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The Color Purple (2023 soundtrack)

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The Color Purple is the 2023 film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, which in turn was based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel. Three soundtrack albums were released for the film.

The first album, The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released on December 15, 2023, and feature the film's musical numbers performed by the cast. The second album, The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture) was released on December 22, and also feature the musical numbers alongside songs that are not used as musical numbers in the film and performed by popular artists. Both albums were published by WaterTower in collaboration with Gamma.

The third album, The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Score), was released on December 25 by WaterTower, and feature the film's original score composed by Kris Bowers

Background

The Color Purple featured musical performances from the Broadway production and the original 1985 film. Bazawule described the challenging aspect is being "how to make Broadway music more cinematic", hence he took the influences of African-American music and transitioned it to gospel, blues and jazz to achieve the same.[1] 13 songs from the musical were not included in the film, whereas the song "She Be Mine", which was cut from the musical had been reinstated in the film.[2][3]

Kris Bowers met Bazawule in late-2021, six months before the film began production. They discussed on whether the score needed to glue with the songs, for which he replied "Even if the score was going to have its own identity, it was important that we had some sort of tangential connection between the songs and whatever I was writing".[4] His early involvement was mostly on the process of pre-recording and arranging the songs.[5] Bazawule showed Bowers, several storyboards for the two-hour version of the film so that he could underly the emotional and character-based themes for the film.[6]

For Mister's (Domingo) theme, he incorporated a banjo which has "an underlying, eerie texture that represents the twisted internal world for him". For other characters, most of the score carried their "internal feelings" throughout their journey, but in a way that is different from the songs.[7] For Celie's (Fantasia) theme, it had a sense of simplicity and a bit of loneliness in the beginning. The score begins with a sparse note, but as her story grows and she steps into power, it grows into a full blown orchestral sound. He wanted the theme to have the brightness and joy as well as scope and scale to it, especially during the emotional moments.[4] A 22-feet gramaphone has been used as an integral part of the film score.[8]

At sequences, where Celie and Shug Avery (Henson) celebrated the color purple, the score had to compliment the scene and not to overpower. Hence, he recorded the sequence with close microphones and a smaller ensemble to give an intimate feeling.[9]

Release

Singles

On November 10, 2023, Warner Bros. submitted two original songs from the film for award submission as a part of their For Your Consideration campaign; the titles were revealed to be "Keep It Movin'" and "Superpower (I)".[10][11] The former was released as a single on November 11, 2023. The song was composed by the record production and songwriting duo Nova Wav, which involeves Denisia Andrews and Brittany Coney, and is produced by Nick Baxter, Stephen Bray, Morten Ristorp and the director himself under the pseudonym "Blitz the Ambassdor".[12] Halle Bailey and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi performed the song.[13][14]

The second single "Lifeline" was released on November 27; the same day the soundtrack being announced. Alicia Keys co-wrote and co-produced the song, with Marshmello, Tricky Stewart and production team TMS.[15][16] It was described by Keys as a "heartfelt ode to the unequivocal comfort emanating from friends, family, and community that holds us up as we face life's challenging moments."[17]

The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Soundtrack album by
various artists
ReleasedDecember 15, 2023
Genre
Length52:14
Label
Producer
Singles from The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  1. "Keep It Movin'"
    Released: November 11, 2023

On November 27, WaterTower Music, Warner Records and Gamma Records announced the release of the soundtrack featuring performances from the cast members—Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and Fantasia Barrino.[18][16] The album featured numbers from both the musical as well as the 1985 film.[15] The album was released on December 15.[19][20]

Track listing

The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Track listing
No.TitleArtist(s)/Performer(s)Length
1."Huckleberry Pie"
1:07
2."Mysterious Ways"
3:47
3."She Be Mine"
  • Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
  • The Color Purple ensemble
3:39
4."Keep It Movin'"
  • Halle Bailey
  • Phylicia Pearl Mpasi
3:53
5."Workin'"
1:16
6."Hell No!"
3:10
7."Shug Avery"
3:16
8."Dear God – Shug"Fantasia1:19
9."Push Da Button"Taraji P. Henson4:22
10."What About Love?"
2:31
11."Agoo"The Color Purple ensemble1:23
12."Hell No!" (Reprise)Fantasia1:47
13."Miss Celie's Blues" (Sister)Taraji P. Henson2:27
14."Miss Celie's Pants"
  • Fantasia
  • Danielle Brooks
  • Taraji P. Henson
  • H.E.R.
  • The Color Purple ensemble
2:58
15."I'm Here"Fantasia4:51
16."Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'"
  • Taraji P. Henson
  • David Alan Grier
2:10
17."The Color Purple"
  • Fantasia
  • Danielle Brooks
  • Taraji P. Henson
  • Ciara
  • Corey Hawkins
  • Colman Domingo
  • The Color Purple ensemble
3:55
18."Superpower" (I)Fantasia4:30
Total length:52:21

The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By)

The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By)[21]
Soundtrack album by
various artists
ReleasedDecember 15, 2023
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length120:14
Label
  • WaterTower
  • Gamma
Producer
  • Quincy Jones
  • Scott Sanders
  • Larry Jackson
Singles from The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By)
  1. "Lifeline"
    Released: November 27, 2023
  2. "Risk It All"
    Released: December 7, 2023

Besides the original soundtrack, an "Inspired by" album was unveiled by the producers featuring contributions from popular artists such as Alicia Keys, Usher, Mörda, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Ludmilla, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Mary Mary, and Missy Elliott. [16][18]The album also featured tracks from the first album (1–18) along with the new additions, consisting of around 37 tracks in total.[15]

Track listing

The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By) Track listing
No.TitleArtist(s)/Performer(s)Length
19."Risk It All"
3:21
20."No Love Lost"Keyshia Cole4:45
21."Lifeline"Alicia Keys3:47
22."Finally"Jorja Smith4:09
23."Keep Pushin'" (Missy Elliott remix)Halle Bailey2:28
24."When I Can't Do Better"Mary J. Blige3:40
25."There Will Come a Day"Celeste3:44
26."Any Worse" (Squeak's Song)H.E.R.4:26
27."Hell No!" (reprise) (Missy Elliott remix)
2:12
28."You See Me"Coco Jones3:11
29."Workin'" (Timbaland remix)
2:30
30."Mysterious Ways" (Mörda remix)Tamela Mann4:11
31."All I Need"Jennifer Hudson5:04
32."Hell No!" (Timbaland remix)
2:58
33."100"Jane Handcock3:05
34."Eternity"October London3:38
35."No Time"
3:55
36."Girls"
2:26
37."Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'"
4:23
Total length:120:14

Charts

Chart performance for The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By)
Chart (2024) Peak
position
UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[22] 8

The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Score)

The Color Purple (Original Motion Picture Score)
Film score by
Kris Bowers
ReleasedDecember 25, 2023
Recorded2022–2023
GenreFilm score
LabelWaterTower
ProducerKris Bowers
Kris Bowers chronology
Haunted Mansion
(2023) 		The Color Purple
(2023) 		Origin
(2024)

The score album to the film composed by Kris Bowers was released by WaterTower Music on December 25, 2023.[17]

Reception

Writing for Soul Bounce, D-Money reviewed the soundtrack, saying "It might all seem a bit overstuffed — and with a runtime nearly as long as the film itself, one could argue that it is — but the hodgepodge approach works in its own way as it offers a little something for everyone to enjoy."[23]

Fred Topel of United Press International said that the songs are "rousing" and the choreography being "energetic" even in serious numbers.[24]

Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood wrote "Kris Bowers has provided an underscore that perfectly suits the action but respects the sound legions of fans of the live show will be expecting."[25]

Carla Renate of TheWrap said that Kris Bowers "does a wonderful job of marrying a new score with selections from the Broadway production".[26]

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
African-American Film Critics Association Awards 2024 Best Music Kris Bowers Won [27]
Black Reel Awards January 16, 2024 Outstanding Original Score Won [28]
Outstanding Original Song "Keep It Movin'" [a] Won
Outstanding Original Soundtrack The Color Purple Won
Hollywood Music in Media Awards November 15, 2023 Original Song — Feature Film "Keep It Movin'" [a] Nominated [29]
[30]
Song — Onscreen Performance (Film) "Keep It Movin'"[b] Nominated
NAACP Image Awards March 16, 2024 Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film Kris Bowers Nominated [31]
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album The Color Purple (2023 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Won
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards December 10, 2023 Best Original Score Kris Bowers Nominated [32]

In December 2023, the score was shortlisted for Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards, as well as Best Original Song for "Keep It Movin'" and "Superpower (I)".[11]

Notes

  1. ^ a b (Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mapsi, Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney and Morten Ristorp)
  2. ^ (Halle Bailey and Phylicia Pearl Mapsi)

References

  1. ^ "Video 'The Color Purple' director talks creating soundtrack for new take on classic film". ABC News. December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  2. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (November 15, 2023). "Upcoming The Color Purple Movie Musical Will Include Cut Song From the Stage Score". Playbill. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ Major, Michael. "THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Cuts 'African Homeland,' 'Our Prayer' & More Songs". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Davidson, Denton (December 14, 2023). "'The Color Purple' composer Kris Bowers on creating 'the glue between the songs' of a musical [Exclusive Video Interview]". GoldDerby. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  5. ^ "Kris Bowers reflects on identity, the industry and the importance of connection with his craft". Spitfire Audio. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  6. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (December 4, 2023). "'Origin' and 'The Color Purple' Composer Kris Bowers Shares Gratitude for Kobe Bryant Mentorship, Ava DuVernay Collaborations and Scoring Empowering Stories". Variety. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  7. ^ Coates, Tyler (December 19, 2023). "Kris Bowers Is the Busiest Composer in the World". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  8. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (December 11, 2023). "'The Color Purple' Artisans Explain How a Giant, 22-Foot Gramophone Helped Transport Audiences Into Celie's Imagination". Variety. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  9. ^ Lopez, Kristen (December 14, 2023). "How The Color Purple Balances Music With Dialogue". TheWrap. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  10. ^ Davis, Clayton (November 11, 2023). "Warner Bros. Plans to Submit Two Original Songs From 'The Color Purple,' Plus One 'Wonka' Tune Sung by Timothée Chalamet". Varuety. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Bergeson, Samantha (December 21, 2023). "2024 Oscar Shortlists Unveiled: 'Barbie,' 'Poor Things,' 'Maestro,' and 'The Zone of Interest' Make the Cut". IndieWire. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  12. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (November 15, 2023). "Upcoming The Color Purple Movie Musical Will Include Cut Song From the Stage Score". Playbill. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Clark, Jason (November 20, 2023). "'The Color Purple': How Nova Wav Kept the Broadway Beat". TheWrap. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  14. ^ Major, Michael (November 13, 2023). "Halle Bailey Co-Wrote a New Song For The Color Purple Movie Musical". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c Major, Michael (December 9, 2023). "THE COLOR PURPLE Soundtrack to Feature Music By Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson & More". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c Pointer, Flisadam (November 28, 2023). "'The Color Purple' Will Feature Alicia Keys, Usher, & Many More". UPROXX. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Culwell-Block, Logan (November 28, 2023). "Making-Of Documentary, Soundtrack Dated for The Color Purple Movie Musical". Playbill. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Trapp, Malcom (November 27, 2023). "Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Jones, Jorja Smith And More To Appear On 'The Color Purple' Soundtrack". Rap-Up. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  19. ^ Abraham, Mya (December 15, 2023). "'The Color Purple' Soundtrack, Omarion, And More Soul-Stirring R&B Of The Week". Vibe. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  20. ^ "Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music and gamma. Announce December 15th Arrival of THE COLOR PURPLE (MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY)". Business Wire. November 27, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  21. ^ Taylor, Sam (December 15, 2023). "The Color Purple (Music from and Inspired By) soundtrack is out now, feat. Megan Thee Stallion, Jorja Smith, Celeste and loads more". Dork. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  22. ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  23. ^ D-Money (December 19, 2023). "'Music From And Inspired By The Color Purple' Blends The Musical Legacy Of The Classic With The Modern Day". SoulBounce. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  24. ^ Topel, Fred (December 15, 2023). "Movie review: 'Color Purple' musical maximizes story with song". UPI. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  25. ^ Hammond, Pete (December 19, 2023). "'The Color Purple' Review: In Its Fifth Major Iteration, The Classic Alice Walker Story Becomes A Movie Musical To Remember". Deadline. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  26. ^ Renata, Carla (December 19, 2023). "'The Color Purple' Review: Broadway Adaptation Stuns With Powerhouse Performances, Crowd-Pleasing Numbers". TheWrap. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  27. ^ "AAFCA Awards - AAFCA". January 15, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  28. ^ "2024 Black Reel Film & TV Winners". Black Reel Awards. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  29. ^ Grein, Paul (November 2, 2023). "Songs from 'Barbie' Pace 2023 Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nominations (Full List)". Billboard. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  30. ^ Brew, Caroline (November 2, 2023). "Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo Nominated for 2023 Hollywood Music in Media Awards". Variety. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  31. ^ Hipes, Patrick (January 25, 2024). "Colman Domingo, Keke Palmer, Ayo Edebiri, Victoria Monét Lead NAACP Image Awards Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  32. ^ Neglia, Matt (December 9, 2023). "The 2023 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
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