We are still the world, 25 years later…a slightly different world…
Did everyone see the “We Are the World 2010” video this weekend? I had no expectations for the new version, but I actually kind of liked it. The major thing I noticed was that many of the voices are less distinguishable than those in the original. Some solos were very distinct, like Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, Enrique Iglesias, and Josh Groban. But the voices of soloists like Fergie, Toni Braxton, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Scherzinger (the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls), Adam Levine (lead singer of Maroon 5), Usher, and even Mary J. Blige, I wouldn’t have recognized unless I’d seen the video—and that’s not to say that these artists don’t usually have very unique voices. The solos of hip hop artists like Akon and Lil Wayne sound completely electronic and robotic, I guess to give them the trademark studio manipulated techniques they use on their own recordings. Wyclef Jean also sounds like his voice has been digitally altered, but I don’t actually think it is. Whatever is going on there, which seems to be some sort of Haitian stylizing, it sounds odd.
Highlights include Jamie Foxx doing an impression of Ray Charles’ line from the original 1985 version, Celine Dion belting out the Cyndi Lauper part, and of course, the insertion of Michael Jackson’s original vocals and his video clip from the 1985 version. However, having him ‘duet’ with Janet is kind of weird. You can’t hear Janet singing at all. Visually it looks off too, because they have a grainy 80s clip of Michael on the left and a crystal clear clip of Janet on the right, and she just sort of looks like she’s going through the motions, moving her lips while staring blankly ahead. What I actually like most of all is the rap part! It’s the one thing that adds a modern feel and groove to this remake, with artists like LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Will.i.am rapping in unison. It isn’t over-the-top ganster rap, it’s actually delivered in a very harmonious, passionate way that flows perfectly with the rest of the song. It’s reminiscent of that benefit cover of “What’s Going On” that a bunch of artists did a while back.
As for disappointments, there are really only two so far. First, Ann and Nancy Wilson (aka: Heart) are in the chorus, and I can’t BELIEVE they didn’t give Ann a solo considering she is one of the best female vocalists of the hard rock era. Second, as of right now, the song is only available as a download! BLECH. Give me a frickin’ physical CD to add to my collection.