I didn’t appreciate The Gift enough on first listen because I went into it already thinking “oh this is just a Lion King project, eh” and allowed myself to be prejudiced. But it’s a really brilliant piece of work, and Black is King only serves to highlight that further. I think it also suffers in people’s minds from the fact that it follows two albums that aren’t just career-bests, but two of the best albums of all-time that were both groundbreaking. So the only way was down!
I’m really happy this film came out, and it’s really made me spend more time with this album. I think; when it came out, I had wished there was more Beyonce on it, so I just didn’t give it a ton ton of time? But I did create a playlist with just the tracks B is on and rearranged them a bit, and it’s quite a beautiful album, one that absolutely holds up in the Beyonce canon. And for fun, I would probably rank her projects post DC: 1. 4 2. Beyonce 3. Lemonade 4. Everything is Love 5. B’Day 6. The Gift 7. I Am ... Sasha Fierce 8. Dangerously In Love
Imagine saying Beyoncé has no bops since ages while others bopping harder than ever to My Power, Apeshit, Formation and even Before I Let Go. And those are just the most obvious examples.
This was a beautiful watch, I saw it yesterday. I want more from her so probably gonna watch Homecoming again soon.
I didn’t realise it before the film, but My Power is probably my favourite thing on here. Like that really is a top tier Beyoncé banger.
Finally got round to watching this today. What an artist, what a serve - the film really elevates the music.
I made an EP out of Beyonce's songs and it easily stacks up to any of her other projects. Huge bangers and some of the most affecting, richly emotional ballads of her career. Bigger, Otherside, Nile are career highlights. Shame that Spirit is typical, overblown Disney bombast, it turned me off the entire soundtrack when it first came out. Thankfully, the film showed me the error of my ways. Speaking of the film, fucking wow. Each and every music in the film is worthy of Video of the Year but the overarching narrative is the most impressive part. She really took Disney's slightly hokey retelling of Hamlet and turned into a story about black ancestry, birthright and pride. I am in awe of her vision, discipline and creativity. And her taste level! Every single shot was like a spellbinding canvas of high fashion, art and majestic natural beauty. I am ready for her to try her hand at an actual narrative film, hopefully through her Netflix deal.
FINALLY got around to watching this last night, and no surprise, it’s absolutely stunning. There’s not a single shot in this that isn’t a total feast for the eyes, and it truly makes the songs come alive. It’s been said a million times before, but there’s no one doing it like her...maybe never has been. I’m still not someone who’s going to go out of my way to listen to a Beyoncé album (yes, I’m trash, I’m aware), but I will always appreciate her as the greatest performer & visual artist of our time.
I hate Scar (but that's mostly because I can't stand Jessie Reyez's voice), but otherwise I think Don't Jealous Me, Ja Ara E, and Keys to the Kingdom are great additions to the soundtrack. They shouldn't be dismissed just because Beyoncé isn't on them.
