Producer Nile Rodgers has admitted to feeling “uncertainty” about working on George Michael’s new single.
Fantasy, a remix of a 1980s outtake, premiered on Radio 2 on Thursday.
Rodgers’ confession came in response to a fan who expressed “mixed feelings” over the song’s release, eight months after Michael’s death.
“You SHOULD have mixed feelings,” he said on Twitter. “No one’s heart was dragged through emotional ambiguity more than mine.”
Rodgers said he approached the remix with “tears, uncertainty, happiness & #LOVE”.
Fantasy sounds vastly different to the version that was released as a b-side in 1990, and later as a bonus track on 2011’s deluxe version of the Faith album.
The tiny 80s production of the original has been completely overhauled in favour of a slinky funk groove, featuring Rodgers’ choppy guitar rhythms and championing Michael’s soulful harmonies.
On first listen, it appears some of the vocals are alternate takes to the previously released version.
But while it is refreshing to hear Michael’s voice on the radio again, the track still feels more like an offcut than an undiscovered gem.
The decision to create a new “hook” from speeded-up samples of the star’s vocals also feels like a rare mis-step for Rodgers, whose production credits include Madonna, David Bowie and Duran Duran.
Michael, who rose to fame in band Wham!, died last year from heart disease and a build-up of fat in his liver.
His body was found by his partner, hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.
During his career, Michael enjoyed seven number ones on the UK singles charts, including Careless Whisper, A Different Corner, Jesus To a Child and Fast Love.
The 53-year-old had 23 top 10 hits, including Faith, Father Figure, Outside and You Have Been Loved.
The Fantasy remix will feature on a deluxe version of Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1 / MTV Unplugged, which is set for release on 20 October.
.@nilerodgers: “I hope we make the fans proud of the amount of love we put into it”. Hear it next @GeorgeMichael http://bbc.in/2gJgP0K pic.twitter.com/6KWg3EVS5s
Simply beautiful, listening with tears in my eyes. Love you George
.@nilerodgers: “I hope we make the fans proud of the amount of love we put into it”. Hear it next @GeorgeMichaelhttp://bbc.in/2gJgP0K
A masterpiece and nothing else
Loved that so much! #Fantasty @GeorgeMichael & #NileRodgers …I still shed tears… #NeverForgotten
Maria T
