Description
Jon Batiste – We Are – Vinyl Record
We Are is the eighth studio album by American musician, composer, and bandleader Jon Batiste, released on March 19, 2021. Celebrated for its vibrant blend of jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and gospel, We Are explores themes of identity, resilience, and hope. The album received widespread critical acclaim and went on to win the prestigious Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2022, solidifying Batiste’s place as a leading voice in contemporary music and a visionary artist pushing musical boundaries.
Jon Batiste, known as the bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and for his work as a solo artist, created We Are as a deeply personal and community-centered project. The album was primarily written during the summer of 2020, a period marked by social unrest, the global pandemic, and introspective reflection. Batiste drew inspiration from his New Orleans roots, African American musical traditions, and the civil rights movement, resulting in an album that is both timely and timeless. It’s a celebration of Black culture, joy, and resilience, while also calling for unity and social progress.
Musically, We Are is an eclectic journey, seamlessly blending genres. Batiste combines jazz, his foundational genre, with elements of funk, R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and pop, crafting a sound that is inclusive and uplifting. The album’s production is lush and vibrant, featuring horn sections, gospel choirs, and strings, with Batiste’s soulful voice and masterful piano playing at the core. Each track reflects Batiste’s range as a musician, shifting from introspective ballads to high-energy anthems, underscoring his ability to honor musical tradition while innovating within it.
Key Tracks
“We Are” – The title track opens the album with a celebratory and empowering anthem. Featuring the St. Augustine High School Marching Band from New Orleans, where Batiste attended school, the song encapsulates themes of heritage, pride, and identity. It’s a powerful introduction that connects Batiste’s roots with his vision for unity and cultural celebration.
“I Need You” – A lively, upbeat track blending jazz and 1950s doo-wop with a modern flair, “I Need You” is a joyful reminder of the need for human connection. Its catchy melody and infectious rhythm make it one of the album’s standout singles, embodying Batiste’s commitment to bringing people together through music.
“Freedom” – This energetic, funk-driven anthem celebrates liberation and self-expression. With infectious energy and a memorable chorus, “Freedom” captures the joy of dancing and freedom itself, channeling the spirit of classic funk and soul. The track became especially popular for its uplifting message and vibrant music video.
“Cry” – A soulful, introspective ballad, “Cry” reflects on the pain of racial injustice and the importance of empathy. Batiste’s emotive vocal delivery and the song’s haunting instrumentation capture the weight of grief, calling for both awareness and change.
“Tell the Truth” – With a retro soul vibe, “Tell the Truth” combines catchy rhythms and a playful chorus to encourage honesty and self-discovery. It has a timeless feel, with strong influences from Motown and classic R&B.
“Adulthood” – Featuring indie-pop artist Hot Sugar, “Adulthood” is a contemplative track that explores the complexities and responsibilities of growing up. It’s a blend of jazzy piano, introspective lyrics, and a smooth beat, capturing a sense of nostalgia and maturity.
“Show Me the Way” – This gospel-inspired track features acclaimed musician Zadie Smith and offers a hopeful message of guidance and inner strength. With its warm harmonies and uplifting arrangement, it serves as a reminder of faith and perseverance.
“Mavis” – Named after the legendary Mavis Staples, this soulful tribute highlights Batiste’s admiration for her and the influence of gospel music. It’s a heartfelt track with deep roots in spiritual music, adding emotional depth to the album.
We Are weaves themes of identity, resilience, heritage, and social justice. It’s a celebration of Black culture and history, with Batiste drawing on the rich musical traditions of New Orleans, jazz, gospel, and soul. The album also tackles personal growth and community healing, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of recent times. Tracks like “Cry” and “Freedom” echo the calls for social change, while songs like “Show Me the Way” and “Adulthood” explore individual resilience and maturity.
The production is rich and layered, with contributions from a variety of musicians, vocalists, and choirs that add depth to the album’s sonic landscape. Batiste’s versatility as a musician is evident in the way he effortlessly blends genres and sounds, creating an album that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
We Are was met with critical acclaim upon release, praised for its musical diversity, heartfelt lyricism, and powerful social message. Winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2022 was a landmark achievement for Batiste, reflecting the album’s impact on both listeners and critics. Tracks like “Freedom” and “I Need You” resonated widely, becoming uplifting anthems during a challenging time for many.
The album’s success has been credited with showcasing the importance of music as a force for unity, healing, and celebration. It also expanded Batiste’s audience, bringing his work to the mainstream while honoring his roots and influences.
We Are stands as a bold and heartfelt statement on identity, resilience, and hope. It reflects Jon Batiste’s versatility and passion for connecting people through music, making it a landmark album in his career. For fans of jazz, soul, and socially conscious music, We Are offers an enriching listening experience that speaks to the challenges and joys of the human experience. With its Grammy win and its message of unity, the album solidified Jon Batiste’s role as an artist with the power to both honor tradition and inspire change.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I Need You
Freedom
Cry
Boy Hood (featuring PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty)
Sing (featuring Tori Kelly)
We Are
Tell The Truth
Adulthood (featuring BJ the Chicago Kid)
Whatchutalkinbout
Mavis
Freedom (Big Freedia Remix)
Tell The Truth (Uptown Remix)
Movement 11′
Work It Out
Adulthood (featuring Hot 8 Brass Band)
Show Me The Way (featuring Zadie Smith)
Sing
We Are (Montmartre Remix)
Until
