Unreleased George Michael Duets Album to See the Light of Day
An unreleased George Michael project, titled Trojan Souls, featuring duets with music legends Elton John and Aretha Franklin, is finally set for release, according to the late singer's estate. The album, which was recorded in the early 1990s but never completed, has been finished by Michael's longtime collaborators and will be released later this year.
The Story Behind Trojan Souls
The project originally consisted of 10 tracks, with Michael collaborating with Elton John on a song called "I Know You're There" and with Aretha Franklin on "Never Gonna Let You Down." The album was shelved after Michael became dissatisfied with the direction of the project. However, following his death in 2016, his estate discovered the master tapes and decided to complete the album with the help of producers who worked with Michael during his lifetime.
According to a spokesperson for the George Michael Estate, "George was a perfectionist, and he felt that Trojan Souls wasn't ready for release at the time. But we believe that these recordings are a testament to his incredible talent and his ability to collaborate with other great artists. We are thrilled to finally share this music with his fans."
Tracklist and Featured Artists
The album will include not only the duets with Elton John and Aretha Franklin but also collaborations with other artists, such as a previously unheard track with Stevie Wonder. The tracklist also features a reimagined version of Michael's classic "Freedom! '90" with contributions from various artists. In total, the album comprises 12 tracks, including three previously unreleased songs.
Release Date and Formats
Trojan Souls is scheduled for release on November 15, 2026, on CD, vinyl, and digital streaming platforms. A deluxe edition will include a documentary DVD about the making of the album, featuring interviews with collaborators and archival footage of Michael in the studio. The estate has also announced that a portion of the proceeds from the album will go to the George Michael Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ charities and music education programs.
