Beyoncé, The Lion King: The Gift | Album Review 💿

Beyoncé executive produces ‘The Lion King: The Gift,’ an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing collection that ties in with ‘The Lion King’ and embraces Africa.   

Perhaps the best gift that Disney enthusiasts – particularly those who were fans during the Renaissance of the late 80s and into the 90s – could receive was a remake of the iconic 1994 animated classic, The Lion King.  25 years after becoming one of Disney’s very best, the company released a live action version.  Adding to the allure, a number of culturally relevant entertainers provided the voices for the iconic characters, including Beyoncé.  Beyond voicing Nala, and contributing original song “Spirit,” Bey produced a companion album/compilation, The Lion King: The Gift.  The Lion King: The Gift isn’t ‘the second coming,’ but it is an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing collection that ties in with the film, embraces Africa, and brings together numerous talented musicians.

“Bigger”

“Balance (Mufasa Interlude),” performed by James Earl Jones, sets the tone for The Lion King: The Gift.  How? Well, all of the interludes are excerpted from The Lion King and also fit within the storyline.  The song that follows the many interludes serve as an extension.  This is one of the neatest aspects of this compilation. The superb ✓ “Bigger,” performed by Beyoncé is an empowering, encouraging, and uplifting anthem.  She embodies her inner Simba, applying it to life. “Bigger, you’re part of something way better / Bigger than you, bigger that we,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Bigger than the picture they framed us to see / Legacy, oh, you’re part of something way bigger.”

“The Stars (Mufasa Interlude)” adds African voices to James Earl Jones’ distinct voice of Mufasa, referencing fatherhood and guidance.  Beyoncé follows it up with the groovy, urban contemporary joint “Find Your Way Back,” which embodies ‘remembering from whence you came’ and never forgetting those life lessons.  The melody is rhythmic, while African remains present with the groove and the supporting vocals.  “Uncle Scar (Scar Interlude)” shifts from Jones as Mufasa to Chiwetel Ejiofor as the sinister Scar, preceding the fitting “Don’t Jealous Me.” “Don’t Jealous Me” arrives courtesy of Tekno, Yemi Alade, and Mr. Eazi.  More hip-hop oriented than the previous cuts, it’s infectious, continuing to embrace the musical cues and sensibilities of Africa.

“JA ARA E”

“Danger (Young Simba & Young Nala Interlude)” precedes one of the most irresistibly groovy gems from The Lion King: The Gift, ✓ “JA ARA E.” Performed by Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy, he’s ‘on autopilot’ from the start.  Believe me – you won’t be able to stop bobbing that head/tapping that foot/dancing. “Run Away (Scar & Young Simba Interlude)” recounts the traumatic experience when Young Simba realizes Mufasa is dead, and Uncle Scar blames him and encourages him to run. It prefaces the weird, yet incredibly intriguing and satisfying Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar joint, ✓ “NILE.”  “NILE” has lots of dimensions, with numerous references to ‘blackness,’ running away, yet ultimately not being able to overcome something as daunting as The Nile River – or more daunting, life in all its splendor and tribulation.

“New Lesson (Timon, Pumbaa & Young Simba Interlude)” precedes the stellar ✓ “Mood 4 EVA,” a record filled with attitude.  The attitude begins with the African intro before Beyoncé brings the heat on the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.  The chorus is absolute fire:

“I got my cup up to the heavens
Another night I won’t remember
Promise this my mood forever
Promise this my mood forever-ever
Diamonds dancin’ on the bezel
This kinda feelin’ unforgettable
Promise this my mood forever
Promise this my mood forever.”

Jay-Z arrives briefly on the post-chorus, before bring electricity on the second verse.  He concludes with the bullet, “‘Cause true kings don’t die, we multiply, peace.” Following the third verse, pre-chorus, and chorus by Beyoncé, Childish Gambino performs the bridge, a nice change of pace.

“Water”

“Reunited (Nala & Simba Interlude)” precedes “Water,” which pairs Beyoncé with Salatiel and Pharrell Williams.  Naturally, the premise of the record is love.  More impressive is the follow-up, ✓ “Brown Skin Girl,” which has a case for the crowning achievement of Lion King: The Gift.  “Brown Skin Girl” finds Yoncé collaborating with SAINt JHN, Wizkid, and none other than her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.  What makes the record a true gem is brilliant production, the continual embrace of all things African, and the appreciation for and adoration for black women.  This is an extension of Simba’s love for Nala – certainly more transcendent and applicable to real life.

“Come Home (Nala Interlude)” precedes “Keys to the Kingdom,” performed by Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi.  Essentially, Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi expand upon the importance of Simba to righting the ship within the context of The Lion King, continuing the connection of these songs to the storyline.  No, neither is explicitly discussing Nala or Simba, but the tie-in continues to be neat.  “Follow Me (Rafiki Interlude)” prefaces the renewed confidence of Simba, something reflected soundly on ✓ “Already,” performed by Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, and Major Lazer. Once more, it is ‘that attitude’ and confidence that stands out, not to mention the production work.

“OTHERSIDE” 

Following “Remember (Mufasa Interlude),” another contender for crowning achievement follows with ✓  “OTHERSIDE.” This is a stunning ballad by Beyoncé, which she co-produces with Syd and Nicky Davey.  The chorus brilliantly sums up the gist of the preceding interlude, the song itself, and life/afterlife itself: “If it all ends and it’s over / If the sky falls fire / Best believe me, you will see me / On the other side.” Post-“War (Nala Interlude),” “My Power” comes with some punch, with Bey collabing with Tierra Whack and Moonchild Sanelly.  The sound and vibe make “My Power” worthwhile, perhaps more than the lyrics themselves.  Still, the oomph is in full effect.

“Surrender (Simba & Scar Interlude)” foreshadows “SCAR,” featuring two truly unique musicians in 070 Shake and Jessie Reyez.  Like everything else on The Lion King: The Gift, it’s quite enjoyable – definitely a vibe.  “I’m Home (Mufasa, Sarabi & Simba Interlude)” precedes ✓ “Spirit”, which is reprised from the original motion picture soundtrack. Honestly, I wasn’t a fan initially of “Spirit” even though I liked the message, sentiment, and vibe.  After seeing The Lion King and hearing it a couple times since initially hearing it, I have more respect for it.  It’s still not the ‘song of the year’ or even the best of The Lion King: The Gift, but it grows on you.

Final Thoughts

All in all, The Lion King: The Gift, like the live action remake of The Lion King itself is a crowd-pleasing affair.  Beyoncé has executive produced an enjoyable collection of music that does a nice job of incorporating the storyline and life lessons from the film, elements of African music and culture, and bringing a number of diverse, talented artists together.  No, The Lion King: The Gift isn’t ‘the second coming,’ but can we deny that it is indeed a gift? Absolutely not.

✓ Gems: “Bigger,” “Find Your Way Back,” “JA ARA E,” “NILE,” “MOOD 4 EVA,” “Brown Skin Girl,” “Already,” “OTHERSIDE” & “Spirit”

Beyoncé • The Lion King: The Gift • Sony • Release: 7.19.19

Photo Credit: Sony