”Sing” Annie’s song
The worldwide release of the new Annie Lennox solo album “Songs of Mass Destruction” is complete today with the CD arriving to the U.S. market.
Here is what the New York Post has to say about Annie’s latest work:
Back when she was a Eurhythmic, Annie Lennox recorded with Aretha Franklin what has become arguably one of the most important feminist anthems of our time: “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.”
Twenty-two years later, Sister Annie and her pals are doing it for us all in “Sing,” off her new album “Songs of Mass Destruction.”
Annie earned respect when she sang with Aretha, but all she wants from “Sing” (inspired by her involvement with the AIDS-awareness movement in Africa) is for her fans to pay attention.
Speaking from her offices in London, Lennox laments, “I don’t see the solution in business or from political leaders. I think the solutions to our problems – like the AIDS epidemic in Africa – is going to come through awareness and nongovernmental work.”
That’s where “Sing” comes in. To make us pay attention, Lennox tapped 23 female vocalists and put together a “We Are the World”-style ensemble. The choirgirls include superstars such as Madonna, Shakira, Sarah McLachlan, Celine Dion, Fergie, Joss Stone, Faith Hill, Pink – take a breath – Beth Orton, Dido, Gladys Knight, kd lang, KT Tunstall, Angelique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge and Anastasia, among others.
“I contacted as many female artists as I could, hoping they’d want to participate. Without exception they came through.”
Lennox says that “with the privileges of success comes responsibility, and these singers recognized that. Everyone needs a little inspiration to get active, and that’s part of what these women are providing. We can’t feel this problem in isolation, and all most people need is a little push to take the leap from passivity to activism.”
Lennox cites music’s historically transformative power.
“I and the other women know that music is a greater vehicle for change. It’s a tool of communication – it’s always helped people connect. Whenever there’s been a need for social change, music has served us well.”
The other tunes from “Songs of Mass Destruction” in service to Lennox’s cause are just as potent protest music as “Sing.” Besides AIDS, the album addresses poverty in less-developed nations, global warming, war and religious conflicts.
So despite the bright melodies that vamp between gospel, soul and old-fashioned rock, it’s no wonder Lennox calls “Mass Destruction” a “dark album.” But she justifies her words, saying, “The world is a dark place. There are so many evil things going on – often in the name of governments or religion.”
Pondering the paradox of happy tunes with sad words, Lennox says, “The melodies and the lyrics reflect the balance of darkness and light – that’s life, positive and negative, we can’t have one without the other.”
She also points out that “my lyrics usually have a twist or a dark take on things, but at the same time there’s a longing for liberation and freedom through the music. For me, music is a spiritual experience.”
Lennox has always been an activist. In fact, she’s donated the proceeds from entire concert tours to organizations such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Yet this time the 52-year-old singer credits her two daughters for the political punch of “Songs of Mass Destruction.”
“One’s life changes once they have children,” Lennox admits. “You can’t just follow your own selfish pursuits; you have to take responsibility. This album is about responsibility. By making it, I hope I’m being an exemplary guide for them.”
From the New York Post.