Beyoncé releases new song 'Spirit' ahead of Lion King-inspired album
Praise the heavens, we have been blessed with her voice again
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Beyonce has unveiled “Spirit”, the rousing first track from an album of songs she has curated for the forthcoming reboot of The Lion King.
Written by Beyoncé and Labrinth and featured in a pivotal moment in the film, the song marks the first peek at the star’s Lion King soundtrack album, titled The Gift, which will be released on 19 July. Beyoncé produced and curated the record, which will reportedly feature new tracks inspired by the film and performed by Beyoncé and a number of so-far unannounced African artists.
In a statement, Beyoncé said: “This is sonic cinema. This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro Beat.”
She continued, “I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline. Each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”
Beyoncé voices Nala in the Jon Favreau-directed reboot, which will be released simultaneously on 19 July alongside the film. A second soundtrack album, produced by Favreau and Hans Zimmer, will feature new renditions of the original film’s soundtrack, with Beyoncé and Donald Glover, who voices Simba in the film, performing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
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