saw a couple of them. On one occasion I remember him actually remarking to the crowd that his voice felt great that night. I will never forget the night he played with the "repeater" for some time while the rest of the band was taking a break. That "play" turned out to be the intro for the Prophet's Song when the other 3 returned to the stage. That technology (repeating and looping) seems old now, but it was mind blowing at the time. Cheers.

[@crazy1234573]

I love The Prophets Song!! Freddie blended every note he sang perfectly. 🎵🎵Listen to the wise man🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@Fitzroyfallz]

Most singers don't sing as high on their records on tour. You need to preserve your voice as much as possible.

[@agave20091]

You are so lucky!

[@edwardjaydonh2984]

Matthew Taylor you saw Queen in concert. I hope you remember those nights forever. Cheers, mate. 

[@matthewjamestaylor]

@@edwardjaydonh2984 Thanks for the reply. One quick story. I went to the NOTW concert (LA Forum), and since I was late getting a ticket, I had to settle for an "obscured view" seat. I was high up stage left (almost even with the front of the stage). The concert started with We Will Rock You. You could hear the thump/thump/Clap but the stage was dark. What I couldn't see were two platforms built way up in the air on each side of the stage (it was dark when I got there). When Brian May hit that first chord, a spot light lit him up and he was at my level about 10 feet in front of me. Shocker! Sometimes, "obscured view" was the best seat in the house. LOL I was in awe for the entire evening. Queen not only had great music, but their shows were off the charts. Cheers.

[@recklessroges]

6:15 "The vocals are a pretty crucial part of a duet" 12tone 2019

[@thorr18BEM]

'Let me out!'

[@michaeldettloff9051]

I legit read this comment as he said it lol

[@might_e]

How dare you hit me with Loss

[@amaice]

wtf 8bit

[@oravlaful]

fUCK i can't believe they trolled us so hard i feel betrayed

[@GameLimbs]

I literally lost it at that. XD

[@roachdoggjr3786]

where

[@wes4439]

@@roachdoggjr3786 8:32

[@PetiscoMC]

3:30 that sneaky "Never gonna give you up" lick though

[@Zeupater]

@PetiscoMC Did Queen and David Rick-Roll us, did 12 or did you? (Or all of the above?)

[@kikojavier3804]

Dont get it

[@uselessshroob]

@@kikojavier3804 Here, made a video to explain the joke. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@hizon525]

Key Co. 12tone drew the notes of he chorus for Never Gonna Give you up

[@daliish233]

Unrelevant but that yasuo on your pfp...

[@glang00098]

"That man's voice was cheating"...I died laughing. Best line!

[@arnoldwardenaar127]

That, combined with the ridiculously low to unnecessarily high... Not that he is jealous or anything🤣🤣🤣

[@almoglevin]

What singer has not been jealous of Freddie Mercury?.. :-)

[@andrewsparkes8829]

Marc Martell.

[@Teedo_]

@@andrewsparkes8829 same hights but he is missing the character

[@pisos2.0]

Dimash

[@iamgroot3727]

Freddie himself

[@yetz2291]

@@iamgroot3727 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHSzYaqoqLyMrck if this Freddie wasn't jealous of this Freddie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6XcdJt_rNSeqJI, then I don't know what he was thinking.

[@morosorodubuc5110]

“In my opinion ‘Under Pressure’ is one of THE best duets in the history of popular music.” I’VE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS! ITS SO GOOD! FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE UNDERSTANDS!

[@dougthemoleman]

I like your analyses, but I think it's important that people understand one thing: Queen likely didn't arrive at that bass line by thinking of adding an A first and syncopation second. It's okay, and very likely, to arrive at stuff like this intuitively. What you're doing is analyzing why it works, not how they got there.

[@laradunphy1647]

actually legend had it that deacon came up with the bassline and forgot it when he and the other band members went out to lunch, and then I think it was roger who remembered it. so yeah it was probably just a casual thing deacon thought of rather than thinking of this from a music theorists' point of view. subconsciously though it seems he understands music theory, just maybe not the terminology and/or why the bassline works the way it does.

[@lunakid12]

Exactly. That first 4 minutes of blatantly over-analysing that _very_ simple riff was kinda shocking to see, quite frankly. It forced me to reevaluate my opinion about this (otherwise great) channel.

[@dougthemoleman]

@@lunakid12 Oh come now, it doesn't take away from the channel. What he's saying is true. My comment was meant for people who may confuse analysis with writing. Analysis can be important, and even fun. But when you're writing, most often, you won't be in that headspace. Unless you're going for a very deliberate style or doing some sort of exercise. All that said, the channel is great, please don't get me wrong.

[@lunakid12]

@@dougthemoleman Yes, and please you don't get me wrong either: it doesn't take away anything from _your_ (perception of the) channel, but it did from mine. (But I'll still keep being subscribed: I didn't say I now suddenly dislike it, just toned down my enthusiasm a little. I'll now feel more comfortable disagreeing, or ignoring sections etc.) I think we can agree that just about any one of us could have presumably come up with a riff like that, once in a while, and we know that if such building blocks work, it's because they organically match the musical context, not because of some artificial micro-considerations that filled those 4 full minutes. I do acknowledge that such a dissection can be a fun exercise (there's a reason I'm here...), and I don't mean to ruin it. It just made me realize (contrary to how I previously felt) how arbitrary and subjective these can actually be. (E.g. when he tried selling the idea of "they could've as well come up with" just a monotonic repetition of the same note as a viable bass "riff" there, that's not "truth", that's just an opinion, and one so disconnected from the actual musical subject at hand, that for me it invalidated the whole train of thought automatically.) And, again: this is just _my opinion_. (Sharing a crucial bit (the overwhelming importance of intuition) with yours, whether you like it or not. ;) Where we differ is that you call the analysis "true", and I call it over-the-top and unsubstantiated, but still entertaining (to others).)

[@erinpeterson3202]

yes, but the point of this video is analysis. and even if the conception of the riff was organic, there is still plenty to analyze

[@VanGugenhiemer]

I've always love the fact that this song is on both of their best of albums.

[@djdoozer6175]

which albmus??

[@TheInselaffen]

They weren't just some 'finger snaps,' they are the relentless beat of human society, remember the intro is snaps and claps.

[@1992thGuitarist]

Its not just that. I do not have perfect pitch or whatever but the snaps do feel like an extension of the baseline in the intro. It does feel like a G which is the starting chord, and actually the 4th in the scale creating a tension immediately.

[@zackbuildit88]

@@1992thGuitarist but... aren't claps pitchless percussion?

[@walkerdeserttracer6767]

Bowie had a much higher voice early on in his career just listen to life on Mars. But after he quit Cocaine in the late seventies his voice changed and in later songs in the nineties whenever he sang a little too high his voice would have a weird two tone sound. No one ever mentions it, not even Bowie, but I think he damaged his voice and probably wore a hole through his septum or upper palate according to some light googling. In an interview Bowie said he realized he had to quit when he sneezed and “half my brains came out”.

[@turnleftaticeland]

There’s definitely a noticeable descent in range throughout his 70s albums. Ziggy Stardust (72) has an almost squealy tone to it, Aladdin Sane (73) becomes raspier and more theatrical, Diamond Dogs (74) the rasp is practically trademarked, and by Young Americans (75)/Station to Station (76) he’s a full-on deep resonant baritone. (And somehow it’s stellar no matter what.)

[@253timeandtimeagain2]

I think that his vocal performances on albums like Young Americans ('75), Scary Monsters ('80) or Outside ('95) are way more impressive than the ones on the early albums. However, i obviously love the high tone of Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust.

[@turnleftaticeland]

253 timeandtimeagain Oh, I agree. He definitely refined his technique over time, especially once he escaped cocaine land lol. Lodger and Scary Monsters have some of the best vocals he ever recorded (Look Back In Anger anyone??). Personally, though, I think Sweet Thing from Diamond Dogs is his best vocal performance of all time. Just over 3 octaves spanned in a matter of measures, and with such buildup of intensity and release of emotion... Bowie is truly unmatched, no matter the time period.

[@253timeandtimeagain2]

@@turnleftaticeland "it'safe in the cityyy..." just amazing!

[@jaschabull2365]

So, he displayed both trauma-induced heterochromia and trauma-induced two-toned vocals? Sounds like a thematic motif for an anime character or something.

[@CrimsionVision]

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury?! Best Crossover in Music History!

[@tonimacaroni2809]

Yes

[@giovannigobbi4832]

Drew Bell Pictures I think that Lennon and Mercury would be a better crossover, the only problem is, it didn't happen

[@tyuiocool]

Have you heard the song between Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury? It'll blow your mind.

[@giovannigobbi4832]

@@tyuiocool I heard it, r u talkin about state of shock or there must be more to live than this? (there other duets I think

[@xFireStyle]

@@giovannigobbi4832 'There Must Be More To Life Than This' MJ&Queen William Orbit Mix

[@Andres33AU]

There was a quote from I think Brian May, in regards to why Queen's music was so popular, and he said something along the lines that they don't sing about fame and fortune, but about daily struggles in everyday life, and about being human, and I think that resonates most with their listeners. Also I love the presentation and discussion from this channel! Instantly subscribed! :)

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

That’s exactly what I love about Queen. This is how you appeal rock to a pop audience or vice versa. And I never see Queen as Freddie up front, although he legitimately was and rightfully so was. But I have always seen four normal English men in a row that have some gifted talent and passion towards writing and performing some of the most iconic hits in rock 'n' roll history.

[@cavaleriedesmarresetdesguetres]

I'm tired, my English is not perfect and I don't know anything about music I didn't understand a thing and yet I still watched this video entirely because it sounded so interesting Anyway keep on the good work, I guess

[@BaguetteGamingOfficial]

Ton anglais est excellent pourtant

[@abramthiessen8749]

8:31 Minimalist loss comic spotted.

[@louisnixon9870]

nice

[@radicaledward84]

Yeah, I was in this serious mood since when he said that Bowie=survival and Mercury=hope and then the hylarious unexpected happened. Well, the meme is hylarious, not what was depicted in the original comic of course. That's just sad.

[@artysanmobile]

It’s a long held maxim for musicians that the magic is in the rests.

I literally burst into tears when I finally understood the geniality of the bass riff... it is not just an awesome riff, it is The Riff.

[@12tone]

Some additional thoughts/corrections: 1) I have a merch store now! I'm gonna be showing the stuff off more in a future video, but if you want to check it out you can find it here: standard.tv/12tone 2) Technically speaking, in the bridge, I'd analyze the F and G7 as secondary chords temporarily tonicizing the Ami: I don't believe it's a real key change, and if I had infinite time I probably would've gotten into that, but the distinction didn't seem that important so I'm clarifying here instead. 3) In retrospect I think it would've been more accurate to describe the bass riff under the guitar line as an ostinato rather than a pedal but eh, terminology is boring anyway. The point is it doesn't change: What you call the non-changing thing has little impact on its musical effect.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

I think it's fair to call it a pedal as well as ostinato, because it's the bass and it essentially changes all the chords to be slash chords over the tonic, like a pedal would.

[@obliviousotterI]

You should probably pin this

[@crazy1234573]

I have always loved this song so much!! The fact that they just improvised and came up with it in the studio is amazing.

[@andreborges2881]

As a person who actually prefers Bowie's theatrical baritone to Mercury's unabashed mastery and spectacle: this duet is perfect. I couldn't imagine these two building something more beautiful together (along with good ole Deacon, May and Rogers, of course).

[@xFireStyle]

Fun fact: we almost lost Under Pressure to a pizza because of deacon.

[@veronicag4593]

xFireStyle 🤔explain ...

[@xFireStyle]

@@veronicag4593 deacon played the bass line, then they ate pizza and john forgot it, but luckily roger and brian remembered it so he could play it again.

[@nickgriffin7710]

Dammit pizza...

[@agave20091]

It was his riff.

[@sleepingdragons57]

@@agave20091 yeah but he forgot it because he only played it once then just left it alone for a couple hours

[@ethanjaspers8580]

The question remains. Did Mercury have cheats enabled or was he just exploiting the existing system?

[@Yungblut]

Freddie was and untrained singer that also smoked, so he was playing in hard mode actually XD

[@ethanjaspers8580]

@@Yungblut ha.

[@Mr_Stanley888]

@@Yungblut He smoked something for sure.

[@rainersnookh]

That’s why he got banned and have to leave early

[@agave20091]

What are cheats?

[@kiaraarts5156]

This was the most fun I have ever had watching a educational video about music- I LOVE how you broke the song apart and added the notes as you spoke about them, (Audibly and drawing them) that made this really interesting and amazing to watch!

[@OneNvrKnoz]

This is legit your best analysis yet. Keep up the amazing work!

[@christianwalters2226]

Now were getting close to our final form. *proceeds to draw frieza* SUBSCRIBED *later on* It does help that Mercury was holding a high G, then jumps to a high A, that man's voice was cheating *proceeds to write the Konami code* TURNS ON NOTIFICATIONS

[@JohnnyTortel]

Still the descending line gives you a sense of loss and defeat. Proceeds to draw loss

[@Xrysalys]

Throws in a subtle rickroll LIKED

[@arthurdamato2668]

9:31 "...so it doesn't feel completely resolved." Draws element 117, tennessine (Ts). CHEMISTRY NERDERY IN THE MIDDLE OF A MUSIC THEORY LESSON I AM SO IN.

[@finw-k6805]

Never really fully appreciated the brilliance of Deacon until this video; he's one hell of a musician.

[@SendyTheEndless]

3:33 I love it when you bring it home like this. Just... wow. Thanks!

[@marisa4942]

I really appreciate the effort you put in analysing the chords and cute drawing! Thank you!

[@Chuwie18]

I've been waiting for this so long. It makes so happy to finally see it. Thank you!! PS: Everlong by Foo Fighters would be amazing. Anyway, love the channel.

[@Producelikeapro]

How am I now only just seeing this? This is such an amazing video! Thanks ever so much for making this!

[@kirk001]

Thank you for making this video. I've never studied music or music theory in any way so you're giving me a great introduction to it. And, especially this song--you've given me a whole new appreciation of it--like really hearing it for the first time--and man, I can really relate to it in this world. So thank you again so much!

[@user-fn1ot9es3b]

I got chills from that riff analysis, that was so inspirational... I never thought of it that way, but I could feel it

[@lincolnjezek4370]

the emotion this song gives me, I cant quite put my finger on it

[@madebyike]

Just listening to this description of this song gives me goose bumps by shear proximity to greatness. As a side note, the line, "...because that man's voice was cheating" is the best description I think I've ever heard of Mercury.

[@vatorudy]

Thank you. It's great listening to you have such enthusiasm in dissecting this great music.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Your way of drawing keywords in visual/abstract perfectly compliments my learning/studying technique! I remember your points more and easier this way even though I still don't know how to read music nor understand it much. Thank you!

[@00SNIVY00]

11:23 "...because that man's voice was *cheating*"

[@ValouIka]

David Bowie and Queen is indeed an *explosive* duo.

[@santhiagorocha8719]

Oh dear, it seems you have seen it

[@RickTrajan]

OH MY GAHD

[@zachcoats4849]

This is the KILLER comment I was looking for.

[@angelvu]

thank you for covering this, I feel like everyone has forgotten or never cared to look at these two

[@hacerclic1020]

That was brilliant. It adds to my appreciation of this incredible song. Thanks!

[@5up3rp3rs0n]

3:30 tfw rickroll

[@girllionness5944]

loved this, especially the explanation of the bass part! you should do one on duran duran's rio or girls on film, would love to see you deconstruct the bassline on those

[@5roundsrapid263]

Yes, please. John Taylor is right up there with John Deacon.

[@MycelianNetwork]

your videos always give me a new appreciation for my favorite songs!

[@PatrickMoon994]

Perfect. Din't know this song before but after watching Amazon prime Good Omen , I've been listening Under Pressure almost everyday. The melody , the lyrics and duet between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie are just enchanting. Love it.

[@EvilSapphireR]

Best gift for my birthday! A 12tones video and with a song that is one of my most favorites. Really a treat to watch your break-down videos man.

[@bv1989ro]

Happy birthday🎉🎉🎉 I totally get your fillings, even if today is not my birthday I still enjoyed this video almost as much as a gift

[@EvilSapphireR]

@@bv1989ro thank you. Happy belated birthday to you too!

[@bv1989ro]

@@EvilSapphireR thx

[@TimSimon69]

Finally, a Queen song!!!! Keep it up Corey!! Awesome analysis 💗💗💗

[@OldHumbleDistillingCompany]

Bowie offers us survival, Mercury offers us hope. That's absolutely beautiful. I love this video and love this song even more now.

[@NightRogue77]

Love ur content - subbed! Nothing better than when someone opens your eyes in such a way that you find more ways to love something you already love 🙏👍

[@playgroundchooser]

Dare I say this was my single favorite episode of 12 Tone?? I laughed so hard multiple times.

[@Heyiya-if]

There really is a reason this is one of the best rock songs ever.

[@RemyLuciani]

As usual, thank you for your amazing work!

[@okaykatieokay]

The lyrics in the bridge and the way they flow into each other is one my favourite pieces of songwriting

[@RogerAlan]

I've never come across your videos or anything like this before. I'm not saying I understand everything you just said, but hearing music explained in this way is almost the emotional equivalent of translating an ancient language. Bravo.

[@rileynavra]

Roger Alan that’s because music IS an ancient language

[@diabalotia]

well done on jamming in the loss meme also an interesting fact about this was that as far as ive heard, both mercury and bowie didnt know who they were going to be dueting the song with until after each part was already recorded

[@CaptainWastrel]

I just found your channel via youtube recommended. I loved every single video i watched so far, you're an AMAZING content creator, I swear if you don't have a million subs by december 2020 I'll riot

[@Sammy71ful]

I love the way this video is done! The drawings are great! Also very fascinating content.

[@turtle4llama]

I laughed so loud at "that man's voice was cheating" that I scared my cat

[@MattMoney]

“This weeks gonna be a good one” You couldn’t be more right!

[@yusufylmaz6417]

This videos are so helpful to me as i am studying music theory and i can't get this anywhere at all. Thank you so much.

[@saam6768]

Great analysis of a great song. Thank you especially for this one.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

6:44 "Pointlessly low to unnecessarily high..." That bat you drew. Is that a Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas reference?

[@OtherSideOfMorning]

The use of that angler fish was absolutely brilliant! Hmm, they are under some serious pressure as well

[@AmandaKaymusic]

Talking about hooks, scales and lines I'm surprised there aren't more fish in these terrific clips.

[@yvc9]

Wonderful channel. Thank you for all the insights.

[@KingstonCzajkowski]

Great video analyzing the song! And nice job dropping in a Saint-Exupéry quote in there; that alone made me subscribe.

[@fankidtastic]

"because that mans voice was cheating" thats so accurate ahaha

[@tatomar001]

I always found amazing how the song was constructed, i remember hearing that they had actually forgotten the riff, then someone (i think roger) rembered it and they recorded what i think was freddies part, without leaving space for davids part, and david then came and started recording his part in the free spaces in freddies singing and that's why there is this feeling of counterpoint or answering in some parts of the song.

[@zbr76]

David was actually listening in secretly on Freddie's takes. That's how he filled in the gaps so well.

[@fugithegreat]

This song gives me chills every single time.

[@supersaiyancommenter]

Awesome! I was curious about this song when I first heard it, thanks!

[@rurichan6455]

Well David Bowie's Stand, Killer Queen is a representation of his fighting ability. Thats why they were so perfect for each other

[@jaschabull2365]

I always wondered why his stand is Killer Queen if Bowie doesn't even sing in that song.

[@pororokun1597]

now i understand how they made Yoshikage Kira and Killer Queen

[@albumkosong]

Kira bait the dust is basically Kira under pressure

[@RobbyBloodshed]

Man, you break it down perfect. Top notch.

[@videosofjaymzstudio]

Ive learned more in this video than i have in music class. Great video!

[@rglover444]

That Frieza drawing lol. Top tier references

[@ExcaliburPaladin]

He is true master

[@Zestrayswede]

I have this song on my phone and I never knew David Bowie was singing the low bits (I just assumed it was someone else in the band).

[@Blhanhell]

Blasphemy!

[@michelthibodeau3474]

@@Blhanhell It's a bigger blasphemy to say that the Shawn Mendes version is better (like my teen daughter claims) SMH!

[@HobGungan]

As good as Bowie is, it's blasphemy to call it a Bowie song ft. Queen. It's a Queen song ft. Bowie

[@angiematas]

Omg the little elephants

[@GeoffPowell65]

Cool video! I'm no musician so a lot of your ideas are complex for me, but I mostly get it. It's great to have a musical analysis to make sense of such a great and complex song.

[@deanyona6246]

You should make a video about Yes' Close to the Edge.

[@hpoz222]

The first 2-hour-long 12tone video

[@Cyssane]

Hmm, bit long for a typical 12Tone video. Tell ya what -- split the difference and make it Moonlight Desires by Gowan, since Jon Anderson of Yes sang backing vocals.

[@CreativityCurve]

Waiting for a 5 hour video on Art of Life personally

[@klatix100]

You hid a rickroll and loss in this video. I feel violated

[@MrKite_]

So much magic in one song,thanks! 💫💫💫

[@dwc1964]

This is one of my favorite songs and is [specifically Bowie's closing solo] a key component in one of the most pivotal scenes in one of my favorite movies that also features one of my favorite soundtracks of all time in a way that is thoroughly integrated with the story - *Grosse Pointe Blank.*

[@Mageling55]

I laughed so hard at the Konami code slipped in there

[@ArthurDWolfe]

When the video hit 08:30 and "a sense of loss" I almost lost my shit. Never have I been so happy about my own meme literacy.

[@Lyander25]

That, Frieza, the Konami code... 12tone is all the memes.

[@DoubleBassX2]

You are so open-minded. Love this channel; keep it up man!

[@johnellisbushbush]

This was awesome man, this is my favourite song!

[@jacob.southern]

David Bowie uses Killer Queen, Stray Cat, and Bites the Dust, what do you not under**stand**

[@miguelrucoba]

DO YOU UNDERSTAAAAANNNDDUUU!!

[@lz4005]

With this song I feel like you could have gone on twice and long and still not covered everything.

[@ocean037]

I really love that you went extra nerd with some of your drawings here!

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

This is such a great video! I've always loved and been fascinated by music and this really hits that sweet spot. My first point: I love how it sounds like Freddie and Bowie are at war here. At times it sounds like they're showing off the things their voice can do that the other can't... but they come together in the end, and reconcile, and move forward a little. My second point: 8:09 *doo doo do doo do* .... "HERE COMES THE SUN, DO DO DOo DOO" (I can't be the only one that hears this, right? Am I some kind of Queen Heretic???)

[@lucasdriessen5369]

8:30 is this...?

[@MinecraftAmatorPL]

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[@oNTiger]

“Now we’re getting close to our final form” Then he drew Frieza.

[@simply-living8523]

This song is a great everything. From the music, artist and message. I'd like to see today's music be like this

[@ringo-san9629]

A video essay about my favorite song from two awesome musicians? Wonderful