Eyes On The Prize

The Staple Singers were one of the most luminous acts of the soul era. Anthems like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There” embodied much of the hope and struggle of the civil rights era. As one of the leading lights of the Staples Singers, Mavis Staples has been one of the mainstays of soul music for over fifty years. Her new album, We Won’t Turn Back, is one of the better albums I’ve heard so far this year; a post-Bush, post-Katrina demand for change. Ry Cooder’s production adds a darker and more modern hue to the material, and the anger that is present in the songs and in Mavis’ vocals is refreshing – she has become an intolerant champion of tolerance and equality and she sings with the knowledge that being nice isn’t going to get anyone anywhere.

Download: "Eyes On The Prize"
Mavis Staples at Emusic