6. A CONSPIRACY OF HOPE: The Police with Bono, “Invisible Sun” (1986)
Normally, a hopeful song shielded by an intentionally stark exterior, “Invisible Sun” became outright uplifting with Bono’s passionate vocals and the bridge sung by the thousands in attendance. With Sting and Bono sharing a mic, you would think all that ego centralized in one location would create a tear in the time-space continuum, however, they actually seemed generous with their harmonies and happy to be together.
Normally, a hopeful song shielded by an intentionally stark exterior, “Invisible Sun” became outright uplifting with Bono’s passionate vocals and the bridge sung by the thousands in attendance. With Sting and Bono sharing a mic, you would think all that ego centralized in one location would create a tear in the time-space continuum, however, they actually seemed generous with their harmonies and happy to be together.
7. THE CONCERT FOR NEW YORK CITY: Billy Joel, “New York State of Mind” (2001)
“New York State of Mind” has always been one of Billy Joel’s most effective love songs. It’s stylish, knowing and gushing with the civic pride that comes with surviving New York City-centric issues like hailing a cab in a rainstorm or waking up to the sound of garbage trucks and last night’s drunks. After the Sept. 11 attacks, though, “New York State of Mind” became the city’s anthem, a reminder that even after all we lost that day, we still have plenty of reasons to stay.
8. THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH: Bob Dylan, “Just Like a Woman” (1971)
Bob Dylan has many more anthemic songs than “Just Like a Woman,” but at the Concert for Bangladesh he was able to make this sound like a pretty rallying cry, with help from George Harrison and Leon Russell. It was early days for the Massive Charity Concert, but this provided a grand template for how unexpected pairings of artists can help make an event historic.
9. NELSON MANDELA 70TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE: Peter Gabriel, “Biko” (1988)
Peter Gabriel’s “Biko” is a moving piece of South African history on its own. Throw in Youssou N’Dour and a stadium full of people singing along and it becomes a powerful protest that educates while it packs an emotional wallop.
10. LIVE AID: Band Aid, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (1985)
Yeah, the song itself is quite lightweight, but the enormity of the movement it generated is nothing short of miraculous. “Feed the world” may seem like a simple sentiment, but, as Bob Geldof quickly found out, putting it into action can be quite complex. You can almost see the giddiness in this performance that comes with having accomplished something big. Naysayers are quick to point out that Band Aid didn’t end world hunger, which is true. But it did end hunger for some and spurred action from many, which is a lot more than naysayers accomplished, isn’t it?
“New York State of Mind” has always been one of Billy Joel’s most effective love songs. It’s stylish, knowing and gushing with the civic pride that comes with surviving New York City-centric issues like hailing a cab in a rainstorm or waking up to the sound of garbage trucks and last night’s drunks. After the Sept. 11 attacks, though, “New York State of Mind” became the city’s anthem, a reminder that even after all we lost that day, we still have plenty of reasons to stay.
8. THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH: Bob Dylan, “Just Like a Woman” (1971)
Bob Dylan has many more anthemic songs than “Just Like a Woman,” but at the Concert for Bangladesh he was able to make this sound like a pretty rallying cry, with help from George Harrison and Leon Russell. It was early days for the Massive Charity Concert, but this provided a grand template for how unexpected pairings of artists can help make an event historic.
9. NELSON MANDELA 70TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE: Peter Gabriel, “Biko” (1988)
Peter Gabriel’s “Biko” is a moving piece of South African history on its own. Throw in Youssou N’Dour and a stadium full of people singing along and it becomes a powerful protest that educates while it packs an emotional wallop.
10. LIVE AID: Band Aid, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (1985)
Yeah, the song itself is quite lightweight, but the enormity of the movement it generated is nothing short of miraculous. “Feed the world” may seem like a simple sentiment, but, as Bob Geldof quickly found out, putting it into action can be quite complex. You can almost see the giddiness in this performance that comes with having accomplished something big. Naysayers are quick to point out that Band Aid didn’t end world hunger, which is true. But it did end hunger for some and spurred action from many, which is a lot more than naysayers accomplished, isn’t it?