Album Review: THE BOOK OF CLARENCE (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Jeymes Samuel
Executive produced by JAY-Z, Jeymes Samuel crafted a well-precise, cohesive soundscape that coincides with the film.
The highly-anticipated release of The Book of Clarence, directed and penned by Jeymes Samuel, spins a unique tale set in Biblical-era Jerusalem. It’s the story of Clarence, portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield, a low-tier drug dealer hustling to keep his mother afloat and win over the woman of his dreams. The plot thickens when Clarence, eyeing the wealth and sway of Jesus of Nazareth and his followers, hatches a grandiose fraud, posing as the true Messiah. The film’s ambitious narrative could have easily stumbled, but it soared, thanks in no small part to its exceptional soundtrack, which played a focal role in cementing The Book of Clarence as a cult comedy favorite.
Jeymes Samuel was the maestro behind its musical lineup, carefully orchestrating a blend of contemporary beats and biblical vibes. The soundtrack’s standout quality lies in Samuel’s choice of collaborators: a lineup of artists including Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, Doja Cat, D’Angelo, JAY-Z, Yemi Aldi, Kid Cudi, and others. Their collective talent infused the comedy-drama with a soundtrack that coincides with the film’s bold, comedic elements with its ancient setting.
To kick off the rollout, the single “Hallelujah Heaven” starts with a Lil Wayne verse, where he uses religious imagery and personal reflections to convey a sense of spiritual elevation and struggle. His lyrics mixes sacred and secular elements (“Hallelujah, holy sh*t, I get high as Buddha/Put you on the highway to heaven like I’m your Uber”), illustrating a journey of transcendence amidst worldly challenges.
The second verse by Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks shifts the focus to a more explicit spiritual reverence. They acknowledge the sacrifices and struggles of great men and saints, emphasizing the omnipresence and greatness of a higher power. Shabba Ranks’ verse in the third part furthers this theme by juxtaposing the battle between good and evil, a common motif in spiritual narratives.
But the star of the show is Jeymes himself, as he produces the entire record. He’s not going to blow you away with his singing vocals by any stretch, and at times, it’s a mismatch like the Kid Cudi-assisted “Godqueen,” but he holds his own, including the solo tracks with “Dear Heaven” and “Nazarene.” His tone works wonders with Jorge Ben Joe on the album’s soulful opener “All About You,” his chemistry works with Yemi Alade on “Sacred Love,” and the velvety-smooth “Champagne” with Jorja Smith is a grown R&B at its finest.
The opening verse, sung by Jorja Smith, sets a tone of nostalgia and fleeting moments.
“Reconsider those wrongs
As they’re all days gone by
I still know that I love you
But champagne won’t last forever.”
The metaphor of champagne, symbolizing temporary joy and celebration, is poignantly used to express the ephemeral nature of some relationships and emotions. In the bridge, Jeymes Samuel offers a journey from heartbreak to self-empowerment.
“I was broken, look at me now, I’m fine
You were wrong about us
So why would I fall in lie?
Two in love are flames
Together, we burn so bright
Now I stand alone
But look at my shine.”
This part of the song highlights the theme of resilience and personal growth, indicating a transformation from being part of a pair to finding strength in solitude.
With “JEEZU,” one of the soundtrack’s standout cuts, Adekunle Gold sets a tone of spiritual seeking as it pleads for protection and cleansing from sins, resonating with anyone striving for a better version of themselves. Each verse brings a unique perspective, with Adekunle Gold’s opening verse painting a vivid picture of navigating life’s pains and struggles, highlighting the strength required to shine amidst adversity.
Kodak Black’s verse surprisingly adds depth to the narrative, reflecting on past mistakes and the journey toward redemption. His lyrics reveal a raw honesty about his past and the internal conflict of reconciling it with his current self (“I murder many men, but I ain’t proud of my sins”). He speaks of the struggle to find genuine happiness and the realization that it isn’t solely dependent on material success.
Here comes Doja Cat, bringing a different energy, emphasizing self-assurance in the face of judgment and adversity: “Yup, y’all ain’t know me back then/I was tapped in corners, I was backed in” speaks to her personal growth and the strength gained from overcoming challenges. She addresses the theme of authenticity and maintaining integrity, regardless of external pressures or judgments. This verse complements the overarching theme of the song, highlighting the individual journeys of the artists towards self-improvement and spiritual growth.
Of course, the talk of the town is “I Want You Forever,” a collaboration with D’Angelo and JAY-Z. It is a rich, evocative track that spans an impressive nine minutes. The track opens with a soulful chorus by D’Angelo that sets a tone of deep, enduring love.
“All I wanna say is that I love you so much
I don’t wanna be without you
I want you forever.”
The hook is repeated with slight variations as the production progresses, underscoring a theme of unwavering commitment and affection as James Poyser, Kendra Foster, Pino Palladino, and Andre Harris join in for a ride.
JAY-Z’s spoken-word-esque verse in the song (that garnered mixed responses) adds a layer of introspection and personal narrative to the track. He spits: “Life don’t taste the same without you/Tears in my champagne ‘bout you/Slept on the couch, ‘cause the bed ain’t a bed without you,” conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability. This emotional depth is further amplified by references to his personal life and struggles, adding an autobiographical element to the song.
Jeymes Samuel’s artistic direction and collaborative spirit with notable Black musicians have made The Book of Clarence a cinematic experience and a canorous fusion of music and storytelling. The film not only showcases Samuel’s creative flair but also demonstrates how one of the few instances music can elevate a film’s narrative, transforming The Book of Clarence into an intriguing piece of contemporary cinema.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “JEEZU,” “Champagne,” “I Want You Forever”