An Unfinished George Michael Song, Once Destined for Elton John, Could See the Light of Day

The possibility of releasing an uncompleted George Michael track, originally intended as a duet with Sir Elton John, has resurfaced. The song, titled "This Kind of Love," has been a subject of speculation among fans and industry insiders for years. Now, Andros Georgiou, Michael’s cousin and former manager, is spearheading efforts to bring the song to a wider audience, reigniting interest in the lost gems of the "Trojan Souls" project.

The Genesis of a Lost Masterpiece: "Trojan Souls"

"This Kind of Love" dates back to the early 1990s, a period when George Michael was exploring collaborations for an ambitious album tentatively titled "Trojan Souls." This project aimed to feature Michael in duets with a constellation of musical luminaries, including Stevie Wonder, Bryan Ferry, Sade, Anita Baker, and Sir Elton John himself. However, the album’s journey was abruptly halted due to a significant fallout between Michael and his record label, Sony. The recordings, many considered complete or near-complete, were subsequently shelved, becoming part of an unreleased musical archive.

The "Trojan Souls" project represented a pivotal moment in Michael’s artistic exploration. Following the phenomenal success of his album "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1," which saw him move away from the more commercial sounds of Wham! and explore deeper lyrical themes, "Trojan Souls" was envisioned as a showcase of his collaborative spirit and his ability to connect with a diverse range of musical talents. The early 1990s was a fertile ground for such ambitious crossover projects, with artists increasingly looking to break genre boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes.

Andros Georgiou’s Vision: A Film and a Musical Reunion

Andros Georgiou has recently produced a documentary film titled "This Kind of Love," subtitled "The Greatest Album That Was Never Made." This film, already available online, delves into the story behind the ill-fated "Trojan Souls" project. Georgiou’s ambition extends beyond just showcasing the film; he is actively seeking wider distribution for it and, crucially, for the release of the song "This Kind of Love" itself.

In an interview with The Sun’s Bizarre column, Georgiou expressed his determination to see the song released, potentially as a posthumous collaboration. He revealed that he possesses an exclusive interview with Sir Elton John discussing the project, which he plans to leverage once the film secures a distribution deal with a major streaming platform, such as Apple.

"I got this incredible interview with Elton that no one has seen and I’m saving that for when the film gets snapped up by a streamer like Apple," Georgiou stated. He further elaborated on Elton John’s deep admiration for George Michael and his commitment to the project. "Elton said on the film, ‘I will literally do anything for George. I know at 21 he got the Ivor Novello award, and no one had ever done that before. When I got the call, before anything was said, I said yes.’"

The core of Georgiou’s plan revolves around completing the duet. He confirmed that he has recordings of both George Michael and Elton John’s individual vocal tracks for "This Kind of Love." The dream, he explained, is to combine these vocals to create a finished duet. "We focused on finishing that song first because we knew Elton was going to come in. I’ve got George singing the track and Elton singing the track so the dream is to make another track. I would have to ask Elton’s permission to put the vocals together. I’m sure Elton would say yes because he was blown away by the song and was a huge supporter of George."

The Hurdles to Release: Rights, Royalties, and Estate Approval

While Sir Elton John’s willingness to participate in completing the duet appears highly probable, given his well-documented friendship and admiration for George Michael, the path to official release is complex. Significant hurdles remain, primarily concerning the rights and permissions required from multiple parties.

The most significant challenge lies in securing approval from the George Michael estate. As the custodian of the late artist’s legacy and intellectual property, the estate holds the ultimate authority over the release of any unreleased material. This would involve intricate negotiations and approvals, ensuring that any posthumous release aligns with Michael’s artistic intentions and legacy.

Furthermore, the involvement of record labels adds another layer of complexity. The original recordings for "Trojan Souls" were made under contract with Sony Music. Any official release of "This Kind of Love" would necessitate agreements with Sony to utilize George Michael’s vocal track. Similarly, if Elton John’s vocal track for this specific project was also subject to contractual obligations with his current or past labels, their consent would also be required. Navigating these legal and contractual frameworks can be a lengthy and intricate process, often involving royalty splits and usage agreements.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Admiration: Michael and John’s Musical Bond

The potential release of "This Kind of Love" is deeply rooted in the profound musical and personal connection between George Michael and Sir Elton John. Their collaboration on "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me," a live rendition of John’s classic, became a monumental success, topping the UK charts in late 1991. This iconic performance not only showcased their vocal prowess individually but also their remarkable chemistry as performers.

Elton John has consistently spoken with immense respect and affection for George Michael. Following Michael’s untimely death in December 2016, John paid heartfelt tribute, describing him as "one of the most brilliant songwriters this country’s ever produced, and certainly one of the best vocalists ever." This sentiment underscores John’s genuine admiration for Michael’s talent and his enduring belief in his artistic contributions.

The history of their collaboration is a testament to their shared passion for music and their mutual respect. The live duet of "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was not merely a commercial success; it was a moment where two musical titans connected with audiences on an emotional level, creating a performance that remains etched in music history. This existing collaborative foundation lends significant weight to the prospect of completing "This Kind of Love."

The "Trojan Souls" Project: A Glimpse into an Alternate Musical Reality

The "Trojan Souls" album, despite never being officially released, has become a symbol of what might have been. The early 1990s was a time when George Michael was actively pushing the boundaries of his artistry. Following the introspective and musically diverse "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1" (1990), which featured contributions from Prince and Stevie Wonder (though not on the same scale as envisioned for "Trojan Souls"), the "Trojan Souls" project represented a further evolution.

The caliber of artists Michael intended to collaborate with—Stevie Wonder, Bryan Ferry, Sade, Anita Baker, and Elton John—speaks volumes about his standing in the music industry at the time. These were artists renowned for their distinctive styles and artistic integrity. A collaboration with such a diverse group could have resulted in an album that transcended genre, offering a unique sonic tapestry that blended soul, pop, rock, and R&B.

The early 1990s was a period of significant musical innovation. The rise of new jack swing, the continued evolution of hip-hop, and the emergence of electronic dance music all contributed to a dynamic and experimental music scene. Projects like "Trojan Souls" were part of this broader trend of artists seeking to fuse different sounds and sensibilities. The album’s failure to materialize remains a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the often-difficult relationship between artists and major record labels.

Implications and the Future of Unreleased Music

The potential release of "This Kind of Love" taps into a broader trend of artists’ posthumous material being unearthed and released. In recent years, fans have been treated to unreleased tracks and albums from iconic artists like Prince, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson. These releases often generate significant interest, offering new insights into an artist’s creative process and providing cherished music for their devoted fan bases.

For George Michael’s legacy, the release of "This Kind of Love" could offer another dimension to his celebrated discography. It would serve as a tangible link to a period of ambitious collaboration and underscore his continued creative drive. Moreover, it would provide a platform for his final intended collaboration with Elton John, a poignant tribute to their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

However, the process highlights the delicate balance between honoring an artist’s legacy and respecting their intentions. The George Michael estate, along with the legal teams and record labels involved, will need to carefully consider the artistic merit and commercial viability of such a release. The success of Georgiou’s endeavor will depend not only on securing the necessary permissions but also on presenting the song in a way that honors George Michael’s artistic vision and satisfies his global fanbase.

The story of "This Kind of Love" is more than just an unreleased song; it’s a narrative about artistic ambition, industry challenges, enduring friendships, and the enduring power of music. As Andros Georgiou continues his efforts, the music world watches with anticipation, hoping to finally hear the fruits of a collaboration that, for decades, has existed only in the realm of possibility. The journey from vault to public ear is often fraught with obstacles, but for a song with such a compelling backstory and such esteemed artists involved, the hope for its release remains strong.