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The Lion King: The Gift
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The Lion King: The Gift Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 1106 Ratings

  • Summary: The Lion King-inspired album was executive-produced by Beyoncé and features 070 Shake, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Busiswa, Blue Ivy Carter, Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Eazi, Nija, Pharrell, Jessie Reyez, Salatiel, Moonchild Sanelly, St. Jhn, Tekno, Shatta Wale, Tierra Whack, andThe Lion King-inspired album was executive-produced by Beyoncé and features 070 Shake, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Busiswa, Blue Ivy Carter, Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Eazi, Nija, Pharrell, Jessie Reyez, Salatiel, Moonchild Sanelly, St. Jhn, Tekno, Shatta Wale, Tierra Whack, and Wiz Kid.… Collapse
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The New York Times
    Jul 24, 2019
    90
    Beyoncé joins their ranks [Paul Simon, David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, Carlos Santana] soulfully and attentively, seeking full-fledged fusions. She mixes (apparently) personal thoughts and archetypal ones; she savors musical hybrids and rhythmic challenges; and she digs in to every line she sings. ... Unlike the movie that occasioned it, “The Lion King: The Gift” is no remake or reiteration, no faraway fable. It tells a story of its own.
  2. HipHopDX
    Jul 25, 2019
    86
    Overall, it works and is another jewel in her crown — one that she, overall, can be proud to call hers.
  3. Variety
    Jul 19, 2019
    84
    The album’s warm production washes and anthemic musicality may not have the same avant-garde sway or weird rhythmic kink of its immediate aforementioned predecessors, but what “The Lion King: The Gift” misses in messiness, it makes up for in flavor, heart and grandeur without treacle. Well, not too much treacle.
  4. Pitchfork
    Jul 23, 2019
    73
    Though not fully comprehensive or that musically far-reaching (due to its prioritization of African genres that have already experienced crossover success), the album still succeeds in introducing a whole new musical universe to the average American listener.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Jul 24, 2019
    70
    Ultimately, The Gift is a deft balancing act that weighs personal songwriting flourishes and meaning with Disneycore tropes, as well as a sincere desire to celebrate the music of the African diaspora with its fundamentally commercial obligations.
  6. Clash Music
    Jul 23, 2019
    70
    Not every track is as strong as ‘Black Skin Girls’. ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ showcases what Beyoncé can do at her best and most creative, yet consistency is an issue with this eclectic album.
  7. The Guardian
    Jul 19, 2019
    60
    The guest spots occasionally overshadow the star. The Beyoncé-led tracks are of distinctly variable quality. For every song as good as the brilliant Black Skin Girl or Mood 4 Eva, there is something underwhelming. ... It’s an album, then, that ably displays her excellent taste, rather than a great Beyoncé album per se.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 479 out of 518
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 518
  3. Negative: 33 out of 518
  1. lulutayna
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Que álbum impecável! Eu ainda to tentando processar essa obra prima. Beyoncé nunca erra! A cultura africana é linda demais. Parabéns Queen B!
  2. MaxwellAnjos
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Adorei a sonoridade africana, Beyoncé não mentiu. Bem conceitual. Ótimo instrumental e vocais.
  4. NAMEDEDOFF
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    Beyoncé cada dia provando porque com 30 anos de carreira segue para se tornar uma das maiores lendas do mundo da música.
  5. Drila
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    It's an amazing body of work. Beyoncé really captured the essence of the movie with these masterful songs. Love it.
  6. Cauansofre
    Jul 24, 2019
    10
    não consigo parar de ouvir Beyoncé é uma deusa! Tanto ela quanto esse álbum merecem todo o reconhecimento do mundo. Espero que depois dessanão consigo parar de ouvir Beyoncé é uma deusa! Tanto ela quanto esse álbum merecem todo o reconhecimento do mundo. Espero que depois dessa obra as pessoas em geral valorizem mais os artistas africanos. Eles tbm são muito talentosos… Expand
  7. KinsellaLBK
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    Such an incredible cohesive body of work that never gets old. TIMELESS CLASSIC
  8. Lucasswiftie
    Jul 20, 2019
    0
    Eca. Que bosta foi essa meu Deus. Só podia ser a chifruda escorada em branco. Acabou com o Filme. Péssimo kkk

See all 518 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2019
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2019

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