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Another One Bites the Dust

A 1980 hit single by British rock band Queen, written by bassist John Deacon. Known for its prominent bassline, disco-funk groove and broad cultural impact, it won an American Music Award.

"Another One Bites the Dust" is a song recorded by the British rock band Queen. Released on the group's 1980 album The Game, it became one of their most widely recognized singles. The track is notable for its spare arrangement and rhythmic focus, which helped it cross over from rock radio into dance and pop playlists.

The song was written by bassist John Deacon, who conceived the distinctive repeating bass riff that drives the track. Deacon's composition emphasizes a tight, syncopated groove with a simple, catchy hook. The arrangement leaves space for the beat and bass to dominate, while vocals and guitar provide punctuation rather than dense layered textures.

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Musical characteristics

  • Prominent, looping bassline that anchors the song's rhythm and melody.
  • Sparse production that blends rock instrumentation with a funk and dance-oriented backbeat.
  • Direct, chant-like vocal lines and brief guitar interjections that keep the focus on rhythm.

Upon release the single earned heavy airplay and broad commercial exposure. It won an American Music Award for Favorite Rock Single and contributed to Queen's reputation for stylistic versatility. Its strong groove and accessible form helped it reach audiences beyond the band's traditional rock fan base.

Beyond its chart life, the song has been widely used in film, television, advertising and sporting events, and has inspired numerous covers and reinterpretations. Critics and listeners often single out the bass riff as one of the most memorable elements in Queen's catalog, and the track remains a staple of classic-rock playlists.

As a composition by John Deacon, the song stands apart within the band's work for putting rhythm and atmosphere ahead of elaborate harmonies. Its crossover appeal, award recognition and ongoing presence in popular culture make it a significant entry in Queen's recorded legacy.

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