Brow Beat

Here’s What the Modern-Day Annie Remake Might Sound Like

A modern song for a modern Annie.

Photo by Barry Wetcher - © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve seen the trailer for the upcoming remake of Annie, you know that it will give the musical a substantial update, transplanting Little Orphan Annie (Quvenzhané Wallis) from the original show’s Depression-era setting to the present day. Now we can hear a little more of what that update might sound like: Sia has recorded a drastic reworking of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” for the soundtrack, and it’s been released today along with an accompanying video.

With the exception of the verse’s melody, this “You’re Never Fully Dressed” is practically indistinguishable from the original, with the kind of booming, stadium-ready production Sia’s made her signature. The lyrics are given a modern-day makeover as well, nodding to Chanel and Gucci, while touting the be-yourself message found in many recent pop hits. The remake, which was produced by Jay Z and Will Smith among others, is due out just before Christmas.