"Sweet Freedom" is a 1986 song by American musician Michael McDonald from his compilation album of the same name, written by Rod Temperton. It was originally featured on Running Scareds soundtrack, before the 1986 re-release of McDonald's 1985 album No Lookin' Back. The track peaked at No. 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (his last top 10 hit in that chart), No. 12 in the UK, and No. 14 in Canada.
The single's music video directed by Leslie Libman featured McDonald, along with actors Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines, in the film Running Scared.
The second part of the long version of the song appears on the B-side of the single, in modified and extended form, as "The Freedom Eights."
Credits Lead vocals – Michael McDonald Backing vocals – Michael McDonald and Siedah Garrett Guitars – Paul Jackson Jr. and Michael Thompson Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes, Anthony Patler, Danny Sembello, Rod Temperton, Larry Williams Synthesizer – Larry Williams Synclavier – Wells Christie Horns – David Boruff, Chuck Findley, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, Kim Hutchcroft, Bill Reichenbach, Larry Williams Arrangements – Rod Temperton Producers – Bruce Swedien, Rod Temperton and Dick Rudolph Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien at Westlake Audio (Los Angeles, CA)
Charts Chart (1986–1987)PeakpositionCanada The Record Singles ChartLwin, Nanda. Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide (2000). Mississauga, Ont.: Music Data Canada25 Year-end chart (1986) RankUS Top Pop Singles (Billboard)75
Other notable versions In 1998, Shawn Christopher released her version which reached No. 60 in France. In 2002, Danish electronic percussion duo Safri Duo, featuring Michael McDonald, covered the song. It was released in June as the fourth and final single from their debut album, Episode II. This version charted in many European countries, reaching No. 2 in Spain. Charts +Weekly chart performance for Safri Duo remixChart (2002)PeakPositionUK Singles (OCC) 54UK Dance (OCC) 21
References