Alicia Keys’ new singe is from the upcoming feature Queen Of Katwe, the Lupita Nyong’o-starring Disney film about Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga). You might expect a stock “inspirational ballad” for a project of this nature, but Keys’ “Back To Life” is not quite that. It starts out with dark tones, and instead of swelling to a “Girl On Fire”-type chorus it drops a beat that sounds almost—almost—house-infused. It’s in keeping with the vibe she established on her most recent single, “In Common.”
The chorus finds Keys repeating the title of the song, and singing how “nothing can break you” and “I will survive.” Queen Of Katwe is due out September 23. Keys, meanwhile, is starting a stint as a coach on The Voice.
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