Sir Elton John has partnered with Steve Wonder on the new track, “Finish Line”. The single is the latest release from John’s upcoming album The Lockdown Sessions.
John took to his Instagram to announce the single’s release.
This is not the first time the legendary artists have teamed up, the duo previously worked together on tracks “I Guess That’s Why They Call It Blues” and the cover of “That’s What Friends Are For”. The 1985 cover single featured a juggernaut of musical talent, including iconic artists Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight. The recording was credited to Dionne and Friends and was released as a charity single in support of AIDS research and prevention.
Produced by Andrew Watt, the new track features two of music’s most talented pianists and is truly a celebration of the duo’s talent. Both musicians take lead on vocals and along with a resounding choir backing the powerful lyrics the single packs a soulful punch. The track is surely destined to be an iconic duet with both artists’ trademark sound heard throughout, including Wonder’s signature harmonica solo.
John has given the following statement concerning the new duet. ’I couldn’t be more proud of ‘Finish Line’, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best records I’ve ever made.”
In the upcoming episode of John’s show Rocket Hour on Apple Music, the duo spoke with Watt and further discuss their new track. John describes the musical process in which led to the track’s creation. “This track I did with Stevie Wonder is a very unusual way of writing. Usually, I write to lyrics, but I wrote the melody first in the studio, and then your girl put lyrics to it. And then Stevie came along and played piano. I played electric piano, and then he did harmonica on it. And then we were trying to get another vocalist on it and he wouldn’t do it because I think he thought he’d done enough. And then you put the gospel choir on, Kanye West Gospel Choir on it.”
John continues to celebrate his friend and musical partner’s talents as well as their friendship. .”… it was magical, magical, the way this thing came together was a series of accidents in a way. I’m so proud of this record because I love him so much. He’s always been so kind to me and so sweet to me, the talent is beyond ridiculous. And it was just lovely to spend time with him and just see this wonderful human being smiling and happy and playing on a record of mine.”
Wonder also spoke on the duo’s relationship stating that John’s “wisdom, pain, soul, love, and resilience” is heard within the track. Wonder proceeded to discuss their spiritual and musical connection, “And Elton, anyone who hears your voice singing “Finish Line”, will hear and feel your wisdom, your pain, your soul, your love, but also your resilience….. I love it!! Congratulations to you and our forever and never, never-ending music, friendship, life-song! Long live Sir Elton John!!!”
John’s new album The Lockdown Sessions is set to be released on 22nd October 2021 and features a star-studded list of artists including Dua Lipa, Lil Nas X, Eddie Vedder and Steve Nicks.
Click here to stream/download “Finish Line“.
Click here to pre-order The Lockdown Sessions.
Click here to listen to the full Rocket Hour episode broadcasted on 02/10/2021 at 5 pm.
