Studio Album · No. 9
Hot Space Songwriting Credits by Queen
Produced by Queen, Reinhold Mack, Arif Mardin
Queen wrote 11 of 11 documented tracks
Authorship Breakdown 11 / 11 documented
Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Queen carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Hot Space is Queen's most divisive album, a hard pivot into funk and dance pushed mainly by John Deacon and Freddie Mercury while Brian May and Roger Taylor resisted. The writing is still split by member, and its most lasting track, "Under Pressure," is a rare full-band collaboration credited to all four members plus co-writer David Bowie. Even on a record that split the band, the authorship stays internal, with no outside songwriters beyond Bowie.
Queen's tenth studio album, released May 21, 1982, produced primarily by Queen and Reinhold Mack, with Arif Mardin co-producing the opening track. Hot Space was Queen's most controversial album, a sharp pivot toward funk and dance music that alienated many of their rock fanbase and caused significant tension within the band. Brian May in particular was reportedly dissatisfied with the direction. Despite the commercial backlash, the album produced one of Queen's most enduring recordings: 'Under Pressure,' co-written by all four members of Queen and David Bowie, who also co-produced it. The track reached number one in the UK. 'Body Language' (Mercury) reached number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100. John Deacon contributes 'Back Chat,' and Roger Taylor contributes two funk-influenced tracks. The album is often cited as a turning point in Queen's career and is one of their most debated works.