Hailee Steinfeld drops another killer track for the 'Bumblebee' soundtrack

Hailee Steinfeld has successfully combined her singing and acting careers completely, with the release of her new single 'Back to Life' being the official song for her lead role in 'Bumblebee'

Singer/actress Hailee Steinfeld (CREDIT: Alicia Canter)

by Jack Linsdell

Hailee Steinfeld has just released a new single, which is the first time we've heard new work from her musically since her track Capital Letters for the 'Fifty Shades Freed' soundtrack back in February. And, the news here is even more exciting because it is the official song for her new movie, 'Bumblebee' which is a prequel/sequel to Michael Bay's original franchise debuting in cinemas towards the end of December. So, Steinfeld (soon to be 22) has indeed found true success as an actress (headlining a major studio franchise flick) and a singer (providing an original song to a major Hollywood blockbuster). And, although like the Capital Letters track has illustrated, she is no stranger to having her music used in feature films, this is significant because it is the first time that she has composed a song for a film she is actually starring in. 

The track itself is a 'banger' to use language many fellow young people use to describe songs that are really good. It is typically Steinfeld and acts as another fantastic example of catchy melodies and heartfelt/associable lyrics that defines her discography so far. Its themes about love and friendship seem to reflect her characters relationship with the Transformer Bumblebee in the film and it sounds like a killer track to play (presumably) over the end credits. As a fan of her musically, as well as her acting career, this is huge news.

However, it also shows the importance of music to Hollywood. And, no I'm not talking about movie soundtracks by composers. It's clear that music (songs) are a major part of film these days. Songs that are written for films (whether they are musicals or just for opening/end credits) not only help promote these flicks with their chart success and/or fan popularity but make the films more deeply richer by celebrating the story and characters through music.

Florence Welch, from the British band Florence + The Machine, has deepened her music career by composing original music for features films. Be it Over the Love for Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' remake, Wish That You Were Here for Tim Burton's 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' or writing To Be Human for Patty Jenkins' 'Wonder Woman', Welch has helped make a career of not only writing songs for her own band but also for popular feature films as well. With songs for 'Fifty Shades Freed' and 'Bumblebee' under her belt, perhaps Steinfeld can deepen her acting/singing careers by composing more music for films (especially ones she's acted in). 

I've spoken about her talents before (click here for the article) and this is yet another string to her already impressive bow. And, to top it all tune into Channel 5 tomorrow night (Sunday 4th November) at 10:30 to watch her host the EMA awards, along with a performance by her (likely of her new track) and a nomination in one category, in front of the all the biggest names in the music and film industry. Truly she's an inspiration and I wish her every success.