The year is 1977, and a British rock band named “Queen” released a song that would become an anthem for millions of people all over the world. The song was called “We Are The Champions” and would become a hit in all four corners of the globe. Interestingly, the song never made it to number 1 but that didn’t seem to matter, as even today, some 40-years-later, it is still recognized as a timeless classic. The song was written by Queens lead singer Freddie Mercury and featured on the album “News of the World”. At its peak it reached number 2 on the “UK Singles Chart” and number 4 on the “Billboard Hot 100”. The song was inducted into the “Grammy Hall of Fame” in 2009, and was voted the world’s favorite song in the 2005 “Sony Ericson” world music poll.
There have even been scientific studies done on this classic track. In 2011 a team of researchers stated that after their scientific studies of the song it is definitely the catchiest song in the history of pop music. Now that is a big statement, but what is it based on? Well one of the researches, Dr. Daniel Mullensiefen said that “Every musical hit is reliant on maths, science, engineering and technology; from the physics and frequencies of sound that determine pitch and harmony, to the hi-tech digital processors and synthesizers which can add effects to make a song more catchier. We’ve discovered that there’s a science behind the sing-along and a special combination of neuroscience, math and cognitive psychology that can produce the elusive elixir of the perfect sing-along song.” Now I don’t know about you, but that makes absolutely no sense to me, the simple fact is, it is a great piece of music with an extremely catchy chorus and motivational theme…………maybe I should be a scientist……..no, I don’t think so.
The clip you will see below is a completely raw version of the incredible song. Some have called it an
A-cappella version, but in reality it is simply the vocals of the original with the music backing stripped from the mix. What the version highlights in the incredible range in Mercury’s voice. The soprano parts are literally flawless, and the power emanating from the performance is just awe inspiring.
On the 24 of November 1991, Farrokh Bulsara passed away. Freddie Mercury as we all knew him, is and always will be, sadly missed by all of us that enjoyed his talents. He was a masterful song writer and singer and was taken from us way to soon. His legacy will forever remain with us by way if his incredible voice and compositions. Click on the link below, turn up the volume and close your eyes. It may have been a while since you have heard this song, but I can assure you, it will have a thousand memories flooding back into your mind once the first note is sung.