Search - Various Artists :: Peace Songs

Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens, Billy Bragg, Eurhythmics+on 1 album

Bill Stella | Somerville, NJ USA | 10/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The new version of "Peace Train" is worth the price of admission alone. Yusuf Islam's first English-language recording in years is a recorded acknowledgement of his career as pop-rock star Cat Stevens. Re-set with a chorus of children from around the world, plus other beautiful new touches, it's heartening to hear him sounding so good. And for a very good cause.



The beneficiary, War Child Canada, is an independent charitable organization working across North America and around the world to assist children affected by war and to raise awareness for children's rights everywhere. They work to help thousands whose lives have been torn apart by war, and to engage North American youth to take an active role in creating a more just future. All proceeds from the sale of "Peace Songs" will help children affected by war through War Child Canada's international humanitarian projects, including emergency relief in Iraq. Please visit www.warchild.ca to find out more.



It's not all that surprising to see Bruce Cockburn here, but who expected to see Bryan Adams with a song called "Don't Drop That Bomb on Me"? Cockburn is also represented here by Barenaked Ladies' take on his "Lovers in a Dangerous Time".



Elvis Costello & Paul McCartney appear -- not another collaboration, mind you, but with fine performances. Other pre-1980 artists include The Eurhythmics, Leonard Cohen & David Bowie. Billy Bragg's song "The Wolf Covers Its Tracks" is one of several songs currently only available on albums benefitting War Child. Versions of "One", "Imagine", "Redemption Song" and "Change Is Gonna Come" mean that minimally there's great songwriting here. A new-to-me song, "War" (not the Edwin Starr-sung song) by Liam Titcomb is as impressive as the hits I've come to love.



If new versions of 60s and 70s hit "peace songs" by the likes of Avril Levigne, Beth Orton, Our Lady Peace and Basement Jaxx don't make your day, at least give the artists their due for contributing, and for bringing their fans along.



A factor in any artist being a part of this kind of project is Name Recognition: they bring their fans' attention to the cause. I can understand having a sour spot for Lavigne (as some have posted, or for any artist for that matter). But the album is not about your taste in musicians: It'a about raising money and awareness.



With so much music, 30 tracks, any 15 -- any half -- of your choice you're almost sure to enjoy, "Peace Songs" deserves some attention and respect from United States citizens. It raises money and awareness for a very worthy organization most haven't a clue exists -- sadly, many Americans don't seem to think there's a need for it.



Additionally, the single cd called "War Child: Hope" benefits the War Child UK organization. [Amazon carries it, also as an import.] It drops over half of "Peace Songs" and adds tracks by George Michael & New Order."

Great cd

nathanlee669 | Canada | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"a great cd about peace . it's good to see a bunch of artist come together and record these songs . My favorite song on this cd is "knockin on heaven's door" , by avril lavigne . I highly reccomend this cd for anyone"

Perfect

nathanlee669 | 02/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD really has some great songs. One of them being In Essence doing a remake of "Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. This CD really makes you think about whats going on in the world around you"