We are the worst
I hate to say so, but the remake of “We Are the World” for Haitian earthquake relief is an overproduced mess. Which is a shame since it’s for an undeniably noble cause. But auto-tune, bad rapping, too many stylistically different voices and the odd warbling of Wyclef Jean make this a musical disaster.
It’s not the greatest song to begin with — the simplicity that makes it easily singable also makes it a bit dull. I keep hearing a snippet stolen from “The Little Drummer Boy” in the verses — although, given that Michael Jackson co-wrote the song, the reference might not be unintentional. What gave the song its original power was that two big powerhouses — Jackson and Lionel Ritchie — teamed up for a cause that inspired people. And if there wasn’t greatness in the music, at least there was greatness in the effort.
Trying to repeat that effort 25 years later probably sounded like a good idea. But Jay-Z was right when he called the original version “untouchable” and said he felt a new song should have been written instead of a remake. Many people seem to agree, according to comments posted in response on MTV’s website. Listen to the two versions. The voices blend in the 1985 version; one singer’s line leads smoothly to the next. The accompaniment doesn’t overpower the voices. In the 2010 version, the vocal lines feel pasted together like a haphazard collage. The voices don’t blend, and there’s too much reverb with an annoying tail that sounds like everyone is singing on a mountaintop in a blizzard. It’s a mess — and perfectly reflects the state of popular music today. It will probably be immensely successful. Great news for those of us who care about Haiti, but not so great for those of us who care about music.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment