Kygo expands repertoire of ’80s reworks with ambient take on Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson’s ‘Say Say Say’

by: Rachel Narozniak Apr 1, 2023

When it comes to ’80s remakes, Kygo is on a roll, roll, roll.

In recent years, the Norwegian producer has repeatedly turned to the decade known for its big hair and bold fashion, reworking Whitney Houston’s rendition of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” (the original was released in 1986) and Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984) in 2019 and 2020, respectively. And although Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” (1979) skirts ’80s classification, Kygo’s 2020 take on the Bad Girls further evidenced the consistency with which he’s beckoned classics from the ’80s and its neighboring years into the 21st century.

This trend continues with Kygo’s recasting of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s 1983 production, “Say Say Say,” from the former’s 1987 album, All The Best. On a version that remains faithful to its roots as it gains tasteful contemporary dance touches—Kygo’s signature piano chords and ambient, rolling dance progression—the Palm Tree Records co-founder again exemplifies why estates are keen to award him stems.