Beyoncé, The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition) | Album Review 💿

In tandem with her Disney+ film, Black is King, Beyoncé reissues The Lion King: The Gift in a deluxe edition.

P erhaps the best gift that Disney enthusiasts received in 2019 was a live action remake of the iconic 1994 animated classic, The Lion King.  In addition to the nostalgia, a number of culturally relevant entertainers provided the voices for the iconic characters, including Beyoncé. 

Beyond voicing Nala and recording a new original song ( “Spirit” ), Bey produced a companion album/compilation, The Lion King: The Gift.  The enjoyable album, which embraces African and incorporates an assortment of gifted musicians, receives the ‘deluxe edition’ treatment, in tandem with the release of the Disney+ film, Black is King.

“Bigger”

The interludes that appeared on the standard version of The Lion King: The Gift have been removed from the deluxe.  It’s rare that a deluxe edition of an album has fewer tracks but makes sense contextually. The superb ✓ “Bigger,” performed by Beyoncé is an empowering, encouraging, and uplifting anthem.  “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.” She follows up with the fresh and groovy ✓ “Find Your Way Back.” “Find Your Way Back” embodies ‘remembering from whence you came’ and never forgetting those life lessons.  The melody is rhythmic, while the African vibes remains present with both groove and supporting vocals.

Following two Beyoncé features, “Don’t Jealous Me” enlists Tekno, Yemi Alade, and Mr. Eazi.  More hip-hop oriented, it’s infectious to the nth degree, remaining firmly planted in African music cues. As groovy as “Don’t Jealous Me” is, one of the most irresistibly groovy gems follows in ✓ “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.

“NILE”

One of the weirder, more ‘left of center’ moments from The Lion King: The Gift is ✓ “NILE.” Despite being odd, it’s an intriguing and satisfying Beyoncé/Kendrick Lamar collab. The record has lots of dimensions.  These include numerous references to blackness and running away, yet being unable to overcome something as daunting as The Nile River (a symbol of life in all its splendor and tribulation).

✓ “Mood 4 EVA” is 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...”

Jay-Z arrives briefly on the post-chorus, before bringing 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 Bey, Childish Gambino performs the bridge; a nice change of pace.

“Water”

“Water” pairs Beyoncé with Salatiel and Pharrell Williams. The premise of the relatively brief record is love. ✓ “Brown Skin Girl” is more impressive and has a case as the crowning achievement of the LP. Here, Yoncé collaborates with SAINt JHN, Wizkid, and her daughter, Blue Ivy.  What makes the record a true gem is brilliant production, continual embrace of Africa, and appreciation and adoration for black women.  In the context of The Lion King, think of it as an extension of Simba’s love for Nala – more transcendent and applicable to real life.

“Keys to the Kingdom” follows, performed by Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi.  Tiwa and Mr. Eazi expand upon the importance of Simba righting the ship within the context of The Lion King. Does this need that storyline to be relevant? No, but as I stated while reviewing the album originally, it’s a cool that that tie-in is there. There’s renewed confidence reflected soundly on ✓ “Already,” courtesy of Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, and Major Lazer. Once more, attitude and confidence stand out, in addition to sleek production.

“OTHERSIDE” 

Another contender for ‘crowning achievement’ arrives via ✓ “OTHERSIDE.” This is a stunning ballad by Beyoncé, co-produced with Syd and Nicky Davey.  The chorus brilliantly sums up life and the afterlife: “If it all ends and it’s over / If the sky falls fire / Best believe me, you will see me / On the other side.” “My Power” brings some punch, with Bey collabing with Tierra Whack and Moonchild Sanelly.  Sound and vibe make “My Power” worthwhile, more so than the lyrics.  Still, oomph is in full effect.

“SCAR” features two truly unique musicians: 070 Shake and Jessie Reyez. Ultimately, it’s quite enjoyable – definitely a vibe. ✓ “Spirit”, reprised from the original motion picture soundtrack, wasn’t my ‘cup of tea’ when it was released as a single in 2019.  That said, I liked the message, sentiment, and vibe.  After seeing The Lion King and re-listening to “Spirit” multiple times, I have a greater respect for it.

“Black Parade”

The Juneteenth single, ✓ “Black Parade”, fittingly finds a home on The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition).  Actually, it finds a home twice – the extended version appears as the 15^th track, while the shorter version concludes as the 17^th track.  In both cases, “Black Parade” has some length about it – five minutes and change and shy of five minutes respectively.  The big takeaway from the record is celebrating blackness, period.

Like the album as a whole, “Black Parade” blends African and international music with R&B, hip-hop, and pop.  Also, there’s a clearly a socially conscious sentiment. “Black Parade” also successfully establishes a vibe. There’s lots of gimmickry and repetition, but not only is it embracing the minimalist elements of modern, mainstream music, it also revisits the minimalist elements of world music, which makes it so influential on today’s music.  Between both versions of “Black Parade” is a sleek remix of “Find Your Way Back,” courtesy of Melo-X.  If you were going to remix any song on the album, that was among the best candidates.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Version), is an enjoyable album that successfully incorporates storylines from The Lion King, life lessons, African music and culture, and brings a number of diverse, talented artists together.  Furthermore, it celebrates blackness, period. I like the fact that Beyoncé eliminated the interludes from the original and added “Black Parade” to the mix. If you already purchased The Lion King: The Gift in 2019, is there any reason to purchase it again? No. Simply purchase the three additional tracks or stream them if that’s your thing.

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

Beyoncé • The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition) • Sony • Release: 7.19.19

Photo Credit: Sony