"We Are the World" - remake, with 100 NEW artists

[jamrock16]

Feb 2, 2010 21:50:37 GMT -5 PDC1987 said:

Feb 2, 2010 21:35:15 GMT -5 ColdAsFire_Baby said:

Rumor has it Britney is involved

Vacuuming the studio in between takes?

x100

[Legoman]

This thread is a mess like the collaboration itself

[Wrecking Ball]

Feb 2, 2010 20:08:02 GMT -5 soundUPsceneDOWN said:

Feb 2, 2010 19:42:29 GMT -5 Wrecking Ball said:

They want this song to do well, this is about raising money and plain and simple, they'll raise more money with Miley and Justin are on this track then they would without them.

and i don't understand how you can say that someone didn't do this for charitable reasons just because they were given a solo.

Well, you don't understand because I didn't actually say that. I said the whole thing looks more like a product of positioning and attempts to gain status because a solo was given to a newbie without much of a track record. Come on, that's weird. I didn't say Bieber wasn't charitable. I didn't say anything about the specific motives of individual artists. And there can be duel motives--artists who want to be charitable but also want the status of being part of the remake.

What I did say about Justin and Miley is that they aren't very good singers. I didn't say the single wouldn't sell with them on it--I have no idea how it'll sell. I just would have liked the track to be more about quality and reflect real musicianship. The first version of the song was like that.

But I suppose if you think Justin and Miley are the best thing since sliced bread, and can sing a song as well as any artist out there, you're not going to agree with me.

I hate Justin Bieber. I just believe that at the end of the day whats important about this track is how well it sells and raises for Haiti, not quality.
and personally, the rappers and adding a rap section brings down the quality of this song more then Miley or Justin ever could. but those names will sell the track and thats what matters.

[musicrocks]

www.billboard.com/#/news/behind-the-scenes-at-we-are-the-world-1004064348.story

More than 75 stars -- from the legendary Barbra Streisand to rapper Lil Wayne and actor Vince Vaughn -- gathered at Hollywood's Henson Recording Studios yesterday (Feb. 1) to record the 25th anniversary version of "We Are The World."



Like its predecessor, "We Are The World - 25 For Haiti" features a diverse lineup: this time ranging from Streisand and Celine Dion to actor Jeff Bridges. But it also boasts a major hip-hop contingent (Kanye West, Lil Wayne, LL Cool J, Akon, Kid Cudi, Drake), young newcomers (Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber) and major-league high technology.

"This is like running through hell with gasoline underwear," said Quincy Jones with a laugh late last night during a five-minute recording break.

The video for "We Are the World - 25 For Haiti" will world premiere in 3D during NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics on Friday, Feb. 12. Academy Award-winning writer/director Paul Haggis ("Crash," "Million Dollar Baby") directed the video, an online version will feature green screen, allowing viewers to place themselves in the We Are the World lineup as well.



Proceeds from the contemporary recording and the accompanying video will go directly to Haitian relief efforts through the We Are The World Foundation, a newly created not-for-profit organization comprised of board members Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Wyclef Jean, Paul Haggis, AEG Live president/CEO Randy Phillips and Ambassador Louis Moreno of the Inter-American Development Bank. Helping to underwrite the project was Visa.

Joining Jones in the media tent (which housed two video screens showing both looped and real-time footage of the recording) was an equally tired but ebullient Lionel Richie, who produced and co-wrote the original song with Michael Jackson. He, Jones and Jean are executive producers of the new song, with newly minted Grammy Award winner/producer RedOne and producer/musical director Ricky Minor ("American Idol") also onboard. Richie and Jones noted that other artists beyond those on hand last night will be added to the recording. Among those will be Janet Jackson, who will sing brother Michael's middle part in the original.





Asked the reason for going with all new artists for the re-recording, Richie said, "It's the toughest thing; you want to jump in, but then you must realize you have to pass the torch." Richie, who sang on the original version as well, passed his torch to newcomer Beiber, who sings Richie's part in the new song.

Asked what Michael Jackson would be doing if he were alive to participate in the re-recording, Richie said, "I know it's hard to believe, but if Michael were alive, he would be behind the scenes with us doing exactly what we're doing: supporting everyone. I must say, the enthusiasm I've witnessed in there...I've never seen anything like it. What made it so interesting this time around is we took longer to record because we now have cell phones and Twitter. Instead of having down time where everyone is sitting around doing nothing, everybody was taking pictures of each other."

The gathered artists also broke into an impromptu version of the Bill Withers classic "Lean on Me," sparked by Melanie Fiona's hurting feet. "We were standing for quite a while and my feet started to hurt a bit. So I told Musiq Soulchild that I was going to lean on him. He said this isn't 'Lean on Me.' Then someone else said lean on me and Celine started singing. The rest is what you saw on camera, history."

Also making their way to the media room to share their experiences were:

Jordin Sparks: "I was standing next to Rob Thomas and Lil Wayne in front of me. Then Brandy, Tyrese and Natalie Cole. Everybody is having a good time, so excited to be a part of something bigger than us. I've always loved Michael's love for the world. I love the song; they've changed it up a little bit. It has a little more -- I hate this word -- but swag, I guess. But it's going to be awesome."

Natalie Cole: "It's a bubbly, energetic mood in there. I was standing by Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson; we were all getting numbers and autographs. But we were also in a thoughtful mood in there because of the images of Haiti on the video screens behind us in the studio. It was also very emotional because a Haitian film crew -- who had just got out in time -- spoke to us as well."

Celine Dion: "People are very touched to be here. Wehave to enjoy ourselves; we're talking about music and about someone who was living through music. Michael's fashion was to help change the world through his lyrics. Through our music, voices and talent, all of us together...you can't just say this is terrible. Tonight we have this opportunity to make a difference."

Josh Groban: "I got Kenny Rogers' original harmony with Paul Simon and I was happy for that. But I don't know yet who the harmony will be with; it's to be determined. Then they had me do a riff at the end with some bravado...that was the token classical note of the song (laughs). It's inspired chaos. We're all there for the same reason and it's great to see so many legendary artists sweating it out; doing it until it's over. Everybody left their ego at the door. To be smack dab in the middle of a sandwich between Weezy and Barbra Streisand was personally a creative experience I don't think I'll have the pleasure of having again. It just goes to show the mix and match of people who are here to help. I can only hope this version has the impact of the original."

Lil Wayne: "I've never been involved in anything like this. But coming out I feel blessed and feel like I've done something today. And that's always a good day. When I got here, I was like what am I doing, will I be rapping or what? Then they told me I was doing Bob Dylan's part and I was like, you guys are real good comedians. But I approached it the best way I knew how. Did I do a better job than Bob Dylan? Hell, no. But after I did his part, it hit me that this was something way more important than I could ever imagine. Before I go, I just want to say I think it's amazing what's been done for Haiti but I also think it's amazing what hasn't been done for New Orleans. Thank you."

[lugus15]

To those laughing at Justin, Miley and Nicole here, allow me to remind you that in 1985 LeToya was part of that. ;)

You can't get crappier than her.

[lugus15]

But yeah ya'll are right, Nicole is nothing more than a glorified stripper, Lizzie McGuire v2.0's fame will last until the Lizzie McGuire v3.0 comes along, and that Justin creature's fame dies when his voice changes (and the Pedo fanbase migrates to the next).

I concur, the organizers should have shown a little bit more selectiveness. I mean if this was done in 2000 they would have had Lou Vega and Eiffel 65(:isthatthenumber?idon'tcaretoevenlookitup:) in there.

[Legoman]

So Gaga is indeed not participating

[Wrecking Ball]

group picture, sorry its so big:

[HolidayGuy]

I mentioned LaToya, as a comparison to some of the lesser acts involved in this.

Is this going to be released as a CD single, too, or just digitally? (may have missed that) Regardless of the hot-mess aspect of the project, anything that's going to aid in the disaster is a positive thing. As it is, it's not like the original "We Are the World" ranks as one of the greatest songs of all time.

Was Janet Jackson not present for the recording?

[MikeCheck12]

^ Janet was not present. She's been in Atlanta since Monday morning...

[rdh: THE YONKAZ!]

Janet is going to record Michael's part in a studio to be added.

[soundUPsceneDOWN]

True, the original WATW doesn't rank as one of the greatest songs of all time, but I remember that it was a really huge, huge, huge deal when it came out. The video for it played constantly (when videos still plays on MTV), and it was all over the radio. Time will tell whether this one will do anything like that. The original WATW didn't just sell b/c so-and-so was singing on it or because it was for charity, but because like any other heavily played song on the radio, people liked it and bought it. So it sold well for months, not just days or weeks.

Regarding LeToya--she didn't have a solo.

Original solos: Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarraeu, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles

IMO, they did a *far* better job getting high-quality soloists that would make or had made their mark in music, and be remembered for years to come.

But I guess this version has its own Dan Aykroyd, in the form of Vince Vaughn. What the heck was he doing there, anyway?

[lugus15]

LOL is that Ann Coulter????

What is that bitch doing there

[Deleted]

Feb 3, 2010 14:21:07 GMT -5 soundUPsceneDOWN said:

But I guess this version has its own Dan Aykroyd, in the form of Vince Vaughn. What the heck was he doing there, anyway?

LOL. I actually made that exact comparison, but then I remembered that Dan Aykroyd actually had a hit song and some music success as part of the Blues Brothers.

[soundUPsceneDOWN]

Feb 3, 2010 18:13:48 GMT -5 @jjj said:

Feb 3, 2010 14:21:07 GMT -5 soundUPsceneDOWN said:

But I guess this version has its own Dan Aykroyd, in the form of Vince Vaughn. What the heck was he doing there, anyway?

LOL. I actually made that exact comparison, but then I remembered that Dan Aykroyd actually had a hit song and some music success as part of the Blues Brothers.

Oh yeah. lol. I guess so. He just looks so weird in the WATW video with his 80s Dad-glasses in the back haphazardly lip-syncing.

I'm still waiting for Vince Vaughn to tell us what he has to do with music. lol.

[divalasvegas82]

I agree soundscreen. The original (as sappy as it was) at least had a nice mixture of 1985's hottest stars and legends. The remake will be filled with AI rejects, Disney kids, and a whole lot of B-list celebrities.

[reidster]

Feb 2, 2010 22:50:57 GMT -5 Wrecking Ball said:

Feb 2, 2010 20:08:02 GMT -5 soundUPsceneDOWN said:

Well, you don't understand because I didn't actually say that. I said the whole thing looks more like a product of positioning and attempts to gain status because a solo was given to a newbie without much of a track record. Come on, that's weird. I didn't say Bieber wasn't charitable. I didn't say anything about the specific motives of individual artists. And there can be duel motives--artists who want to be charitable but also want the status of being part of the remake.

What I did say about Justin and Miley is that they aren't very good singers. I didn't say the single wouldn't sell with them on it--I have no idea how it'll sell. I just would have liked the track to be more about quality and reflect real musicianship. The first version of the song was like that.

But I suppose if you think Justin and Miley are the best thing since sliced bread, and can sing a song as well as any artist out there, you're not going to agree with me.

I hate Justin Bieber.

How can you hate someone you don't even know. I can understand if you dislike, maybe even hate, his music. But to say you hate an individual you do not know at all really demonstrates your character. What you see of most stars in the public is nothing like what they are as a real person with their friends and family, anyway.

[HolidayGuy]

^So agreed. You see people toss around "hate" all the time- whether they actually mean it or not, or if it's an exaggeration, who knows- would hope it's the latter.

I saw on ET that Celine Dion has Cyndi's part. Wonder what Babs will have- surely she will have a solo.

[Wrecking Ball]

Feb 4, 2010 18:05:14 GMT -5 reidster said:

Feb 2, 2010 22:50:57 GMT -5 Wrecking Ball said:

I hate Justin Bieber.

How can you hate someone you don't even know. I can understand if you dislike, maybe even hate, his music. But to say you hate an individual you do not know at all really demonstrates your character. What you see of most stars in the public is nothing like what they are as a real person with their friends and family, anyway.

I meant as an artist. know nothing about him as a person.

[Francesa On The FAN]

Feb 2, 2010 12:28:20 GMT -5 chopped89 said:

Feb 2, 2010 11:53:30 GMT -5 hitseeker. said:

so sick of these haiti relief tracks, too many right now...

this will indeed be a hot mess, rappers, Nicole Scherzinger, are you kiding me? it's gonna be ridiculous lol

F.Y.I....rappers are the most talented people who can really express their feelings...listen to DRUNK BY MYSELF AND WHEN I'M GONE!!nobody could do better than those 2 songs, if u listen to them and gave a respond with a better song then i'll stop listening to RAP...rap is culture, and rappers are the best in describing life, because they really been through it, i'm not talkin about rich rappers that came in 05 and so..i'm talkin about eminem, nas, 50, pac, biggie, ice cube, and the list goes on....hate rap all u want, but they are the best, R&B Is all Auto-tune right now, that means no talent, and ghostwriting!!if rappers weren't the best to describe horrible things and make wonderful tribute to their dears then u would have not heard the word "CONTROVERSY"...thats all i wanted to say...

Immortal Technique - Dance With The Devil blows that Em song outta the water. Nas is cool though.

[Francesa On The FAN]

Feb 2, 2010 2:09:51 GMT -5 CookyMonzta said:

I know this is probably going to rub some people the wrong way, but why do I think this smacks of a publicity ploy?

The last time this was done, I thought it was an obvious attempt to outdo Band-Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" When the Brits recorded that, there was little doubt there was a genuine charitable purpose for that tune. They weren't looking to make history; they were looking to turn the average bloke's attention to the tragedy in Ethiopia. When the U.S. responded with "We Are The World", it struck me as more a response than being genuine. It got the public's attention in this country, but it still struck me as a response record.

Now, a remake. Why a remake? Surely someone could write something new that is worthy of its purpose, than to recycle what is already regarded as historic. We've already recycled and/or remade Halloween, Battlestar Galactica, etc., some for better, some for worse, but an overdose of remakes nonetheless, and it devalues the purpose.

I happen to think that, for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, someone should have written a new song that could have been sung by this ensemble, a song that unquestionably fit the purpose, which is a bit different than the purpose represented by "We Are The World". Are the people, who decided that this was the right time to remake the song, genuinely interested in drawing more attention to the tragedy (and I must say that the whole world knows about it by now), or are they using the aftermath as an excuse to remake this song?

Totally agree that We Are The World was done because we got upstaged by the Brits. I knew that when it came out and people couldn't believe I would stoop so low to suggest that opinion.

[Francesa On The FAN]

These artists could pool a billion dollars together and turn Haiti into Las Vegas if they wanted to without missing a penny. Instead they're gonna sell some craptastic song and ask us to buy it. Fuck them and fuck it all!

All you need to know about celebrities and corporations and how they relate to us is that Sony Corporation proudly announced they are giving $250,000 to Haiti relief. 250K!!! My $3000 Sony tv developed problems after 20 months and I have to spend over a thousand bucks to get a temporary fix for it, and I'm supposed to applaud these corporate and celebrity dooshbags for giving 5 minutes of their precious time? Fuck them all!

[Deleted]

Feb 4, 2010 14:34:59 GMT -5 divalasvegas82 said:

I agree soundscreen. The original (as sappy as it was) at least had a nice mixture of 1985's hottest stars and legends. The remake will be filled with AI rejects, Disney kids, and a whole lot of B-list celebrities.

I think that is my one major disappointment with this.

To me, an ideal list of artists would be: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Chris Martin, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, Ryan Tedder, Rob Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Black Eyes Peas, Colbie Caillat, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Isaac Slade (The Fray), Jason Wade (Lifehouse), Lady Antebellum, Leona Lewis, John Mayer, Pat Monahan, and possibly Mariah Carey. And If we really needed at least one "Disney kid" I would be okay with Nick Jonas.

I guess I was expecting the same level of relevancy in the artists chosen as the original. But those were my expectations for the new "A Very Special Christmas" album, and look how that turned out.

And yes, I do know that many artists turned the offer down. But it had to have been more than the changes to the song itself that made them look away- I'm sure some artists turned it down because they would be one person in a crowd of 100 random people that Lionel Richie picked up in the Grammy parking lot.

[chopped89]

Feb 5, 2010 2:08:39 GMT -5 Francesa On The FAN said:

Feb 2, 2010 12:28:20 GMT -5 chopped89 said:

F.Y.I....rappers are the most talented people who can really express their feelings...listen to DRUNK BY MYSELF AND WHEN I'M GONE!!nobody could do better than those 2 songs, if u listen to them and gave a respond with a better song then i'll stop listening to RAP...rap is culture, and rappers are the best in describing life, because they really been through it, i'm not talkin about rich rappers that came in 05 and so..i'm talkin about eminem, nas, 50, pac, biggie, ice cube, and the list goes on....hate rap all u want, but they are the best, R&B Is all Auto-tune right now, that means no talent, and ghostwriting!!if rappers weren't the best to describe horrible things and make wonderful tribute to their dears then u would have not heard the word "CONTROVERSY"...thats all i wanted to say...

Immortal Technique - Dance With The Devil blows that Em song outta the water. Nas is cool though.

Damn, i really forgot about him...yeah his song is better...but i gave them those because they know the both of them...anyways still no r&b song could blow these 3!!

[jgizzle89]

yeah, dance with the devil is such an emotional rollercoaster. that twist? wow.

[stetz]

ugh. i'm sick of collaborative efforts advertised as having a "diverse list" of contributors. when they do a song like this, it's just a group of the random-ass mainstream artists. while i understand that it would be most comercially effective to pick recognizable artists, such things as this get-together of sorts is depressing. for one thing, more often than not, up-and-coming big names are just watered down versions of whatever genre they claim to respresent. Another thing is so many bands and artists that don't get all the tabloid coverage and radio play are just as recognizable, just maybe not to entirely overlapping audience. get a good mix of those mainstream artists included and then add in some other artists that'd rally in the group of music lovers that despise the radio. coulda been better worded, but there's my opinion

[Deleted]

FAIL²

[mjdangerous]

Feb 5, 2010 2:33:26 GMT -5 @jjj said:

Feb 4, 2010 14:34:59 GMT -5 divalasvegas82 said:

I agree soundscreen. The original (as sappy as it was) at least had a nice mixture of 1985's hottest stars and legends. The remake will be filled with AI rejects, Disney kids, and a whole lot of B-list celebrities.

I think that is my one major disappointment with this.

To me, an ideal list of artists would be: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Chris Martin, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, Ryan Tedder, Rob Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Black Eyes Peas, Colbie Caillat, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Isaac Slade (The Fray), Jason Wade (Lifehouse), Lady Antebellum, Leona Lewis, John Mayer, Pat Monahan, and possibly Mariah Carey. And If we really needed at least one "Disney kid" I would be okay with Nick Jonas.

I guess I was expecting the same level of relevancy in the artists chosen as the original. But those were my expectations for the new "A Very Special Christmas" album, and look how that turned out.

And yes, I do know that many artists turned the offer down. But it had to have been more than the changes to the song itself that made them look away- I'm sure some artists turned it down because they would be one person in a crowd of 100 random people that Lionel Richie picked up in the Grammy parking lot.

You speak of having the same level of relevancy of artists from the original, then you mention in an "ideal" list Ryan Tedder or Keri Hilson, are you kidding?!

[worldwide]

Feb 5, 2010 2:33:26 GMT -5 @jjj said:

Feb 4, 2010 14:34:59 GMT -5 divalasvegas82 said:

I agree soundscreen. The original (as sappy as it was) at least had a nice mixture of 1985's hottest stars and legends. The remake will be filled with AI rejects, Disney kids, and a whole lot of B-list celebrities.

I think that is my one major disappointment with this.

To me, an ideal list of artists would be: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Chris Martin, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, Ryan Tedder, Rob Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Black Eyes Peas, Colbie Caillat, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Isaac Slade (The Fray), Jason Wade (Lifehouse), Lady Antebellum, Leona Lewis, John Mayer, Pat Monahan, and possibly Mariah Carey.

Mariah Carey-The biggest star among all of these , and you say possibly?

[carrieidol1]

When is this supposed to be released?