In a festive surprise, Ryan Gosling, known as Ken in the Barbie movie alongside Margot Robbie, released the “I’m Just Ken EP” on Wednesday, featuring the Grammy-nominated ’80s-style power ballad from the movie, titled “I’m Just Ken.” Collaborating with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the EP also includes three exciting remixes.
“Holiday Cheer in the Barbie Movie: Ryan Gosling’s Christmas Version of ‘I’m Just Ken'”
The remixes featured on the EP are the stripped-down “I’m Just Ken (In My Feelings Acoustic),” the dance floor-ready “I’m Just Ken (Purple Disco Machine Remix),” and the holiday-themed “I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie).” The latter comes with an official music video, showcasing Gosling, Ronson, and Wyatt working on the Christmas remix in a studio adorned with Christmas lights and a lively band. A goofy moment ensues when Gosling, wearing sunglasses, playfully declares, “the world can have Ken’s voice, but only Barbie can have his eyes.”
Accompanied by a full band, two cellists, four violinists, and a glockenspiel, Gosling’s vocals are given a triumphant and whimsical reimagining in the holiday-themed rendition. “Merry Christmas, Barbie,” he concludes the song. “Wherever you are.”
Ronson, the executive producer of the Barbie soundtrack, revealed in July that he usually contributes music exclusively to film songs. However, the catchy lyrics of “I’m Just Ken” proved irresistible, earning the track a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 2024 Grammy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
The EP also features a seasonal spin on the Barbie soundtrack hit, “I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie).” Gosling teased the release on social media, showcasing the collaborative effort with Ronson. The EP encompasses various renditions of “I’m Just Ken,” including the original, “In My Feelings Acoustic,” and the “Purple Disco Machine Remix.”
Ronson shared insights into the unexpected success of “I’m Just Ken” during an interview in September, emphasizing Gosling’s genuine excitement about the song’s chart performance. Gosling, a dedicated musician, expressed surreal feelings about the unexpected success, particularly when legendary guitarist Slash contributed to the track.
Watch the official music video here.
Barbie director Greta Gerwig explained the organic genesis of the song, mentioning Gosling’s natural ability to sing and dance. Ronson and Wyatt, inspired by glam-rock and Meat Loaf, created the song’s initial skeleton with the iconic lyric, “I’m just Ken,” allowing it to evolve organically.
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Gerwig reflected on the collaboration, stating, “I think if I had said, ‘I want you to sing and dance in this movie,’ [Gosling] would not have necessarily done that for me. But it was kind of that thing of boiling a lobster. I think by the time he was singing and dancing, he didn’t even totally know how we had gotten there. But he’s so fabulous at it.”
As the Grammy and Golden Globe nominations roll in, “I’m Just Ken” faces tough competition from other hit songs on the Barbie soundtrack, including Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” Regardless, the ballad’s unexpected success adds a touch of glamour to the Barbie movie’s musical landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its cinematic debut.
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