The band widely recognized for having the shortest song ever is Napalm Death, with their track "You Suffer."
"You Suffer": A Blink-and-You'll-Miss-It Track
"You Suffer," by the British grindcore band Napalm Death, holds the distinction of being the shortest song ever recorded and released. Featured on their 1987 debut album, Scum, this track is renowned for its extreme brevity, lasting just a single second. Its fleeting nature has made it a legendary piece in the history of music, often cited in discussions about unique musical achievements and avant-garde approaches to song structure.
Key Details of "You Suffer"
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Artist | Napalm Death |
| Song Title | You Suffer |
| Length | 0:01 (1 second) |
| Album | Scum (1987) |
| Label | Earache Records |
| Songwriter(s) | Justin Broadrick, Nicholas Bullen, Mick Harris |
| Producer(s) | Digby Pearson |
The song's incredibly short duration has led to its inclusion in the Guinness World Records as the shortest song ever recorded. Its lyrical content, consisting of a single line ("You suffer -- but why?"), is delivered in an almost unintelligible guttural scream, matching the rapid-fire intensity characteristic of grindcore.
The Impact of Brevity
"You Suffer" stands as a testament to the experimental and boundary-pushing nature of extreme music. While some might question its musicality, its existence challenges traditional notions of song length and structure, making a powerful statement in its fleeting moment. It remains a definitive example of how concise art can be incredibly impactful and memorable.
