In 1977, there was no Auto-Tune or digital micro-editing. Every single note, drum hit, and harmony had to be performed perfectly to tape. Alternative Cuts: The Raw Sessions

Recording "We Are The Champions" required immense technical ingenuity, as the band was limited to 24-track analog tape machines. To fit the dozens of vocal and guitar parts onto a single tape, Queen had to perform "bounce downs." This involved mixing multiple completed tracks (such as six separate vocal layers) down onto one or two vacant tracks, freeing up the original tracks for more recording.

For “We Are the Champions,” the Raw Sessions version is a revelation. It is presented —two choruses longer than the familiar 1977 release. Fans can hear the band’s original studio banter , including a false start to one of the earliest takes and Freddie Mercury saying, “That was a lovely feel… that’s exactly how it should be” after the take. Additionally, the track reveals that the song, known for its unresolved cliff-hanger ending, was originally intended to fade out gradually rather than stop abruptly.

Some of the equipment used during the recording:

Rather than a traditional, frantic rock solo, May constructs an ascending, multi-tracked guitar harmony piece that mimics brass horns. Listening to these stems individually reveals how he layered three-part and four-part harmonies, carefully controlling the feedback and sustain of each note to create a weeping, operatic climax. 5. The Magic of 24-Track Analog Consoles

Found throughout the verses, doubled on left and right channels. Overdriven Rhythm: Kicks in during the chorus transition.