Categories : Folk + Roots, Jazz + Blues, Music Reviews.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: April 24, 2007 Reviewer: David Coats |
Few artists are as legendary for their contributions to the African-American civil rights movement as Mavis Staples. Staples, going strong at sixty-six, releases We’ll Never Turn Back, a celebration of how far the civil rights movement has come, and a reminder that there is still more to be done, written and performed with a passion only someone with literally a lifetime of experience could manage.
We’ll Never Turn Back consists of both Staples originals and updated versions of standards from the civil rights period. Staples has a nearly unmatchable sheer presence, the record’s driving force, and in conjunction with acclaimed gospel choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo, conveys a sense of deep resolve. The blues/gospel genre is in itself so organic and rich, these songs, in combination with Staples’ gritty storytelling and Ry Cooder’s tasteful production, make this an enjoyable listen, not just an important one.
More sombre and less melodic than one might expect (even ‘This Little Light of Mine’ is performed with surprising gravity), these songs become more embraceable, and, not coincidentally, communal, as they build. The confident ‘Eyes on the Prize,’ drastically different than Bruce Springsteen’s mournful 2006 version, the emotionally autobiographical ‘My Own Eyes,’ and celebratory breath of fresh air ‘Turn Me Around’ are particular highlights. The vocals are first-rate throughout, but the instrumentation is often confusingly restrained. This record will require something of you, but then again, the same could be said of the civil rights and social justice causes themselves.
Ultimately, it is Staples conviction that sells these songs. Her unshakable commitment to both her music and her greater cause shines throughout the record. Though the record is at times overly minimalist, credit both Staples and Cooder with allowing the message to stand front-and-center. It’s not free-flowing enough to be the classic some consider it to be, but is effective, classy, and profound.
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