Over 35 years after their 1985 charity single “That’s What Friends Are For,” two of the biggest names in music,
Elton John and Stevie Wonder have reunited for “Finish Line”.
According to Rolling Stone, the music legends — who also previously collaborated on “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” (with Wonder on harmonica) — also recruited Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir and producer Andrew Watt for the throwback single, which marks John and Wonder’s first real duet.
Released September 30, it is part of John’s upcoming LP release, The Lockdown Sessions, out October 22.
American Songwriter reports that John, who has already released collabs for the project with artistes like Charlie Puth, will release his new 16-song epic in about three weeks. The album also features work with Brandi Carlile, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Eddie Vedder, and many more.
“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 said of the collaboration with Wonder, via a press release. “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 sheer joy and exuberance in his vocals. Andrew Watt has done an unbelievable job on the production… this is a true genius here.”
Wonder added, “It is both a joy and honour to sing, play piano and harmonica for Elton! 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”.
