Brian Wilson has released the new song “Right Where I Belong,” taken from the soundtrack of the new documentary Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road, and featuring and co-written with My Morning Jacket’s Jim James. The full soundtrack is released on Friday (26).
The song, in which Wilson reflects on his teenage years as a writer and musician, was teased in the trailer for the film, which is based around conversations between the Beach Boys co-founder and his friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. It opened in US theaters in a limited run and video-on-demand services earlier this month. The documentary also features interviews about Wilson with James himself, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Gustavo Dudamel, Al Jardine, and others.
“I was thrilled when [director] Brent [Wilson, no relation of the songwriting genius] and Jason asked me to compose a song for the film, I enjoyed working on the song with Jim, he was the perfect collaborator,” Wilson said.
“In my heart and soul Brian Wilson’s music has always held a place of such divine importance,” said James, who sings harmonies and some lead on the new composition. “It has always been there with me in celebrating life’s greatest triumphs and has also sustained me through some of my darkest hours.
“His spirit and life story have taught us all to never give up and to always listen to and honor the spirit of each of our own unique creative souls. So it was truly such an honor to create and collaborate with Brian on brand new music for this incredible film about his life.”
Wilson’s instrumental album At My Piano, featuring new interpretations of his classic work, was released last Friday (19), while My Morning Jacket’s eponymous ninth studio set came out last month.
Buy or stream At My Piano.
