Ray Parker Jr. Doesn't Sound Like He's a Fan of Fall Out Boy's 'Ghostbusters' Song
As befitting a reboot that is deeply indebted to its 1984 predecessor, the new Ghostbusters has seen fit to re-do its classic theme song, courtesy of Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliot. Dubbed “Ghostbusters (I’m Not Afraid),” the rock-by-way-of-hip-hop track is, shall we say, underwhelming — and far less inspired than the faithful Japanese rendition put together for the film’s overseas release. And now, the singer who first crooned about being unafraid of ghosts is chiming in on the film’s signature soundtrack cut. (Listen above.)
Ray Parker Jr. was recently asked about Fall Out Boy’s cover by Inside Edition. His remarks were tellingly diplomatic, referring to the tune as “interesting” before conceding “I’m just gonna say maybe I’m an old guy now, and I like it the old way.”
Related: ‘Ghostbusters’ in 2016: What the Critics Are Saying Now
Those sound like the comments of a man who doesn’t want to rain on the new Ghostbusters’ parade — an implication furthered by the fact that Parker was quick to say complimentary things about the new movie. With regards to Paul Feig’s do-over starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, Parker opined, “I think it’s a natural progression. Look at all the excitement that it’s generated this year.”
With the film out this Friday, fans will finally be able to decide for themselves whether the new Ghostbusters lives up to its beloved predecessor’s legacy. And remember – no matter your feelings on Fall Out Boy’s modernized take on the theme, we’ll always have Parker’s peerless 1984 music video:
