Ludwig Göransson returns with another brilliant symphony of sounds while various artists deliver hauntingly breathtaking songs to make the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack a gem. Where the first one was inspiring and lively, the tracks we get in the sequel soundtrack match the story’s somber tone and the grief it encapsulates while honoring the late Chadwick Boseman’s life.
We discussed Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” last week, which made our hearts clench while the tears fell effortlessly, and her second single, “Born Again,” follows in its footsteps with raw, captivating lyrics. The soundtrack also features Tems’ “No Woman No Cry,” which debuted with the first trailer, and as stunning as it is, at the moment, we’re still too weak to go beyond the first few lyrics. Other exceptional artists like Blue Rojo, DBN Gogo, Sino Msolo, Kamo Mphela, Young Stunna, Busiswa, Aleman, Rema, Bloody Civilian, CKay, PinkPantheress, OG DAYV, Future, Adn Maya Colectivo, Pat Boy, Yaalen K’uj, All Mayan Winik, Tobe Nwigwe, Fat Nwigwe, Fireboy DML, Snow Tha Product, E-40, Vivir Quintana, Mare Advertencia Lirika, and Burna Boy make the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack portion a compelling cultural celebration.
But alongside Rihanna’s tracks, we need to give Stormzy’s “Interlude” and Fireboy DML’s “Coming Back For You” special mention. Because anyone who’s experienced profound, life-altering grief can tell you how harrowing it is not to know who to turn to when we lose people we love—to feel stuck and chained down by our pain. The tracks encapsulate these emotions as the lyrics cement adoration and heartaches poignantly.
Furthermore, when it comes to Göransson’s score, every track feels like a punch in the guts. Tracks like “Mama,” “Alliance,” “He Wasn’t There,” and the “Life Me Up” score version all do wonders while every track contributes to the story gorgeously. “Wakanda Forever” especially hits like a ton of bricks as it weaves in pieces from the first score with the pain attached to the losses. There’s also “T’Challa,” for which there are so few words to describe, but Göransson encapsulates a whirlwind of emotions while the notes beautifully pay their respects to the late king.
Related Content: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review: A Beautiful Encapsulation of Grief
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack (and score) should undoubtedly take home Oscars and Grammys this year as poignantly compelling and brilliantly driven pieces of music that deserve immense praise.
Listen to both albums below, and let us know which tracks are your favorites in the comments.