Willie Nelson and Karen O have put a spin on a classic rock tune.
On Wednesday, the duo released a cover of “Under Pressure,” originally by Queen and David Bowie.”
The iconic number celebrated the 31st anniversary of its release on Monday, and the new version is inspired by the importance of the 2020 presidential election, NME reports.
“I’ve heard this song countless times without processing the gravity of what Bowie and [Queen front man] Freddie [Mercury] were singing about, maybe because their performances are so exhilarating you get swept away in the high of that duet,” said Karen O, 41 — born Karen Lee Orzolek — in a statement obtained by the outlet.
She added: “Our cover was meant to be more intimate but just as saturated with the power of love. I can’t listen to this song without tearing up every time Willie comes in, one of the purest voices which of course reflects a pure heart, and I get to sing alongside it. I hope the song brings as much light to the listener as it has to me in dark times.”
The stripped-down version of the song also features Karen O’s Yeah Yeah Yeahs bandmate Nick Zinner on guitar, as well as Imaad Wasif and Johnny Hanson. Priscilla Ahn provided backing vocals.