How’s this for a star-packed track?: The upcoming single by acclaimed producer/songwriter/drummer Narada Michael Walden, “The More I Love My Life,” features the musical talents of Carlos Santana, Sting and Stevie Wonder.
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The upbeat pop-soul song will be released to radio and as a digital single on Friday, November 10. The track also will be featured on Walden’s new studio album, Euphoria, which arrives on Friday, November 17, and can be pre-ordered now.
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Santana contributes some fiery guitar riffing to “The More I Love My Life,” while Sting sings lead vocals during the tune’s second verse, and Wonder offers up some of his trademark harmonica licks. Santana also is featured on the final track of the album, titled “Euphoria Pt. 1 & Pt. 2.”
In a statement about the creation of the track that was posted on Sting.com, Walden discussed the participation of Sting, Santana, and Wonder in the project.
“Sting was the first to record his parts on ‘The More I Love My Life,’” Walden noted. “His voice appears in the second verse and in the chorus to which, with his voice and his harmony, he gave a magical sound. I will forever be grateful to my brother Sting.”
Walden explained that Santana then added his guitar solo to the track as well as “the musical dialogue with Stevie Wonder at the end.” Walden also pointed out that Santana introduced him to the music of Senegalese singer Ishmael Lo, who, Narada said, “inspired me to create the song,” and who lent his vocal talents to the end of the tune.
Regarding Wonder, Walden said, “He used the right harmonica for the key of the song and added colors that we can all hear. The final solo, where he duets with Carlos’ guitar, represents something unparalleled for me. For me it’s a dream come true, having these Champions on the same song.”
Check out a preview of “The More I Love My Life” on YouTube.
Walden has had an impressive career, and his long lists of credits include co-writing and producing Aretha Franklin’s “Freeway to Love,” Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know,” and Mariah Carey’s “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” and playing drums in the lauded jazz-fusion group the Mahavishnu Orchestra. From 2020 to 2022, he also played drums in Journey and co-wrote and co-produced the band’s latest studio album, Freedom.
(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
