Beyoncé, Spirit | Track Review

Despite her good intentions to elevate the ‘spirit,’ the Beyoncé original “Spirit” from the 2019 remake of ‘The Lion King’ falls short of the glory. 

Everybody and his brother are enthused about Disney’s live-action version of The Lion King. Even with the mixed reviews from critics mounting, The Lion King is the movie to see in the oppressive heat of July 2019.  Beyoncé, who voices Nala in the remake, also contributes an original song to The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).  “Spirit” is co-written and co-produced with Ilya [Salmanzadeh] and Timothy Mckenzie aka Labrinth. The results are meh…

Here’s the deal.  I love Beyoncé – everything about her really.  She is a gorgeous, business savvy woman with a phenomenal musical instrument at her disposal. Too many times have I had to ‘Stan’ for the girl to family members who argue her looks are greater than her voice – 100 lol.In most instances, it seems that everything Bey touches turns into gold.  Remember how stellar “Listen” was from the remake of Dreamgirls? “Spirit” has its moments to be fair.  The voice and the gospel sensibilities definitely earn high marks.  The African elements are also fitting and pretty cool. The problem is, the song itself…. “Spirit” feels a bit undercooked and underwhelming, suffering from so-so songwriting.  Even as Yoncé is giving her all – tender vocals as well as more dynamic, rousing instances – the song itself doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights it aspires to.

Final Thoughts

It’s difficult, but “Spirit” is merely ‘okay’ at best.  But let’s be honest – continue to keep it 💯. Beyoncé is better than this song.  The co-writers/producers are better than this song.  The “Spirit” … well… falls flat.

The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Walt Disney • Release: 7.12.19

Photo Credit: Walt Disney