Ryan Gosling, known for his acting prowess and charming looks, has now entered the world of music with a bang. The actor’s hilarious ballad “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie has officially made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, landing at No. 87. This marks the first-ever chart entry for the 42-year-old heartthrob, and it’s safe to say that he’s making quite the impression.
“I’m Just Ken” is featured on the Barbie soundtrack, which debuted at an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Gosling’s song joins the ranks of other top artists like Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish, further solidifying his presence in the music industry.
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The Barbie movie, with its star-studded cast, has been making waves since its release. Gosling’s contributions to the film’s soundtrack have garnered particular attention. Apart from “I’m Just Ken,” the talented actor also recorded a cover of Matchbox Twenty’s 1997 hit “Push,” showcasing his musical versatility and talent.
The music producer behind “I’m Just Ken,” the renowned Mark Ronson, recently spoke about his experience working on the project. He revealed that he immediately connected with Barbie’s right-hand man, particularly the version played by Gosling opposite Margot Robbie in the blockbuster.
Ronson shared his thoughts on the character, saying, “You really fall in love with this hapless but immediately sympathetic figure.” This affection for Ken, combined with the humorous idea that no one cares about buying a Ken doll, inspired the creation of the power ballad “I’m Just Ken.”
One of the song’s standout lyrics, “I’m just Ken / Anywhere else I’d be a 10,” came to Ronson instantly, and he found it both funny and a bit emo. Gosling, upon hearing the demo, loved the song so much that he not only agreed to sing it but also requested to perform it in the movie.
Ronson admitted that he was concerned about the song’s reception by Barbie director Greta Gerwig, as he didn’t want her to think he was trying to be overly comedic. However, much to his delight, both Gerwig and Gosling were on the same page, and the song found its rightful place in the film.
In fact, Gerwig liked “I’m Just Ken” so much that she rewrote a pivotal scene to ensure Gosling could deliver the powerful ballad onscreen. After recording the vocals, Ronson was in awe of Gosling’s vocal prowess, hailing him as a “vocal powerhouse.”
“He really got [that] it had to walk this line of not being funny or parody,” Ronson shared. “But obviously, the song is also kind of ridiculous at times. So he was really amazing.”
For Gosling, this is yet another milestone in his impressive career. His musical journey adds another layer of talent to his repertoire, and fans are excited to see him exploring new creative avenues.
The Barbie movie, featuring Ryan Gosling’s musical debut, is now playing in theaters, delighting audiences with its entertaining storyline and memorable performances. As “I’m Just Ken” continues to climb the charts, it’s clear that Ryan Gosling’s presence in the music world is just beginning, and fans can’t wait to see what he’ll bring next.