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Queen’s ‘Body Language’ Single Faced Unexpectedly Cool Reception in UK, Freddie Mercury Revealed
Despite a string of chart-topping hits and widespread critical praise for their music, one particular Queen song, “Body Language,” did not resonate as strongly with the British audience, according to the band’s iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury. This disco-influenced track marked a stylistic departure for the rock legends.
Shifting Musical Direction: From Rock Roots to Dance Rhythms
Following their ascent to global fame during the 1970s, an era defined by their rock anthems and intricate instrumental arrangements, Queen opted to explore the burgeoning dance and disco sounds that were shaping the 1980s music landscape. This evolution in their sound was a conscious decision to innovate and adapt.
‘Hot Space’ Album: Embracing Dance Music
This sonic experimentation culminated in their 1982 album, Hot Space, a record deeply immersed in the dance trends of the time. It built upon the success of their previous hit, “Another One Bites the Dust,” which had already hinted at their inclination towards funk and danceable grooves. Mercury himself expressed considerable enthusiasm for this new direction, as documented in Freddie Mercury: A Life, In His Own Words.
Initial Single Releases and Chart Performance
The Hot Space album was launched with two singles intended to capture audience attention:
- ‘Under Pressure’: A collaboration with David Bowie, this track achieved significant commercial success, earning a 3x Platinum certification in the United Kingdom.
- ‘Body Language’: This second single, while not reaching the heights of ‘Under Pressure’, still secured a respectable position, peaking at number 25 on the UK charts. This lukewarm reception in their home country, however, was a point of contention for Mercury.
Mercury’s Disappointment with UK Response
Mercury voiced his strong disapproval of the British public’s reaction to “Body Language.” He conveyed his frustration, stating, “I’m extremely upset — outraged, in fact. I just think they could have given it a chance. I mean, I know ‘Body Language’ was the first one of its kind from us, but it met with such disapproval in England. God!”
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American Audiences Embrace the New Sound
Despite the underwhelming response in the UK, Mercury found comfort in the song’s positive reception across the Atlantic. American listeners embraced “Body Language,” propelling it to number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This transatlantic divide in opinion was significant for the band.
Contrasting Reactions: UK Rejection vs. US Acceptance
“In this case, with Hot Space, I think it is a big risk and the public have been torn between two. I hope the Americans will see it as something new because the other side of the spectrum is that England just totally ignored it. It was obviously not their cup of tea. So, they just rejected it totally,” Mercury commented, highlighting the stark contrast between the two major markets.
No Return to Classic Rock Style Envisioned
Mercury firmly dismissed any notion that the band would abandon their evolving sound and revert to their earlier rock style simply because of the perceived chart disappointment in the UK. “If they think that because of that situation, I’m going to suddenly turn back and come out with a rehash of ‘[Bohemian] Rhapsody,’ they’re mistaken,” he asserted.
American Acceptance Validates Queen’s Direction
“There’s no way I’m going to see that. But I’m glad that the Americans have seen that side of it,” Mercury concluded, emphasizing the importance of the American audience’s positive feedback in validating their musical exploration.
‘Body Language’ and ‘Hot Space’ Album’s US Chart Success
While “Body Language” may not have reached the iconic status of anthems like ‘We Are The Champions’ or ‘We Will Rock You’, it still demonstrated staying power on the US charts, remaining for 14 weeks. The Hot Space album itself also performed well in the United States, reaching number 22 on the Billboard 200 album chart and maintaining a presence there for 21 weeks. This commercial performance underscored the album’s, and “Body Language’s,” relative success in America despite its less enthusiastic welcome in Britain.