Black Panther Soundtrack
I have quite an exciting set of posts coming out this week, in honor of the film we have all wanted since Marvel started revamping its cinematic universe. Ladies and gentleman, get ready for Black Panther to be released in theatres very soon. But you all know there was no way I was going to skip over the film's soundtrack. That would have been the biggest shame of the year and it's only February.
So, Black Panther. Where can one even begin discussing this incredible pairing of soundtrack and film? I mean if ever a film was going to be the stimulus for an album of this caliber, Black Panther was the right way to go. So I want to start with some background on the album itself. Our genius of an artist, Kendrick Lamar, is the man responsible for the composition and production of this album. And as far as movie soundtracks go, this is one of the most unique and powerful albums. It should be listed right next to film soundtracks like 8 Mile or The Lion King. And in terms of its place in the Marvel Universe? This is the standalone album, the one which separates this film from the rest. A revolutionary film deserves a revolutionary soundtrack, and that is exactly what we got from Kendrick. Other Marvel movies just don't have musicality like Black Panther does, as heard by the album. The only other film which comes close to having something other than a score is probably Guardians of the Galaxy, where we get a mixtape of some classic rock hits. But Black Panther has given Marvel, and the rest of us, a completely different take on superhero movies. Because based off the album alone, Black Panther does not seem like your typical superhero film. There are so many themes and motifs which weave themselves through the album, both lyrically and instrumentally. And they are beautifully expressed by Kendrick Lamar and his collaborators.
I think one of the greatest things about this album, is that it really doesn't need the film. Kendrick Lamar has created this to be a masterpiece in its own right, a set of songs which tell their own story and develop their own motifs. Without the film, this album can stand alone and hold its ground as a new release. And Kendrick Lamar doesn't necessarily play it safe with this album just because it is supposed to be a film soundtrack. He experimented with so many sounds and people in order to create this culturally rich set of tracks.
If you look at the track listing, you can see that there are so many different collaborators on this album, from Vince Staples to Anderson .Paak to Zacari to Yugen Blakrok. And all of these artists hail from different parts of Africa, whether they ethnically identify or have been born and raised there. One of the most beautiful things Kendrick did with this album, brought together African artists from all corners of the globe - The United States, South Africa, London, Ethiopia, etc. We get that vibrant influence from all over Africa, infused with flavors of each artists' home country. And that brings so much power and grace and authenticity to the album. All throughout, you will hear these gorgeous African beats and instruments, combined with Western hip-hop and rap styles. That perfect blend of sounds gives this soundtrack so much character and immense value. And now that I've rambled a bit about the album as a whole, let's take a look at one of the tracks.
I wanted to start with this track because it was so unique and even a bit odd. This track can be found in the middle of the album, between the emotionally charged moments. And everything about this track is simply impressive. First thing I have to comment on, is the incredible musicianship in this song. The instrumental backtrack is to die for. The song opens up with the plinking of what could be violas or violins, with a soft intro courtesy of Ab-Soul and James Blake. And then it quickly switches to deeper, staccato beat. It almost sounds like a video game effect, but the stylistic elements of how the beat is placed and the sharpness bring a bit more of an African flair to the song. And the way the song ends, with an ethereal and mystic Outside of the beat and plinking strings, there really isn't a lot of other instrumental work going on. But that is enough to create a specific kind of sound and atmosphere. It isn't quite intense, and it certainly isn't menacing. it is almost mischievous, with a tone of seriousness and mystery also thrown into the mix.
Anderson .Paak, Ab-Soul, and James Blake offer their voices for this track, with Ab-Soul taking on most of the rap verses. He brings some feisty lyrics and a breathy flow which fits very well with the background instrumentals. Anderson .Paak opens up this song with a charismatic energy, and James Blake leads us into an ethereal and mystical outro.
Now since this is a long post, I am going to leave you with just this song for today. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!
So, Black Panther. Where can one even begin discussing this incredible pairing of soundtrack and film? I mean if ever a film was going to be the stimulus for an album of this caliber, Black Panther was the right way to go. So I want to start with some background on the album itself. Our genius of an artist, Kendrick Lamar, is the man responsible for the composition and production of this album. And as far as movie soundtracks go, this is one of the most unique and powerful albums. It should be listed right next to film soundtracks like 8 Mile or The Lion King. And in terms of its place in the Marvel Universe? This is the standalone album, the one which separates this film from the rest. A revolutionary film deserves a revolutionary soundtrack, and that is exactly what we got from Kendrick. Other Marvel movies just don't have musicality like Black Panther does, as heard by the album. The only other film which comes close to having something other than a score is probably Guardians of the Galaxy, where we get a mixtape of some classic rock hits. But Black Panther has given Marvel, and the rest of us, a completely different take on superhero movies. Because based off the album alone, Black Panther does not seem like your typical superhero film. There are so many themes and motifs which weave themselves through the album, both lyrically and instrumentally. And they are beautifully expressed by Kendrick Lamar and his collaborators.
I think one of the greatest things about this album, is that it really doesn't need the film. Kendrick Lamar has created this to be a masterpiece in its own right, a set of songs which tell their own story and develop their own motifs. Without the film, this album can stand alone and hold its ground as a new release. And Kendrick Lamar doesn't necessarily play it safe with this album just because it is supposed to be a film soundtrack. He experimented with so many sounds and people in order to create this culturally rich set of tracks.
If you look at the track listing, you can see that there are so many different collaborators on this album, from Vince Staples to Anderson .Paak to Zacari to Yugen Blakrok. And all of these artists hail from different parts of Africa, whether they ethnically identify or have been born and raised there. One of the most beautiful things Kendrick did with this album, brought together African artists from all corners of the globe - The United States, South Africa, London, Ethiopia, etc. We get that vibrant influence from all over Africa, infused with flavors of each artists' home country. And that brings so much power and grace and authenticity to the album. All throughout, you will hear these gorgeous African beats and instruments, combined with Western hip-hop and rap styles. That perfect blend of sounds gives this soundtrack so much character and immense value. And now that I've rambled a bit about the album as a whole, let's take a look at one of the tracks.
I wanted to start with this track because it was so unique and even a bit odd. This track can be found in the middle of the album, between the emotionally charged moments. And everything about this track is simply impressive. First thing I have to comment on, is the incredible musicianship in this song. The instrumental backtrack is to die for. The song opens up with the plinking of what could be violas or violins, with a soft intro courtesy of Ab-Soul and James Blake. And then it quickly switches to deeper, staccato beat. It almost sounds like a video game effect, but the stylistic elements of how the beat is placed and the sharpness bring a bit more of an African flair to the song. And the way the song ends, with an ethereal and mystic Outside of the beat and plinking strings, there really isn't a lot of other instrumental work going on. But that is enough to create a specific kind of sound and atmosphere. It isn't quite intense, and it certainly isn't menacing. it is almost mischievous, with a tone of seriousness and mystery also thrown into the mix.
Anderson .Paak, Ab-Soul, and James Blake offer their voices for this track, with Ab-Soul taking on most of the rap verses. He brings some feisty lyrics and a breathy flow which fits very well with the background instrumentals. Anderson .Paak opens up this song with a charismatic energy, and James Blake leads us into an ethereal and mystical outro.
Now since this is a long post, I am going to leave you with just this song for today. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!
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