*Before and even after his death, James Brown was nothing short of the blueprint for many an entertainer. As a new single from the iconic vocalist proves, he’s still making an impact, 18 years after his passing.
The song, titled “We Got to Change,” is a funky anthem recorded on August 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami. Fast forward 54 years and the track finds new life by being released on Feb. 16, 2024, by Republic/Universal Music Enterprises.
According to AL.com, “We Got to Change” features “a strong social message, calling for people to come together, trust and love one another.”
“Although indicative of Brown’s work, it languished in the vaults until now.” the site noted.
In addition to Brown’s vocals, a press release promoting the “We Got to Change” noted assistance from legendary bassist Bootsy Collins, his brother, guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins, drummer Clyde Stubblefield, and singer Bobby Byrd.
“James Brown always leaned into the social tip,” Bootsy Collins said via the press release. “He always was trying to keep the youngsters informed and the people informed on what’s going on. The new breed was coming in and certain things were going out. He loved to inform people on what was coming and what was going to be because he felt like he was part of it, and he was.”
The release of “We Got to Change” comes amid the airing of “James Brown: Say it Loud,” a new four-hour docuseries highlighting the music influencer’s life and career. A life that ranged from being a seventh-grade dropout to being arrested and jailed at 16 for breaking into a car in the Jim Crow-era South to becoming one of the greatest entertainers ever, with undeniable talent and perspective to back it up.
The two-part special, which premiered in two hour-long episodes on Feb. 19 and continued with additional episodes on Feb. 20 on A&E, includes “footage of interviews and performances by Brown, as well as interviews with Collins, Mick Jagger, Questlove, LL Cool J, the Rev. Al Sharpton and more,” reported AL.com.
So, what say you? Is “We Got to Change” a worthy addition to Brown’s catalog of classics or a selection that could’ve stayed in the vault? Weigh in below.
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