Karen O & Willie Nelson - 'Under Pressure' (Official Audio)

Karen O and Willie Nelson unveil their cover of the iconic David Bowie and Queen classic "Under Pressure".

Karen O: Vocals
Willie Nelson: Vocals

Dave Sitek: Producer; Pedal Steel; Piano
Micah Nelson: Associate Producer

Nick Zinner: Guitar
Johnny Hanson: Guitar
Imaad Wasif: Guitar
Priscilla Ahn: Backing Vocals

Matty Green: Mix Engineer
Steve Chadie: Engineer
Derek Coburn: Engineer
Elizaveta Boldyreva: Assistant Engineer

Single Artwork by Akiko Stehrenberger

“Under Pressure”
Written By Brian May, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, John Deacon & Roger Taylor
Published by Beechwood Music Corp. OBO Queen Music Ltd. (BMI), Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) & Tintoretto Music (BMI)

[Anubis]

My favorite Queen song… covered by Willie Nelson? I needed this

[cbredesen]

For me this stirs up memories of first hearing Johnny Cash cover NIN's "Hurt". This cover arrives at a time when it is so needed and IMO greatly honors both original artists.

[andreah]

Don't worry everything is gonna be ok, Karen & Willie are here

[sunnypetawriter]

Read a great review that pointed out how the clarity of their version enables us to get the words and how "the performances by Bowie and Freddie Mercury are “so exhilarating you get swept away in the high of that duet, ” which might lead a listener to miss the power of their words. This version is intended to be more intimate." about sums it up. LOVING it...

[PeanutButterZombie]

Holy shit. The duet I never knew I needed.

[monicagoddess]

I gotta admit this is the last song I thought Willie would cover, but hey I like it. His voice is so iconic! 💗🤘🏼 Save Our Stages. It's the best therapy available.

[cruisepaige]

To the groovy looking guy Who recommended this song to me on the hiking trail after seeing my Willie TShirt, Thank You, friend🙏🏼❤️💪🏼👍🏽🌈🇺🇸

[jaxstiffler]

once again music proves to be the greatest thing in the world . thank you Karen and Willie

[elliottcsmith]

now I get why this is such a popular song. It literally changes everything for me. Gorgeous.

[greymatter]

How does this exist? OMG this is a beautiful cover by two of my favorite artists on different parts of the music spectrum. LOVE IT!!!

[jeffreythompsen]

Why can't we give love another LOVE LOVE....give it get it, it's all good.

[leekimmelman]

Sometimes going down that rabbit hole late at night is a good thing. I saw on Karen O’s web page that her cover with Willie Nelson of David Bowie’s collaboration with Queen’s “Under Pressure” was out. What an odd collaboration was my first thought; I could hardly imagine these two artists crossing paths let alone working together. They are completely different genres and generations.

This is a truly haunting rendition of a song that I thought was perfect when the original artists released it. But Karen O and Willie Nelson raise the song to new levels here. The vocals shine through in ways that I’m sure have David Bowie and Freddie Mercury standing in awe with tears in their eyes.

Karen O states on her web page about her choice of this song, “—I’ve heard this song countless times without processing the gravity of what Bowie and Freddie were singing about, maybe because their performances are so exhilarating you get swept away in the high of that duet.” and I couldn’t agree more. The musicianship in this version is still outstanding and a perfect accompaniment to these voices, but it is the expression of the lyrics that elevates this to the heavens.

[shdw]

I thought I was the only one crying until I read the other comments. This was so needed in these crazy times. I love you both!

[lukeappleberry]

One of the last times I saw my dad was him and I Karaoke singing Pancho and Lefty. It's a memory I hope I never forget.

Thanks Willie.

[ricksamericana]

The world needs to hear Willie Nelson singing Freddy Mercury, right now, who knew?

[daniellewis]

Listened with open ears and didn't regret it

[TheTheoTherone]

Wasn't expecting to cry tonight, but here we are. Tears of hope, love and sympathy all on my cheeks.

[kennewicksheri]

Ooh my .. when Willie joins in, so do my tears begin
This is so very choice..
oohoh touching my heart... soul... and pure emotions

Thank you ... Thank you!

[stephenlamb]

Willie can do anything with anybody!!! Got to admit get a little choked up . Don’t know if it is her beautiful voice or Willies calming effect. Just amazing!

[michaelfriese]

Why can’t we give love one more chance? I hope we can stop the hate and realize that just because someone believes something different doesn’t mean they are a bad person. Thank you Karen O and Willie for spreading some positivity and love in this world that needs it so badly❤️