I’m Just Ken gets a Christmas version. Barbie composers Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, alongside one of the movie’s lead stars, Ryan Gosling, have dropped a special Christmas treat for everyone. The three just released Ken the EP, including the holiday version of the film’s soundtrack, I’m Just Ken, and two other versions of the mega-hit track. So, where can fans listen to these new releases? Read on!
Here’s Where to Listen: I’m Just Ken Holiday Version
With the success of the original song, reaching the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, it’s no surprise that Ryan Gosling and the composers have released an I’m Just Ken holiday version and other iterations.
Officially titled I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie), it features a softer and more emotional performance of Gosling and an orchestra, giving it a more dynamic percussion. To complete its holiday feel, it has the signature jingle-bell sounds.
The new song also comes with an official music video featuring the Ken actor and Mark Ronson performing together in a studio filled with Christmas lights.
Fans who want a physical copy of Ken the EP can purchase it on CD or vinyl at the official Barbie shop. The track is also available to stream for free on different streaming services. You can check the streaming sites below:
The Other Two Versions of I’m Just Ken
Aside from the Christmas version of I’m Just Ken, Ken the EP also features I’m Just Ken – In My Feelings Acoustic and I’m Just Ken – Purple Disco Machine Remix.
The acoustic remix has the same vocals as the holiday version, though it’s far more emotional, thanks to its acoustic melody. It also restored the original Barbie song and the added acoustic instrumentals that give powerful Fleetwood Mac vibes.
Alternatively, the Purple Disco Machine Remix repeats the lines “Can you feel the Kenergy? Feels so real, my Kenergy,” and “I’m just Ken,” removing most of the original song’s lyrics. It’s set in an electronic dance track.
These two versions of I’m Just Ken are also available on the same platforms as the holiday version.
Mark Ronson Discusses I’m Just Ken Remixes
Talking about the new I’m Just Ken remixes, he revealed (via Comicbook) that he once fantasized about performing the song live. Hence, he started dreaming about what it might sound like and wanted to show the song in a different context.
“He demanded I go ‘Full Ronson’ with the arrangement [which I took to mean 2007 motown/wall of sound-obsessed me],” he said.
So, he sent the track’s new version to Ryan Gosling and dug it with its Christmas sounds that they wanted to release in just a week.
“Since I’m the person who throws on Stevie’s Someday at Christmas, the day after Thanksgiving, this appealed to me greatly,” he added. “So, he rerecorded the vocals, and here we are, a week later, serving up this version that we love with about 5 days til no one wants to hear a xmas record, but sometimes u have to do it 4 fun [& maybe a little for Barbie]. Happy holidays, we hope u. Drops tomorrow x.”
With the success of Barbie, topping the top spot at the box office for 2023, it’s no surprise that people behind and in front of the film will take advantage of it. The original I’m Just Ken song has also seen its own feat, with over 100 million global streams, and was nominated for Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards. It even helped Barbie the Album to be nominated for 11 Grammy Awards. As long as fans support and want to see more of these, there’s no reason for the producers and the artists to stop.
