"We Are the World" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Classic song is remade to help Haiti's earthquake victims.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while "WE ARE THE WORLD" contains no graphic language or other adult content, the song mentions "people dying" and makes references to God. Still, the tune’s general emphasis on helping the less fortunate is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

  • Though the song talks about God, people of any faith can appreciate the song's overarching messages of selflessness and supporting the greater good.
  • Some of the artists have led cleaner lives than others; however, all of them prove to be good role models in this case by contributing their time and effort toward others in need.  
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Twenty-five years after it was first released to help starving African nations, the single "We Are the World" has had a resurgence -- this time, to support victims of the Haitian earthquake. The roster of artists who perform the song, which was originally written by Michael Jackson, includes more than 80 names that are all over the stylistic map: Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Pink, Nick Jonas, Barbara Streisand, Miley Cyrus, Tony Bennett, Usher, Lil Wayne, and dozens more. Premiered during the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Winter Olympics, the song's video features footage of the epic recording session. Both the video and the track itself are available for purchase, with all proceeds going directly to help Haiti's citizens.


Is it any good?

 

Recruiting artists from so many different musical backgrounds gives "We Are the World" as broad an appeal as possible, if not one consistent sound. Uber-popular newcomers like Bieber, Pink, and Cyrus lend a young tone, while Streisand, Bennett, and opera powerhouse Josh Groban will appeal to older crowds. Highlights include the portions of Michael Jackson's performance on the original song that are spliced into the new rendition, as well as the new rap verses that have been added and performed collectively by West, Kid Cudi, will.i.am, and other big-name rap artists.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about what makes a person put aside her or his own priorities in order to help others. What other things might these artists have been doing when they were asked to perform on "We Are the World"?

  • Even from so far away, what can people in the United States do to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake?


This review of "We Are the World" (CD single) was written by
Adult
March 1, 2010
 
I think it is as good as the first one I want it
What other families should know:

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Teen, 15 years old
March 7, 2010
 
cool love it
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Kid, 11 years old
March 8, 2010
 
AWESOME SONG!!!!!!!
GREAT song!!!! I am a big fan of the Haiti Earthquake, (my little sister is from Haiti and I like to help out). There is nothing wrong with the song everything is positive!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 21, 2010
 
We Are The World
The song talks about Haiti's issues. It uses popular artists to convey the issue to others.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 16, 2010
 
Great song and video for all ages!
I like the song! It's cool. It sends good messages-after watching it, I decided to donate all my charity money to Haiti (after some 50/50ing). It talks about people dying, but it's true.
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Parent
March 4, 2010
 
We Are the World 2010
A great remake of the classic 1985 version for Africa.
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Teen, 14 years old
June 14, 2010
 
Beutiful!
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Teen, 13 years old
March 27, 2010
 
Great song
I love this one but i think the original is a little better.
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Teen, 14 years old
September 19, 2010
 
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Kid, 10 years old
July 20, 2010
 
I think it's kinda boring and it is so appropriote.

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This review of "We Are the World" (CD single) was written by
Artist:Various Artists
Release date:February 12, 2010
Genre:World music
Parental advisory:No

This review of "We Are the World" (CD single) was written by
 

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