Queen

Just before Hollywood records re-mastered and re-released Queen's entire back catalogue in the early 90's, they issued a 5-track CD single, We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions, which featured remixes by Rick Rubin. A leadoff 5-minute version of "We Will Rock You" featured bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Rubin was working on the Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magik album at the time), as well as DJ Afrika Islam. Although Flea and Smith are just featured on an extended jam at the end of the track, it's interesting how Rubin tied in samples of various solos from Queen guitarist Brian May (from such past Queen classics as "Tie Your Mother Down" and "Stone Cold Crazy") over the jam. The other remixes are not nearly as interesting or memorable - especially the versions of "We Are the Champions" (the tempo of the beats used on it's first remix are clearly out of sync with Freddie Mercury's vocals and the music). Since the interesting 5-minute version of "We Will Rock You" was featured as a bonus track on the re-released edition of News of the World, the We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions CD single is recommended only to Queen's most diehard fans. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide