In 1985, "We Are the World" sold 4 million singles and 3 million albums with an inclusiveness that allowed Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, and Cyndi Lauper to share space on the same charity anthem. Another Afric... more »an crisis 16 years later--the spread of AIDS across the continent--and the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks prompt this well-meaning remake of Marvin Gaye's 1971 Vietnam-era protest. Rather than the pop unity of the earlier record, however, this 48-minute EP breaks down into nine separate mixes and mix-and-match rosters aimed at different radio and club formats. After all, global village or not, Bono, Nelly, Jennifer Lopez, Scott Weiland, and Moby couldn't possibly coexist for four minutes, right? (Hearing Michael Stipe ride Jermaine Dupri's pop/hip-hop track for even a line raises intriguing possibilities for the R.E.M. singer.) The record's handful of lyric substitutions are clumsy, with "Picket lines won't block our way" forcing the listener to ponder just who's protesting in favor of the disease. But coexecutive producer Bono's political sharpness continues to be on point. --Rickey Wright« less
In 1985, "We Are the World" sold 4 million singles and 3 million albums with an inclusiveness that allowed Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, and Cyndi Lauper to share space on the same charity anthem. Another African crisis 16 years later--the spread of AIDS across the continent--and the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks prompt this well-meaning remake of Marvin Gaye's 1971 Vietnam-era protest. Rather than the pop unity of the earlier record, however, this 48-minute EP breaks down into nine separate mixes and mix-and-match rosters aimed at different radio and club formats. After all, global village or not, Bono, Nelly, Jennifer Lopez, Scott Weiland, and Moby couldn't possibly coexist for four minutes, right? (Hearing Michael Stipe ride Jermaine Dupri's pop/hip-hop track for even a line raises intriguing possibilities for the R.E.M. singer.) The record's handful of lyric substitutions are clumsy, with "Picket lines won't block our way" forcing the listener to ponder just who's protesting in favor of the disease. But coexecutive producer Bono's political sharpness continues to be on point. --Rickey Wright
"Individal Track Review
1/What's Going On (Dupri Original Mix)
Fantastic version. This is the version you hear on the radio and watch on Television. (5 Stars)
2/What's Going On (The London Version)
Only Bono and Chris Martin appear in this song, but it is an excellent piece! (4 Stars)
3/What's Going On Reprise (Moby's Version)
Fantastic orchrastration and strings! (4 Stars)
4/What's Going On (Fred Durst's Reality Check Mix)
I am not a major fan of this type of music. But, someone into metal might like this version. (1 Star)
5/What's Going On (Mangini/Pop Rox Mix)
Fantastic is all to say! (4 Stars)
6/What's Going On (MG's Pop Mix)
Wonderful piece. I especially love the part from JC from *NSYNC. (5 Stars)
7/What's Going On (Dupri R&B Mix)
This is the R&B version. I contains the original background music, but has different artists.
8/What's Going On (Neptunes One's For You Mix)
Bad version! (1 Star)
9/What's Going On (Jr. Vasquez's Club Mix)
The Best of the CD is this song! Nine and a half minutes of "What's Going On" is this! The entire price is this song!!! (5 Stars)***All star amounts are out of 5. 5 is the best."
Good CD, Great Cause
the AnSWer | Sacramento, CA | 12/09/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is pretty good and for a very good cause. Whether you like R&B, Rap, Rock, Pop, Dance, etc. There's something for everyone.1. Dupri Original Mix (5 stars) - This is the one heard all over the radio and TV. It's getting played out now, but it's still a good song.2. The London Version (3 stars) - Not a bad version, but not the kind of music I like to listen too. I am sure there are a lot of people that like this song, but I'm not one of them. Chris Martin and Bono are the only 2 artists on this one.3. Moby's Version (3 stars) - Also not a bad song. I don't like the way it is mixed (The artist's and the background). Has a dark feeling to it.4. Fred Durst's Reality Check (2.5 stars) - Not really a big fan of rock, listen to it sometimes, but not a lot. Basically has the same lyrics as the original, only rock background and rock artsits.5. Magini/Pop Rox Mix (4.5 stars) - Nice Beats. Same lyrics as the original. 6. Mick Guzauski's Pop Mix (5 stars) - Background sounds like Marvin Gaye's original "What's going on". Usher, Monica, Jagged Edge, TLC, and Pat Monahan(Train) all make appearances on this one. No rap, Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys, or Mary J Blige.7. Dupri's R&B Mix (4.5 stars) - Exact same background as the original only some of the artists are different. Usher, Monica, TLC, JE, and Lil' Kim are all on this one. Usher's part is good. Lil' Kim's part at the end ruins the song.8. The Neptunes This One's For You Mix (5 stars) - Good song. Nice beats and good lyrics. All R&B and Rap. LL Cool J, Fabolous, Da Brat, Queen Latifah, NORE, Mobb Deep, and Faith Evans are just some of the people on this track.9. Junior Vasquez's Club Mix (5 stars) - Very good dance mix. It's good the whole 9 and a half minutes."
A nice idea for a good cause...
HMJ | Maine | 10/30/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The line-up Bono has amassed is amazing and they do a pretty good job of updating the Marvin Gaye classic for today's current politcal landscape. It seems a little stupid to have so many versions of one song, but I guess Bono really wanted to show how various forms of music can transcend itself for a greater cause. Overall, a very good effort with nice results."
Neptunes Make This Cd Hot!
HMJ | 12/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not a big fan of people like N'Sync & Britney Spears. As a matter of fact you can say I hate their music. But the one remix on this album that is really really hot is the Neptunes Remix! They lay the hottest beats in the biz today & they continue to prove that on this album. They bring some of the hottest rappers in like: Fabolous, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J & Noreaga and, lay down a great beat behind them and make a very bangin song. If you're not a pop music fan, buy the album just for the Neptunes version...it's worth it + it goes to a great cause."
Great Cover
I Love | Tucson, AZ | 05/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed this album because there was so manny diffrent artist in here. They are trying to deliver a positive message. Even though Britney is in this album (I cant stand her), it is still very good to listen to.
People, quit complaning about the rappers because they did a great job. Especially Nas. I bet half of you haven't listen to what they said.
I really enjoyed hearing Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Destiny's Child, Monica, Usher, Nas, Eve, And Faith Evans on this album. I think the best track on this album was the RnB remix.
I hope you guys buy this because your money is going to a great cause. I give credit to everyone who was in this for taking time to do this for free."