Billboard #1 Hits: #566: ‘We Are The World’- USA For Africa. April 13, 1985. #1 for 4 weeks in Billboard Hot 100.
- Single: ‘We Are The World’- USA For Africa
- Record Company- Columbia
- Genre: Pop
- Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
- Time: 6:22
- B-side: ‘Grace’
- Album- We Are The World
- Grade: B
- Peaked at #1 4 weeks in Billboard Hot 100. #1 in UK Singles Chart, #1 in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
The famous charity single is one of the top 10 best selling singles -as far as physical copies ever- with over 20 million copies. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie who at the time were at the top of their game. Co-produced by Quincy Jones. When I think of the song I think of how many times I must have seen it on MTV- it seemed like that was the only video they played for months. As far as charity singles go- I will take ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ over this every day of the week. The original idea for this- a single to benefit Africa – was Harry Belafonte’s- who by the way is still alive- at 94. In watching the video again- my favorite performances- Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper. Comments- Bob Dylan sure looks out of place- and why is Dan Aykroyd doing there? Where was Paul McCartney?
Many think song is crappy & sappy, but I’ve always loved it. Is it great songwriting? No way, but just the fact that nearly every important artist of the day (with the exception of a few notables like Prince, Madonna, McCartney, George Michael, Eurythmics and Tears For Fears) was there gives me chills every time I hear it.
One thing I noticed watching it this time- MJ a co-writer but he certainly didn’t attempt to dominate the recording.
It’s not a bad tune at all. Most importantly, it was done for a noble cause! Ray Charles is dynamite. I also like Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder. Heck, they’re all great!
It’s fascinating to see the video of the who’s who in music back then. Musically, I preferred Do They Know by Band Aid, prior.