Lin-Manuel Miranda has penned a new original song for Disney’s live-action “Moana” “Along The Way” with both “Moana” actresses leading the vocals.
The song is performed by Catherine Laga‘aia, who portrays Moana in the upcoming film; Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui; and Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films “Moana” and “Moana 2.”
Miranda said, “It was such a joy to drop back into the world of ‘Moana’ again and write ‘Along The Way.’ Auliʻi and Catherine’s voices blend so beautifully, and writing for Dwayne as Maui is just pure fun. I’m grateful that we were able to create something special for this brand-new version of our wayfinder’s story.”
In a featurette, Johnson said, “We all agreed that Lin-Manuel Miranda should write one more song.”
Laga‘aia explained that the song is “the perfect symbolism for this movie. Dwaye and Auli’i sing about finding me along the way, and our journey’s colliding.”
Miranda said, “What’s really wonderful is Auli’i is a producer on this film. So we thought, what if there’s a musical conversation between Auli’i Moana and Katie’s Moana? That became the idea for the song.”
Johnson added that the song was special to him because “it’s our OG Moana and your live-action Moana coming together, and then it’s your boy coming in.”
The film which opens on July 10 follows an adventurous teenager named Moana as she embarks on a quest to save her village on the island of Motunui.
The live-action adaptation features music by Mark Mancina, Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i; Mancina returned to score the film.
The film’s original soundtrack is out on June 26.
In addition to the soundtrack, an album inspired by “Moana” and the music of the Pacific, titled “Moana: Voices Across The Ocean,” will be available digitally. Executive-produced by Dwayne Johnson, Lauren Hashian, Tiana Nonosina Liufau and Kayla Fa‘amaligi, the album features 15 tracks (14 original songs plus one cover song) from Pacific artists representing seven islands and cultures, including Stan Walker, Dinah Jane, Iam Tongi, Paula Fuga, Maoli and Common Kings.
The track list for the “Moana” Original Soundtrack and Deluxe version is as follows:
“Tulou Tagaloa” – Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Opetaia Foa‘i, Matatia Foa‘i
“An Innocent Warrior” – Performed by Olivia Foa‘i, Sulata Foai-Amiatu
“Where You Are” – Performed by John Tui, Frankie Adams, Emma Puahi-Shapazian, Amaya Masoli, Rena Owen, Catherine Laga‘aia, Te Vaka
“How Far I’ll Go” – Performed by Catherine Laga‘aia
“We Know The Way” – Performed by Moses Mackay, Opetaia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“How Far I’ll Go (Reprise)” – Performed by Catherine Laga‘aia
“You’re Welcome” – Performed by Dwayne Johnson
“Shiny” – Performed by Jemaine Clement
“Along The Way (Malaga Ki Ei)” – Performed by Sulata Foai-Amiatu, Olivia Foa‘i, Te Vaka
“I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” – Performed by Rena Owen, Catherine Laga‘aia
“Know Who You Are” – Performed by Catherine Laga‘aia, Olivia Foa‘i, Sulata Foai-Amiatu, Opetaia Foa‘i, Matthew Ineleo
“We Know The Way (Finale)” – Performed by Catherine Laga‘aia, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Te Vaka
“Along The Way” – Performed by Auli‘i Cravalho, Catherine Laga‘aia, Dwayne Johnson
