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"We are the world" ruined?

Updated on February 5, 2015
Kanye - Makes manatees look intelligent
Kanye - Makes manatees look intelligent

Really? Do we really need a remake of this old classic? I know it's for Haiti and everything, but couldn't we come up with an original idea? By original, I don't mean Kanye and Wyclef scattin' and be-boppin' their way through the original, while Vince Vaughn tries to hold a note in the background.

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"We are the World" music video

What do you think of the 'We are the World' remake?

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We Are The World 25 For Haiti - Official Video

The song has been a classic since its release way back when. So why did it need to be remade so many years later? Many would love to tell you how some of the world's greatest artist-types wanted to get together to pay tribute and to raise some money for the Haiti relief fund, but the truth may be a little more selfish than that.

Largely, the group of singers involved on this project are too young to truly remember just how powerful and globally sweeping the original collaboration was. Sure, there was Babs in the new video, positioned prominently to show that this wasn't exclusively comprised of the new order, and even a Jeff Bridges sighting. Bridges can actually sing, which was showcased in his Oscar-hopeful film, SAG award winner (Screen Actors Guild) as well as Golden Globe recipient 'Crazy Heart.'

The newer version starts out elegant and inspiring enough, sounding like a souped up version of the original. Easy to hum along with initially, it then turns into an R & B scat fest, each under-talented rapper trying to out do the previous performer. In the end, a largely forgettable performance.

And what was Vince Vaughn doing there? Is this guy in every film/video these days? I guess he's the Dan Aykroyd of this rendition of 'We are the World.' If you remember, Dan Aykroyd made an appearance in the original version, and quite a few heads were turned, as if to say, 'What?'

I know it's neither here nor there, but its my humble opinion that it simply came time for another monumental collaboration of the world's premiere talent, and instead of taking a chance with an original tune, the 'powers that be' determined it would just be more feasible and profitable to just re-package the classic. The original is, after all, a powerful tune, no arguing that point. But, it would seem this remake will be largely forgettable and quite a disappointment. Everything Kanye touches turns to sh--! I stand by that last statement.

The 81-member ensemble includes, among others: Pink, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nick Jonas,
LL Cool J, Robin Thicke, Celine Dion, Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Barbra Streisand, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte's Madden brothers, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban,
Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Katharine McPhee,
Sean Garrett, Will.I.Am, Carlos Santana, Melanie Fiona, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton,
Jason Mraz, Miley Cyrus, Busta Rhymes, Usher, Julianne Hough, Nicole Ritchie??
Zac Brown, "Idol" judge Randy Jackson??, Musiq Soulchild, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart fame, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Iyaz, Bizzy Bone, Nipsey Hussle, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Trey Songz, Faith Evans, Mya and Gladys Knight.

While this is certainly an impressive list of talent on paper, their just seems to be something missing from the final product. The original had... well, originality, and it had Michael, who as we know now turned everything he touched into gold[insert paedophilia jokes here]. The original version of 'We are the World' had all the emotions to go along with the production and it generally just made people feel good.

I understand that this remake was put together with Haiti in mind, and for that somebody needs to be applauded. I just wish they had taken it in an original direction, is that too much to ask?

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