"Certainly a success! Queens Of The Stone Age's track from the Noughties stood out as one of the few authentic compositions. Its unique sonic imprint spoke volumes:" Unveiling the creative process behind a Queens Of The Stone Age timeless classic.
In the world of rock music, few songs have left an indelible mark quite like "No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age. Released as the lead single from their third album, Songs For The Deaf, in 2002, the track has since become a staple of the band's repertoire and a defining moment in modern rock history.
Produced by Josh Homme, the album's creator and the band's charismatic frontman, "No One Knows" features a distinctive sound that has captivated listeners for nearly two decades. The riff, played staccato in C standard tuning (C F Bb Eb G C), is instantly recognizable, thanks in part to its unique construction. The C minor octave powerchord shape is enhanced by the movement of the pinky finger from the 10th-fret F note on the second (G) string to the 8th-fret D# note, and then down to the 9th-fret C note on the third (Eb) string.
The production of "No One Knows" is a testament to the creativity and innovative spirit of Homme and his collaborators. Eric Valentine and Homme worked together to achieve the song's signature sound using interesting studio tricks, such as recording cymbal pads and later adding only the cymbals. The result is a warm, live-sounding production that showcases the thick guitars without relying on the then-popular 7-string gut-punch.
Dave Grohl, drummer for the Foo Fighters and a guest on "No One Knows", delivered a standout performance. His consistent and hard-hitting drumming, devoid of samples, added an extra layer of intensity to the track.
The video for "No One Knows", created by Dean Karr and Michel Gondry, further cemented the song's iconic status. Depicting the band committing grand theft auto and performing in the desert, the video found heavy rotation on music channels such as Kerrang! and MTV2.
"No One Knows" reached No.1 on both the UK Rock and Metal charts and US Alternative Airplay, and was nominated for a Grammy award in 2003. However, it lost out to All My Life by Grohl's Foo Fighters. Despite this, "No One Knows" remains the definitive Queens of the Stone Age song and an alternative radio mainstay.
Josh Homme, considered one of the purest rock star frontmen of the new millennium, has spoken fondly of his preferred gear around the time of "No One Knows". His amplifier of choice was the Ampeg VT-40, a preference he's had since he was 13 years old. His guitar collection included the Ovation Ultra GP, Gibson Marauder, and Maton MS500.
Today, "No One Knows" continues to be a crowd favourite at Queens of the Stone Age concerts, with the band's second-most played song being "Go With The Flow" according to Setlist.fm. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy riff, innovative production, and the undeniable talent of its creators.
