New song taken from forthcoming The Lockdown Sessions
Elton John and Stevie Wonder have unveiled “Finish Line,” the latest song to be released from John’s forthcoming album, The Lockdown Sessions. A collection of collaborations recorded remotely over the last 18 months, the album is a dazzlingly diverse array of 16 tracks that celebrate togetherness and sees John collaborating with an unparalleled range of artists only he could draw together. It will be released on October 22nd via Interscope Records.
Last week John unveiled “After All” with Charlie Puth. A classic, soulful ballad, the track showed a delicious counterpart to previous single, and burgeoning global hit, “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” with Dua Lipa. And now, with “Finish Line” Elton and Stevie Wonder have revealed another fully realized side to the multifaceted project. A stunning gospel infused track, with Wonder’s unmistakable vocals and trademark harmonica, the song features The Sunday Service Choir, Kanye West’s renowned Gospel Choir. Previous collaborations between the pair have included “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” featuring Wonder on harmonica and the Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager penned “That’s What Friends Are For,” a 1985 charity record also featuring Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight, but “Finish Line” is the first time that these two undeniable greats of popular music have shared a proper duet. The resulting track is well worth the wait, a timeless song worthy of either man’s oeuvre.
“Finish Line” is produced by GRAMMY Award winner Andrew Watt. In line with the rich and varied sonic palette that makes up The Lockdown Sessions, the creation of the track was equal parts kismet and hard work, born out of mutual artistic respect and a fifty-year friendship.
“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,” John shares. “Stevie’s voice is as good as I can ever remember hearing him – he sounds like a 17-year-old again, he’s singing with a sheer joy and exuberance in his vocals. Andrew Watt has done an unbelievable job on the production. It was a magical process. I’ve always loved collaborating with Stevie, and I’m delighted that after fifty years of friendship we finally get to do a full blown duet. He has always been so kind and sweet to me, and his talent is beyond ridiculous. When you listen to what he does vocally and instrumentally on ‘Finish Line’ you think, this is a true genius here.”
“It is both a joy and honor to sing, play piano and harmonica for Elton!” Wonder adds. “He has truly been one of the great spirits of music, life, friendship and love, who I’ve met on this life journey! True artistry and music like love equals a forever commitment lasting many lifetimes. 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!!! (big smiley face!)”
Also, a new remix of Elton’s collaboration with Dua Lipa “Cold Heart” by PS1 has also been made available and adds to the ever growing fervor around this global hit. Last week “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” became John’s first Top 5 UK Singles Chart track since 2003’s “Are You Ready For Love,” topping the Shazam Chart and the iTunes chart in the process.
Earlier this month, John postponed the 2021 dates of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour in Europe and the UK to 2023 due to hip surgery he must undergo after a fall earlier this summer.
