We Are the World

I just saw a video clip about the upcoming remake of the '85 tune "We Are The World". The original raised millions for famine relief in Africa; the new version will aid the Haiti relief effort.

As a song, it's kind of mediocre. There's a direct ripoff of Do You Hear What I Hear? in the chorus ("a star, a star..."), and it's sort of a middling pop song, with a standard 4-5-1 chord progression that worked much better in Blowin' in the Wind, Viva la Vida,  Always On My Mind, and others. It's surprising that Michael Jackson, arguably at his peak at the time, co-wrote this instead of something closer to Billy Jean or Thriller. But, despite that, it was an inspirational work that did a lot of good. Sometimes the easily digestible is an effective way to accomplish the morally imperative. You could say that musical junk food is a good way to get real food to people in need.

I'm looking forward to seeing who's on the recording; it becomes a record of the time. Seeing Kim Carnes (Bette Davis Eyes) and Huey Lewis (The Heart of Rock & Roll) reminds me how huge acts that seem like they'll be around forever can disappear from the public consciousness. I imagine some artists will return for the second one: Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the song, even though he's not making much of an impact these days; Springsteen, who still is; Kenny Rogers, who, if he does appear, will probably look younger than the first time around, thanks to extensive plastic surgery.

Maybe there'll be a a rap interlude, or a hip-hop section. There are ways to freshen up a tired tune. But whatever it sounds like this time around, it will be heartfelt, inspiring and a worthy effort. If you don't buy a copy, send the cost of one to relief aid---or to any charity to which you're dedicated. The important thing about this song and its various versions isn't so much if it's as good as Single Ladies, but that it makes us stop and think about how we should be helping others. And that's beautiful music to my ears.