Elton John and Stevie Wonder unveil new duet 'Finish Line' from Elton's Lockdown Sessions album

30 September 2021, 12:21 | Updated: 22 September 2023, 10:15

Stevie Wonder and Elton John in 2008
Stevie Wonder and Elton John in 2008. Picture: Getty

By Mayer Nissim

Elton John recently announced his Lockdown Sessions album of collaborations with other stars.

Elton John and Stevie Wonder have unveiled their new duet 'Finish Line'.

The song is one of 16 new collaborations from Elton's upcoming album The Lockdown Sessions, which also features Stevie Knicks, Miley Cyrus, Gorillaz, Nicki Minaj and others.

'Finish Line' is the third track to be heard from the album ahead of its release on October 22, after the hit 'Cold Heart (PNAU remix)' with Dua Lipa and 'After All' with Charlie Puth.

Finish Line

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The song features Wonder on vocals and harmonica, as well as Kanye West's Sunday Service Choir.

"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," Elton told Apple Music 1's Rocket Hour.

"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."

He continued: "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."

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Stevie Wonder added: "It is both a joy and honor 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. 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!)"

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While 'Finish Line' is the first duet between the pair, they have collaborated on records in the past.

Wonder played harmonica on Elton's 1983 single 'I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues', and they appeared alongside Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight as Dionne & Friends on a 1985 charity version of Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager's 'That's What Friends Are For'.

Elton John recently announced the postponement of his 2021 UK and European tour dates after he suffered a fall, pushing back those concerts to 2023.