Elton John & Stevie Wonder, Finish Line | Track Review

Two highly decorated, iconic musicians – Elton John and Stevie Wonder – make sweet music together on the spirit, ear catching “Finish Line.”

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he legendary Elton John returns with his 32^nd studio album, The Lockdown Sessions.  YAY! After stunning on his duet with Dua Lipa ( “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”), and collaborating with Charlie Puth on “After All”, he’s back with a third collaborative single, “Finish Line”. Notably, he collaborates with another icon, Stevie Wonder!

“Finish Line” commences with soulful keys – acoustic and electric – before a slick groove kicks in.  Elton John ‘takes first blood,’ singing expressively with his full-bodied, mature vocals.  Following a fab verse, he delivers the centerpiece, the chorus, backed by gospel choir.  Can I get an amen? As expected, the spirit is high, and the ears perked up with the throwback vibes.  The icing on the cake? The second verse performed by Stevie Wonder, who sounds as youthful as he did back in his heyday.  His marvelous tenor brings contrast, and helps to drive “Finish Line,” well, onward to the finish line.  He meshes well with John and the choir on the chorus following his verse.  Amplifying the spirit and musicianship even more is his harmonica solo – so awesome to hear him blowing again! The finish line of “Finish Line” itself is eventful with John, Wonder, choir, and an unnamed soloist making all listeners want to witness – hallelujah!

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Final Thoughts

It’s no secret I was skeptical of “After All”, the second single from The Lockdown Sessions.  It was a bit of a letdown following the high flying, unexpected “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”.  Thankfully, this collaboration with Stevie Wonder gives – IT’S EVERYTHING – EVERYTHANG !!! Two iconic musicians, a gospel choir, a catchy chorus, harmonica playing – it’s ‘what it is’! Also, shout out to the writers (John, Andrew Wotman, Ali Tamposi, and Roman Campolo) and producer Watt.

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Elton John • The Lockdown Sessions • Mercury • 10.22.21
[: Brent Faulkner, Mercury, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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