Gosling basks in ‘Kenergy’ at ‘Barbie’ premiere
London felt the “Kenergy” Wednesday, as Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling took to the pink carpet in Leicester Square for the premiere of their highly anticipated movie “Barbie.” (July 13)
AP
If you can’t get Kenough of Ryan Gosling’s performance in “Barbie,” you’re in for a real holiday treat.
Gosling and soundtrack producer Mark Ronson dropped “Ken The EP” Wednesday, which features four renditions of the Grammy-nominated hit “I’m Just Ken.”
The track list includes the classic version, an acoustic version “In My Feelings Acoustic,” a dance version featuring Purple Disco Machine and the holiday “Merry Kristmas Barbie,” the latter of which was also accompanied by a music video.
The Christmas-themed music video shows Gosling and Ronson acting out their creative process in a studio session surrounded by holiday lights. “Merry Kristmas Barbie” has a distinct sound of bells and a violin arrangement to add to the festive theme.
Last month, Gosling’s earnest performance in the power ballad-turned-anthemic rock song “I’m Just Ken” received a Grammy nomination for best song written for visual media. It was among 11 nominations that the soundtrack for “Barbie” collected for the 2024 Grammys.
“I’m Just Ken” was also one of three Golden Globe nominations “Barbie” scored for best original song.
‘Barbie’ earns 11 Grammy nominations, including Ryan Gosling’s Ken song
In her review of the soundtrack, USA TODAY music critic Melissa Ruggieri called “I’m Just Ken” a standout on the album.
Gosling’s showpiece “starts as a power ballad, zigs into a fist-clenching angst rocker, zags into an Elton John-esque instrumental and then returns to ’80s-style anthemic rock,” Ruggieri wrote.
She continued: “Through it all, Gosling, his voice vaguely reminiscent of Elvis Costello, begs Barbie to give him a chance, promising, ‘I’m just Ken … I’m great at doing stuff.'”
“Barbie The Album” comprises 17 original songs from artists including Sam Smith, Ava Max, Tame Impala and Lizzo, as well as one cover (Brandi Carlile wrenching hearts with The Indigo Girls’ “Closer to Fine”).
Contributing: KiMi Robinson
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