Alicia Keys has shared a new music video for “Lifeline,” her contribution to The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By) soundtrack album.
“Lifeline” is quintessential Keys, an infectious offering of upbeat, heartfelt, piano-driven pop R&B (Keys co-produced the song with Tricky Stewart, Marshmello, and TMS). The video, directed by Diane Martel, pairs an array of clips from the upcoming movie with footage of Keys performing the song on a soundstage in a variety of costumes and settings.
“I can be your lifeline,” Keys sings on the hook, “Stay with you ‘til the sunrise/When you’re low/It don’t mean you’re alone/I’ll be by your side.”
“Lifeline” is one of the many new songs inspired by the new Color Purple adaptation. Along with Keys, the soundtrack features contributions from Mary J. Blige, Halle Bailey, Coco Jones, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Missy Elliott, and Jorja Smith. Fantasia Barrino and H.E.R. — both of whom appear in the film — contributed new songs as well.
Accompanying the “inspired by” soundtrack is an album filled with new cast renditions of the songs originally crafted for The Color Purple stage musical. The film’s score was composed by Kris Bowers.
The Color Purple will hit theaters Dec. 25. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the film boasts an all-star cast of Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Halle Bailey, and Ciara. Both H.E.R. and Jon Batiste are making their acting debuts in the film.
The upcoming Color Purple musical is the second film based on Alice Walker’s celebrated 1982 novel of the same name. The first 1985 film was directed by Steven Spielberg and featured a score by Quincy Jones (who also produced the movie). The stage musical adaptation — on which the new film is based — originally ran on Broadway between 2005 and 2008, while a successful, Tony-winning revival ran between 2015 and 2017.